I've been thinking for a while that I'm capable of competing with these players," Blanchet's joy after his first Grand Slam victory

Ugo Blanchet, who came through the qualifiers, advanced past the first round of the US Open yesterday by defeating Fabian Marozsan, ranked 53rd in the world (6-4, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2).

At 26 years old, this marks his very first win in the main draw of a Grand Slam. In the second round, he will face Jakub Mensik. But for now, the Frenchman is savoring this impressive run in New York and his growing confidence in major tournaments:

"The journey to get here has been long. It's truly an incredible feeling. I've been thinking for a while that I'm capable of competing with these players. I didn't play very well last year in Grand Slams.

I was probably putting too much pressure on myself with the event. This season, especially since Roland-Garros where I played very well, I've somewhat demystified the Grand Slam. It was a matter of opportunity, and I'm glad I seized it here.