Home favourite Gael Monfils has reached the third round of the French Open with a hard-fought, five-set victory over stubborn Argentine Diego Schwartzman.

World number 62 Schwartzman had to save two break points in his first service game, but soon he had a one-set lead as he saved four more break points at 5-4 in front before converting his first set point.

The second set was also a 6-4 scoreline, but this time in Monfils's favour as he made a crucial break when 5-4 ahead to level the match.

There was just one break of serve in the third and it came on the Frenchman's serve as diminutive opponent Schwartzman held firm to retake the lead.

Monfils was the first to offer break points in the fourth, but he held on in the fifth game before winning three more games on the bounce for a 6-2 success.

That meant a fifth and deciding set and it was 13th seed Monfils who had the power to outlast Schwartzman, playing in his first five-set match, coming through 6-3 in just under three hours.

Pablo Cuevas, the 21st seed, awaits Monfils in round three at Roland Garros.