The 21-year-old made the second or third round at all four grand slams last year but was a late withdrawal from the recent US Open over COVID-19 concerns.

Convinced after encouraging feedback from his peers, the talented Australian has returned to Roland Garros - where he won the junior title in 2017 - confident ahead of a first-round clash with South African Lloyd Harris as early as Sunday night.

Ranked 108, Popyrin was as high as 87 last year and will fancy his chances against the world No.96 despite losing to him in Miami Open qualifying last year.

"The US Open was apparently really, really, really good and safe and that was something I didn't expect and is why I pulled out," he told AAP.

"But I stood by my decision, no regrets and I've got really good vibes coming to Paris now, I do always enjoy playing the slams, going into any grand slam I have great vibes, but especially this one."

Blessed with a big serve and power from both wings, he said Hrbaty's arrival could be the missing piece.

Renowned for grinding down his opponents, the Slovakian was as high as No.12 in the world and made the 1999 French Open semi-finals as well as two Australian Open quarter-finals.

"I was looking for somebody who's been at the top and can give me some little tips and tricks to improve the consistency in my game," he said.

"I want to not just win matches solely based on my game, but also by using the mental part of my game and he was very, very strong mentally when he played.

"I brought him in just for that and it's been working out really well."

The Australian overcame local favourite Ugo Humbert in a high-quality opener in his last visit to Paris.

Popyrin would meet seventh seed Matteo Berrettini or Canadian Vasek Pospisil if he repeats last year's effort in reaching the second round.

But he knows linking wins between major tournaments will help him surge up the rankings.

"Everybody's got their time to shine and as long as I keep putting the hard work in I'm sure my time will come," he said.

"That's what I've been telling myself since I was a kid; the belief won't go away."

Australian Associated Press