Only Katie Boulter and Dan Evans can stop a total British singles wipeout in the first round of the French Open after another two defeats on Monday. British No.1 Cam Norrie lost to Russian world No.56 Pavel Kotov 4-6 6-3 3-6 7-6(5) 6-2 in four hours and 11 minutes.

“I am pretty devastated with the result,” said the British No. 1. “The first four sets I was in control and he played better than me in the tiebreak and the fifth set. There were a few dips in concentration which cost me getting to the fifth set. This one is going to hurt a lot. It is a tough one.”

And Harriet Dart was a break up in the second set against Czech No.27 seed Linda Noskova before going out 7-6 6-4. “I felt like I had some opportunities and let them slip,” she said.

British No.1 Boulter will face clay-court specialist and former world No.2 Paula Badosa from Spain tomorrow, while British No.3 Evans takes on world No.13 Holger Rune.

Meanwhile, Norrie fell to defeat just after Rafael Nadal crashed out of the French Open, losing in the opening round at Roland Garros for the first time ever to Alexander Zverev in straight sets.

It was an emotional experience for Nadal, as it is likely his final appearance at a Grand Slam that he has won a remarkable 14 times. The Spanish icon was watched on by Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek earlier today.