In a surprising first-round upset at the French Open, British number one Cameron Norrie was knocked out by Russian Pavel Kotov. Kotov, ranked 57th in the world, triumphed in a thrilling five-set match, defeating Norrie 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2. This victory marks Kotov's second win in a Grand Slam.
Norrie’s early exit from Roland Garros is his first first-round defeat at a major since the 2022 Australian Open. He joins fellow Britons Harriet Dart, Andy Murray, and Jack Draper, who also faced first-round exits this year. Katie Boulter and Dan Evans are the remaining British hopes in the singles draw, set to play their openers on day three.
Match Highlights
Norrie’s preparation for the French Open had been challenging. After reaching the quarter-finals at Indian Wells in March, the 28-year-old struggled, losing five of his subsequent ten matches. His performance in this match echoed these difficulties.
- First Set: Norrie started slow, trailing 4-1 but bounced back with five consecutive games to clinch the first set 6-4.
- Second Set: Norrie had early opportunities but Kotov saved two break points in the opening game. Kotov eventually broke Norrie’s serve to take the set 6-3.
- Third Set: Both players traded breaks early. Norrie broke Kotov’s serve late in the set and held his serve to love, taking a 2-1 lead.
- Fourth Set: Norrie was broken early and trailed 4-1. He managed to save a set point at 5-4, but Kotov held on, winning the tie-break 7-5.
- Fifth Set: Kotov dominated, breaking Norrie’s first two service games and cruising to a 6-2 win, securing his place in the second round.
Kotov will face 2015 champion Stan Wawrinka next, who defeated Andy Murray in straight sets on day one.
Dart Beaten by Teenager Noskova
British number two Harriet Dart also fell in the first round, losing to Czech 27th seed Linda Noskova. Despite a valiant effort, Dart was defeated 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. This match marked Dart's second appearance at the French Open, having previously lost in the first round in 2022.
- First Set: Dart was broken early but fought back to force a tie-break, which Noskova won 7-3.
- Second Set: Dart broke Noskova’s serve early, but the teenager rallied to win the final three games, clinching the set 6-4.
Noskova will face either Argentine Julia Riera or Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania in the next round.
Looking Ahead
With Norrie, Murray, Dart, and Draper all out, British tennis fans will pin their hopes on Katie Boulter and Dan Evans. As the competition intensifies, all eyes will be on these players to see if they can advance further in this prestigious Grand Slam.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Roland Garros.
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