Norrie stunned as nine Britons lose on first dayFigure caption, GB’s Norrie stunned in fifth set tie-break by qualifier ZhengByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalist at WimbledonPublished29 June 2026, 17:44 BSTUpdated 29 minutes agoCameron Norrie suffered a rare Wimbledon first-round upset in a gruelling five-set loss to qualifier Michael Zheng as nine Britons fell on the opening day of their home Grand Slam. Norrie was the only British seeded player left in either singles draw following Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal on the eve of the Championships.
But the world number 29, so often the last Briton standing at the Slams, was twice reeled back in by American Zheng after being a set up, eventually losing 6-7 (7-9) 6-2 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 7-6 (10-4) after four hours on court.
This was the first time Norrie – a semi-finalist in 2022 and quarter-finalist last year – has lost in the first round at Wimbledon since 2018.
It is also the most British singles players to have lost on the opening day of Wimbledon since 2005, when nine also suffered defeat.
Jack Pinnington Jones and Francesca Jones still have to play their first-round matches on Monday.
There was further disappointment when Jack Draper revealed his withdrawal 24 hours before his opening match because of injury.
“It always stinks to lose, especially at Wimbledon, my favourite tournament in the world, a tournament I always play so well at,” Norrie, 30, mentioned.
“It stinks. Especially tomorrow, everyone is still in the tournament, and you’re out. You’re just wanting to play so it’s tough.”
