Norrie stunned as six Britons lose on first dayImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Norrie reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon in 2022ByEmily SalleyBBC Sport journalist at WimbledonPublished15 minutes agoCameron Norrie suffered a rare Wimbledon first-round upset as he lost a gruelling five-setter to qualifier Michael Zheng in a disappointing opening day for British players.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 Grand 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.
It is the first time Norrie – a semi-finalist in 2022 and quarter-finalist last year – has lost in the first round at Wimbledon since 2018.
The 30-year-old was among six Britons to lose on the opening day of the Championships, while there was further disappointment when Jack Draper declared his withdrawal 24 hours before his opening match because of injury.