Cameron Norrie has been knocked out of Wimbledon after losing to Michael Zheng in a thrilling five-set contest.
The 30-year-old exits the competition after losing 7-6 (9-7), 2-6, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 7-6 (10-4) in a captivating game, with the American producing some incredible shots.
The British No 1 is the latest big name out of the competition, after Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper both withdrew through injury.
Zheng won three sets in the contest through a tie-break, with victory in the last set after having five match points at his disposal.
Cameron Norrie has been knocked out of Wimbledon in the first round
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The American came through as a qualifier, having to beat three players to reach the first round, in what is the biggest win of his career so far.
The world No 144 dispatched Norrie with some fantastic pieces of aggressive play, as the British star struggled to break his serve.
Zheng’s coaching team were emotional at the end of the five-set thriller on Court Two.
Speaking after beating Norrie, Zheng said: “First of all, thank you to the crowd because it was an unbelievable atmosphere. I’m really honoured to have been a part of a match like this.
Michael Zheng has beaten the British No 1
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“It means so much to me. This is what every kid dreams of, playing like this in front of so many people and against such an accomplished player. It is an amazing feeling.
“It definitely wasn’t easy at times, I just do my best not to show it. It was definitely a little bit frustrating inside when I had been serving so well, then I got a couple of chances to break that I hadn’t really had during the match, and it didn’t go my way.
“I just did my best to refocus and win the match after that. I didn’t want to give anything much attention.
“Wimbledon is far and away the best tournament. The people, the architecture, the hospitality is amazing.
Norrie struggled with his serve at times, committing 10 double faults
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“I’ve always enjoyed my time here, so hopefully I can keep this run going. This is such an amazing place.”
The loss is not only damaging for Norrie, but British tennis as well, with arguably the three biggest names in Draper, Raducanu and now Norrie out of the competition before day one concludes.
The British No 1 gave a small disappointed wave to the crowd on Court Two after his loss to Zheng, visibly disappointed to be knocked out at the first time of asking.
Norrie arrived into the tournament on a poor run of form, entering on a five-match losing streak.
The British No 1 becomes the latest homegrown name out of the competition
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He had not had a win on grass this year, with today’s defeat the latest setback for the British No 1.
Eyes now for home fans turn to Katie Boulter, who is in action tomorrow against Tyra Grant.
Boulter enjoyed an impressive run at Queen’s a couple of weeks ago, reaching the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winner, Donna Vekic.
The 29-year-old starts her Wimbledon campaign tomorrow at 1pm on Court Three.
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