Cameron Norrie retires from French Open after injury against Vallejo
British number one Cameron Norrie has retired from his first-round French Open match against Adolfo Daniel Vallejo due to an aggravating rib injury.
The 20th seed was trailing the Paraguayan world number 70 by a score of 7-6 2-0 when he was forced to abandon the clay-court contest.
This premature exit follows a gruelling five-hour practice session with American fifth seed Ben Shelton on the eve of the tournament.
Mounting injury crisis for British tennis
The withdrawal of the former Wimbledon semi-finalist represents another significant setback for the British contingent competing at Roland Garros.
It compounds an already challenging European clay-court season that has seen Jack Draper completely sidelined by a persistent knee problem.
Emma Raducanu also missed substantial time with post-viral symptoms before suffering her own first-round defeat to Solana Sierra.
Furthermore, highly-rated prospect Sonay Kartal remains unavailable for selection as she continues to manage ongoing fitness issues.
Vallejo advances to face teenage prospect
Following the abrupt conclusion to this opening-round encounter, the South American qualifier now progresses safely into the second round.
He will next face historic 17-year-old talent Moise Kouame as the Paris grand slam continues without its highest-ranked British male.
