Cameron Norrie entered Roland Garros with a lingering rib injury that has curtailed his practice sessions. The British number one, seeded 22nd, faces Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo on Tuesday after a costly loss to Mario Navone in Geneva, where he admitted he should have retired. With no court time, Norrie hopes the extra day will stave off further strain.

Norrie’s setback adds to a string of British injuries that have blighted the season. Jack Draper missed the French Open with a knee problem after a six‑month battle with a serving‑arm bone bruise, while Sonay Kartal sat out the clay swing due to a back issue. Jacob Fearnley, Francesca Jones and Emma Raducanu have all reported separate ailments, leaving the LTA scrambling for depth.

Nicknamed ‘Mr Dependable’ for reaching at least the third round in 15 of the last 20 majors, Norrie carries the flag for Britain at 14 Grand Slams. A compromised opening match would deepen a rare run of early exits for British men at Roland Garros. Regardless of outcome, his ability to compete will define the UK’s clay‑court prospects this year.