Cameron Norrie overcomes French Open 'battle' as Brit books spot in second round

British No.1 Cameron Norrie has impressed on clay so far this season, and has built on his Lyon Open success by enjoying a strong start to the French Open.

Entering the tournament as the 10th seed, Norrie will be looking to piece together a fairly deep run in the year's second Grand Slam. The 26-year-old looks on track to do just that, after securing a 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 victory over France's Manuel Guinard.

Playing at his home Slam, Guinard made Norrie work harder than he perhaps anticipated in the opening set, with the 26-year-old matching the Brit's energy and workrate to push him to a 12-game set.

But after Norrie edged the opener, the Brit started to control the tempo, and an early break helped him storm the second before dominating all six games in the third.

When questioned about his performance afterwards, Norrie was quick to praise Guinard's performance, with the Lyon Open winner stating that the opening set was a "battle".

"It was a battle, the first set, and I just had to hang in there. He played great and held his intensity. I was able to match that and steal a break then serve it out.

"It's so nice to get my first win here this year. It's my first time playing on this court, it's so special and a great atmosphere, especially playing against a French player. There's definitely some Brits in the crowd, too, so it was good stuff.

"I have to be really patient with the clay. When I'm playing really, really well I can love it and then when I'm not I have moments where I don't like it so much.

"It feels really good to win today."

Norrie's next challenge in France comes in the shape of Australian qualifier Jason Kubler, who will look to cause an upset in the second round.

The pair take to the court on Wednedsay, May 25 - with the start time of the match yet to be decided.