BRITS' BLUE MONDAY

Draper's agonising withdrawal is followed by a clean sweep of defeats for home favourites on worst day in open era history

- BY YASMIN SYED

IT WAS the worst day for the Brits at Wimbledon in open era history, as all 10 home players who completed their matches crashed out. On a dark afternoon, Jack Draper was also forced to withdraw about 24 hours before he was due to face sixth seed Taylor Fritz on Centre Court, with coach Andy Murray in his corner.

British No.1 Cameron Norrie, who was the nation’s best hope of a deep run here after Draper and Emma Raducanu pulled out, suffered a five-set defeat by American qualifier Michael Zheng.

The world No.144 needed four hours to beat the home favourite 6-7 6-2 6-7 6-3 7-6.

Norrie, 30, said: “He played better than me.

“If I could have had a few more matches kind of leading in, I think I can win this match.

“There were so many small moments in the match that he did really well to go on his side.”

The No.26 seed also said he “wasn't thinking about” being Britain's best hope here.