India, May 27 -- Daniil Medvedev added another chapter to his complicated relationship with clay courts.

He had once asked the Italian Open (which is played on clay) tournament director to "please disqualify me. I don't want to be here, it could get dangerous for everybody." At the same event in 2021, he ranted to his coach "I don't want to play on this surface."

In time, arguably, Medvedev has mellowed down and learned to play on clay. But on Tuesday, against Cameron Norrie, a player he had never lost a set to in their previous four meetings, the world No.11 was handed a first round loss at the French Open.

In a thrilling match that lasted three hours and 53 minutes, Norrie eventually won 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5.

"He's so tough to be...