At 38 years and 50 days, the Italian is the third oldest man to begin the men’s singles main draw this year – after Gael Monfils (38 years 315 days) and Novak Djokovic (38 years 52 days).

Late in the day yet another seed fell as Frenchman Ugo Umbert was beaten by veteran countryman Gael Monfils, again defying his 38 years to edge a five-setter.