Heather Watson has plenty of work to do to reach the second round of the French Open after rain interrupted her match against Nicole Gibbs at Roland Garros.
They returned to Court 3 after a near three-hour rain break with Gibbs leading by a set but Watson found her form to level in less than 10 minutes.
However, it was the American who had the better of the remaining play and will resume on Monday leading by a break at 7-5 2-6 2-1.
Watson declared herself happy with her form going into the tournament but she has been carrying the extra pressure of trying to secure her place at the Rio Olympics.
At 54 in the standings, the British number two should be safe but victory over Gibbs, who is her doubles partner this week, would make sure.
The cut-off comes after this tournament, with the leading 56 eligible players guaranteed a spot. Given only four players from any one country can compete, a ranking in the low 60s should be enough.
Watson has points to defend having reached the second round at Roland Garros last year and she struggled to assert herself in the opening set.
The 24-year-old, ranked 18 places above her opponent, began well and led 3-1 but she found it hard to break down the consistent Gibbs.
Missing two chances to break again for 5-3 appeared to affect Watson and she lost her next two service games and, ultimately, the set.
Watson led 3-2 in the second when the rain, which had been falling steadily for some time, was finally deemed heavy enough for play to be called off.
When they returned, Watson brought a newly-aggressive attitude and, with the help of some wicked drop shots, swiftly reeled off three games to take the second set.
But she could not maintain that at the start of the third and a poor volley allowed Gibbs to break serve for 2-1 before a slip from Watson prompted the umpire to call off play once more.
Source: PA
