Hopes that Andy Murray could launch a fightback and set up a second-round meeting in Geneva with Novak Djokovic were denied in the space of just three games on Tuesday by Yannick Hanfmann.
Hanfmann had a commanding 7-5, 4-1 lead when play was suspended for the day as rain fell and then gusts of wind blew white pollen across the court.
Already on the back foot, the Briton had a mountain to climb to set up a 37th career meeting against Djokovic and was unable to pull it off.
It has proved a disappointing build-up to the French Open this weekend with early losses in both Bordeaux and Geneva in what he has suggested will be his last season in the professional ranks.
Unlike Bordeaux, the event in Geneva was a first full ATP Tour level match for Murray since suffering ankle ligament damage during the Miami Open back in March, casting doubts over his participation in both Paris and at Wimbledon.
But he appears to have come back to full fitness and will also play in the doubles in Roland Garros alongside countryman Dan Evans as a precursor to the Olympics, which take place at the same venue later this summer.
