Great Britain's Kyle Edmund lost to France's Lucas Pouille in straight sets in the first singles match of their Davis Cup quarter-final in Rouen.
Edmund, ranked 47, was defeated 7-5 7-6 (8-6) 6-2 by world number 17 Pouille.
In front of a raucous crowd, Edmund battled hard for the first two sets and was 5-2 up in the second-set tie-break but could not take advantage as the Frenchman's backhand proved too strong.
Dan Evans faces Jeremy Chardy in the second singles rubber later on Friday.
Jamie Murray and Dom Inglot will then play Nicolas Mahut and Julien Benneteau in Saturday's doubles, before the reverse singles on Sunday.