British number three Cameron Norrie must return on Thursday to see if he can fight back and stun leading home hope Lucas Pouille in the second round of the French Open.
Norrie, 22, trailed 6-2 6-4 5-7 when the players were forced off Court Philippe Chatrier at 21:42 local time in Paris because of fading light.
The match, scheduled fifth on the main show court, did not start until 19:54.
Pouille, seeded 15th, looked set to earn a quick win before Norrie rallied.
The world number 85 struggled in the opening two sets as Pouille's greater pedigree shone through but, just as the Frenchman looked on course to complete victory before darkness fell, Norrie recovered in front of a sparse crowd on Chatrier.