There's a sizeable crowd on Court Six, so much so there's no room for our very own Piers Newbery. A comfortable hold to 15 for Robredo and it'll be an uphill struggle from here for Ward.

Dave in Southampton: "Not surprised by the great first set by Ward, he plays the big games well (Davis Cup in the US for example). The problem he, and almost every other British player who isn't called Murray, has is consistency against similar or lower ranked players across the tour season."

We're back! We're back! We're back! Let's go. Where were we before the drizzle set in? James Ward had just won the first set 6-4, but he's slow to get out of the blocks in the second set. Robredo collects a break point and Ward plonks a backhand overhead into the tape. Eek.

We'll take a short break in the live text commentary and will return once things begin to look a bit brighter in Paris. Hopefully we won't be away for too long.

Image source, Reuters

The covers were dragged over Philippe Chatrier way before the end of the first set on Court Six, with second seed Novak Djokovic leading 4-1 in the opening set against Joao Sousa. Some other news to tell you about, too, because men's ninth seed Kei Nishikori is out, beaten 7-6 6-1 6-2 by Martin Klizan of Slovakia on Court One.

Neil Harman
Times tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"At 27, Ward is just about in his prime and will hope to continue to play at the high level he's at at the moment. He should be a top 100 player, but it's a tough life on the men's tennis circuit."

Ward has little time to celebrate taking the lead because the dark clouds drop some wet stuff onto the red dirt and that's enough to delay play. Off go Ward and Robredo, leaving many spectators in a giddy state.

Neil Harman
Times tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"Such high quality tennis in such appalling conditions, it's hard to think how they could even hold a racquet. But what a way to finish, absolutely superb from Ward. These are very British conditions, it offers Ward a bit of a chance, the ball will not quite fly through the air like it would in Malaga or Valencia, somewhere Robredo would be more at home."

Rachael Collins:, external Woah James Ward! A brilliant first set.

Stephanie Siu:, external YES WARD. Let's remember who had the momentum when we come on court again.

Fighting spirit from qualifier Ward and anxiety seems to grip Robredo. The Spaniard - under the cosh, uncomfortable, under pressure - and a fabulous forehand flies by Robredo as Ward forces the game to deuce. Then there are cheers for the underdog, who returns brilliantly and earns a set point with a winner down the line!

Danger averted by Robredo, though, courtesy of a classic overhead, but the 32-year-old then pushes a drop volley wide, presenting Ward with set point number two. It's a mammoth rally. Edge-of-the-seat stuff. Ward grunting and groaning in time to every shot, but Robredo comes up with a forehand winner.

A lucky drop shot from Ward creeps over. Third set point, but he fails to grab his chance. A fourth set point comes Ward's way. Oh my giddy aunt. And he takes it! A forehand winner!

Robredo fighting back from 40-15 to 40-30 and Ward has to hold firm in this game. A tidy first serve, but he folds under the pressure, sending a straightforward forehand into the tape and we're at deuce. Oh, hang on, we're now at break point - but Ward serves and volleys his way out of trouble. Phew. Another good serve out to the wings from Ward and Robredo botches the return. Advantage Ward. More cool and crisp serving from the Brit and the tables have turned.

Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"A fabulous start from Ward, wonderful to see him play so aggressively and using the drop shot we saw him use so effectively in the Davis Cup in Naples."

Robredo, grunting and groaning, exerting far more energy than he probably thought he would have to in this match. It's a trouble-free hold for the Spaniard, though, a crisp forehand winner followed by a wayward backhand volley from Ward restores parity.

Ward negotiates his way out of trouble by creeping closer to the net and dispatching a forehand winner for 30-30. "Out!" screams a line judge as Robredo's radar falters and touch of razzle-dazzle follows from Ward on the forehand - a cross court winner and we're back on serve.

Image source, Getty Images

Dominic Inglot
British doubles player on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

"We've seen a few uncharacteristic errors from Robredo, the opportunity is there for Ward. It's imperative that you show your opponent that you are not going away, that you are always fighting. "

The rallies on the Robredo serve are mini epics, but Ward is matching the 32-year-old blow for blow and the Brit's backhand is on song. A whiff for Ward at 15-30 and - and - and then it's break back point Ward as Robredo falters under pressure. A brilliant return from Ward, but what can Robredo do? Slice it out of play. Ward is back in business.

Ward, the world number 169, has spoken about the hardship of being on the fringes of a rich sport such as tennis. The Brit will collect 24,000 euros (about £19,000) even if he falters in the first round today, but it's been tough making a living, , externalsays Ward.

Last week Andy Murray spoke of the need to help poorer players and thinks the world's most successful players and tournaments could subsidise the events that nurture the talent of the future.

Should the prize money be more evenly distributed and how should it be done? You can either tweet us using the hashtag #bbctennis, text 81111 or add your thoughts to the BBC Sport Facebook, external page.

Image source, Getty Images

A more comfortable service game for Ward. The Brit keeping the points short and his big serve ensures he stays within touching distance of his more experienced opponent.

Novak Djokovic's match with Joao Sousa has started on Court Philippe Chatrier and the second seed, perhaps the favourite, perhaps not, has dropped the opening two points on his own serve, but does eventually hold for a 1-0 lead.

Back on Court Six, Robredo races 40-0 ahead and although Ward does manage to steal one point, he can do little to prevent the Spaniard from consolidating his lead, ballooning a backhand wide to end any hope of a comeback.

Joel Newnham:, external Lots of long rallies on court 6, hope James Ward had a big breakfast this morning.