Harris was been beaten in straight sets by the world number 22, Cristian Garín, of Chile.

Harris never looked settled on the clay court in Rome as the Chilean beat him 7-5, 6-2.

The first-round exit comes as a big blow for the 24-year-old South African who last week withdrew from his 2nd round tie of the Madrid Open against Australia's Alex De Minaur.

A lower back injury was the reason for his withdrawal last week.

The next stop for Harris will be the Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes Lyon in Lyon as he continues to prepare for the second Grand Slam of the year at Roland Garros in Paris.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport