Britain's James Ward will not be in the main draw at the French Open after losing to world number 270 Matteo Donati in the first qualifying round.

The Davis Cup winner suffered a 6-4 6-3 defeat to Donati, who sits 99 places below the Brit in the world rankings.

Games went by the way of serve early in the first set until Donati snatched Ward's serve on his first break point of the match.

After taking the opener, the Italian carried his momentum into the second set as he broke Ward at the first time of asking.

At 5-2 down, Britain's number five managed to break back, but his opponent responded immediately and comfortably secured his passage into the next qualifying round.

Players need to win three games before going into the main draw.