Simon's backhand goes into the net and Lopez holds. This third set seems like it could take a while.

The serve saves the day again. Simon cannot return two in a row, but then manages a forehand winner and we're at deuce again as the clock approaches two hours.

Lopez looks comfortable at the beginning of his service game, taking a 30-0 lead.

But then it all starts to unravel as he double faults. Break point Simon.

Image source, EPA

You never know what's going to happen next in this match. Lopez's backhand hits the net and it's back to deuce.

The Spaniard then hits a volley wide and Simon holds.

Another beauty from Simon! He hits a backhand down the line to bring up deuce. It looked as though the Frenchman was definitely going to be broken. Apparently not.

Or maybe yes? He hits a forehand long and Lopez gets another break point.

Watching these two is enough to make you feel achey. They run back and forth and eventually Simon wins the rally to save the first break point.

He comes out on top of another lengthy exchange as Lopez hits the ball into the net. Somebody book this pair in for a massage. They're going to need it.

Image source, AFP

The momentum is swinging all over the place now.

Lopez lobs, then hits a volley into open court to go 30-0 up on Simon's serve

More great work at the net and now it's the Spaniard's turn to try and break. He has three break points.

And Konta has wasted no time taking that first set in Eastbourne against Dayana Yastremska.

Remember how well she was serving on her way to the French Open semi-finals earlier this month? Well, she's at it again - she won 83 percent of first-serve points in that first set.

Lopez saves the first break point with a speedy serve, then the second with a smash.

Simon hits two balls out and Lopez claims a big hold.

Simon has come out firing in this third set.

He races forward and slams a forehand past Lopez to bring up two break points.

Image source, EPA

A third set is the last thing Lopez needed with a doubles final to play after this.

But he hasn't won a singles title since Queen's in 2017 so the Spaniard won't be holding back.

But it’s not been good news for the other Brits in action – with Heather Watson, Harriet Dart and Katie Swan all losing their opening matches at Eastbourne.

Watson lost 7-5 6-2 to France's Alize Cornet, while Dart was beaten 3-6 6-4 6-2 by Anett Kontaveit.

Swan, meanwhile, lost a close match 7-6 (9-7) 4-6 6-4 to China's Zhang Shuai.

While we catch our breath....

We don't want to speak too soon but it looks like British number one Johanna Konta is cruising in Eastbourne.

She's serving for the first set - where she is leading by a double break - against Dayana Yastremska.

A third set it is!

That's only the second time Simon has taken a set off Lopez on grass.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Oh my. Lopez hits a forehand into the net and suddenly Simon has two set points.

The momentum seems to be slightly in Simon's favour now. He brings Lopez to the net and taps a backhand past him. 5-4 to Simon.

Simon hits a beautiful backhand and it's back on serve. Impossible to call this tie-break.

Simon screams as he lands an ace. He knows that was crucial. 3-2.

Image source, Reuters

But not for long. Another mesmerizing rally, the longest of the match at 33 shots, goes Lopez's way as Simon's forehand lands long. 3-1 to Lopez.

Simon puts up a lob and Lopez gets his skates on. He reaches it, but hits the ball long. It's back on serve at 2-1.