Britain’s Jack Draper was defeated by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the last 16 of the Monte Carlo Masters.
The 23-year-old twice came back from a break down in the deciding set but could not find a consistent level, losing 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 to the Spaniard.
Draper, the Indian Wells champion, had cruised to victory in his first clay-court match of the year but looked out-of-sorts at times against Davidovich Fokina.
The new world number six made 46 unforced errors, recorded 10 costly double faults, and converted just four of his 16 break opportunities.
A PROMISING START
Clay has not previously been Draper’s favourite surface, but after receiving a first-round bye, his performance against American Marcos Giron in round two showed promise.
However, he was not at his best in the opening set against Davidovich Fokina, berating himself throughout with cries of “wake up” and “come on” in an attempt to increase his energy.
A DRAMATIC SECOND SET
Draper’s fortunes changed in the second set, with him hitting an ace to hold serve after saving two break points and then breaking back for 3-3.
He saved a match point on the way to forcing a tie-break and ensured a deciding set with a stunning cross-court forehand winner.
A HEARTBREAKING LOSS
The pair traded breaks in a third set of shifting momentum, but Draper struggled to take his chances, converting just two of his nine break points.
Davidovich Fokina, ranked 42nd, converted all three of his opportunities and took the match.
OTHER BRITISH RESULTS
Meanwhile, second seed Carlos Alcaraz cruised into the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-1 victory over 84th-ranked Daniel Altmaier and will meet France’s Arthur Fils in the last eight.
British doubles pair Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury lost their last-16 match 6-3 6-3 to compatriot Henry Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara.
