British No 1 Katie Boulter crashed out of the Australian Open in the second round, falling to Russian Veronika Kudermetova 7-6, 2-6, 6-2.
The No 22 seed's exit continues her barren run in Grand Slams, where she is yet to progress beyond the third round.
The defeat came against the world No 75 Kudermetova, a former world No 9, who had not won a Grand Slam match since Wimbledon before this tournament.
For Boulter, who has pledged to prioritise the major tournaments this year, her next opportunity for a breakthrough will come at the French Open in May.
Katie Boulter has been knocked out of the Australian Open
REUTERS
Boulter was supported throughout the match by her fiancé Alex de Minaur, who watched from Court 3 after securing his own impressive 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Tristan Boyer.
Unlike their first-round matches which had overlapped, De Minaur was present from the start this time, sitting incognito in a black cap and hoodie.
He was positioned in the Boulter box between her mother Susan and coach Biljana Veselinovic.
Kudermetova dominated early, landing 80 per cent of first serves to establish a 5-2 lead in the opening set.
Boulter showed resilience, saving three set points and striking a precise backhand return to recover one break.
Veronika Kudermetova defeated Katie Boulter in three sets
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The momentum shifted when Kudermetova called for the trainer with chest pain during a changeover.
Boulter seized the opportunity to consult with coach Veselinovic and practice serves, subsequently breaking back for 5-5.
Despite Boulter's comeback, Kudermetova regained her composure to deliver a flawless tiebreak performance and claim the first set.
The British player found her rhythm in the second set, capitalising on her opponent's dip in form to level the match.
Boulter had a crucial opportunity early in the deciding set with a break point, but failed to capitalise.
Kudermetova, who had appeared subdued, found renewed aggression in her play.
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Katie Boulter has never made it past the third round of the Australian Open
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The Russian's resurgence proved too much for Boulter, who struggled to find answers as the match slipped away.
The defeat marks another disappointing Grand Slam performance for the British No1, who despite her strong ball-striking ability and recent good form, continues to find the majors a challenging hurdle.
Her quest to advance beyond the third round of a major tournament remains unfulfilled.
