British number two Cameron Norrie crashed out of the Canadian Open following a three-set defeat to Aleksandar Vukic.
The 29-year-old overcame a one-set deficit and a medical timeout to force a decider against the Australian world number 99 in the second-round clash in Toronto.
But Norrie, who received a first-round bye, was unable to complete the comeback as his US Open preparations were dealt a blow by a 6-3 6-7 (2) 6-3 defeat in just over two hours.
Despite saving four break points, the world number 39 dropped his opening service game, paving the way for Vukic to wrap up the first set in 33 minutes.
That proved to be the only break of serve across the opening two sets, with Wimbledon quarter-finalist Norrie ultimately levelling courtesy of a tie-break after requiring on-court treatment while leading 6-5 in the second set.
Norrie was then unable to capitalise on two break points in game five of the final set, a pivotal moment compounded by him immediately failing to hold.
Vukic was one game from victory when a rain delay prolonged the match before returning to finish the job and set up a last-32 meeting with either American seventh seed Frances Tiafoe or Japanese qualifier Yosuke Watanuki.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
