Cameron Norrie is out of Wimbledon after losing in the first round to Michael Zheng.
Britan's hopes of any singles success this year looked set to rest solely on Norrie's shoulders - but the 30-year-old crashed out on day one of the tournament after a four-hour marathon on Court Two.
The British men's number one lost a fifth-set tiebreak to Zheng, a US player ranked 144 in the world.
Norrie crashed out after losing 6-7 (7) 6-2 6-7 (2) 6-3 7-6 (10/4).
He had arrived at Wimbledon on a five-match losing streak and without a win on grass in 2026.
Zheng said after the match: "Thank you so much to the crowd, it was an unbelievable atmosphere and an honour to be part of a match like this.
"It's what every kid dreams of, and against such an accomplished player."
"It was not easy. I was trying my best not to show it," Zheng continued. "Wimbledon is far and away the best tournament. Hopefully I can keep the run going."
The five other British players who took to the court on Monday were also knocked out, though none were being tipped for success.
The losses came after British number two Jack Draper forced to pull out of Wimbledon at the eleventh hour due to injury.
Draper, who had been due to play his first match of the tournament on Tuesday, said in a statement issued on Monday that he was "devastated" at being unable to compete.
British women's number one Emma Raducanu withdrew on the eve of the tournament due to a stress fracture.
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Raducanu said she had "done everything possible to try to get to the start line tomorrow, but after a final scan tonight, the niggle I've been managing has developed into a stress fracture".
"I've been medically advised to stop pushing through," she continued. "Playing at Wimbledon, in front of a home crowd, means everything to me, so this is really difficult to process."
(c) Sky News 2026: Cameron Norrie is out of Wimbledon after losing in the first round to world no 144
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