Britain's new No1 Emma Raducanu has crashed out of Queen's Club, falling 6-2 6-4 to Olympic champion and top seed Qinwen Zheng in the quarter-finals.
The promising Briton held a commanding position in the second set, racing to a 3-0 lead with a double break advantage.
However, her hopes of reaching the semi-finals evaporated as the Chinese star mounted a remarkable comeback.
Zheng seized control of the match in devastating fashion, claiming six of the final seven games to secure victory.
Emma Raducanu put in a solid performance, particularly in the second set, but fell to a straight sets defeat
Reuters
The result marks a disappointing end to Raducanu's campaign at the prestigious London grass-court tournament.
During the first set, Raducanu required off-court medical attention for a recurring injury in her back.
The treatment appeared to initially disrupt Zheng's rhythm, with the Chinese player struggling with her serve upon resumption of play.
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Emma Raducanu required treatment for a reoccurring back injury
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Despite building what seemed an insurmountable 3-0 advantage in the second set, Raducanu could not maintain her momentum.
The top seed regained her composure and produced an impressive response, systematically dismantling the Briton's game.
The Olympic champion's ability to turn the match around demonstrated why she holds the tournament's top seeding, subduing the home favourite with clinical efficiency.
Speaking after her victory, Zheng expressed delight at reaching her maiden grass-court semi-final.
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"I played really good today. It was really difficult, she's got more experience than me on grass. I'm proud to be in my first semi-final on grass," she told BBC Sport.
The Chinese star apologised to the crowd for changing her footwear mid-match, which supporters thought could have been an attempt to put Raducanu off her game.
"I want to apologise for my shoes, but I just don't know how to run on grass!"
The world No5 also acknowledged her slow start in the second set but praised her travelling support: "It feels good. I remember the first year in tour and no one supported me.
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Qinwen Zheng was forced to change shoes after slipping on the grass surface
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"Now I get a lot of support, and I can use this energy to play better tennis. I'm a lucky girl."
Earlier in the day, American Madison Keys advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Diana Shnaider in a three-set battle.
Tatjana Maria produced the day's biggest upset, eliminating former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in straight sets.
The German's victory over Rybakina represents a significant achievement on the London grass.
Keys and Maria join Zheng in the semi-final line-up at Queen's Club.
The quarter-final action concludes with an all-American encounter between Emma Navarro and Amanda Anisimova.
The winner will complete the final four, with the tournament reaching its crucial stages ahead of Wimbledon.
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