Emma Raducanu's spirited Wimbledon journey came to an end on Centre Court as world number one Aryna Sabalenka prevailed in straight sets.
The Belarusian triumphed 7-6(6) 6-4 in what proved to be one of her sternest examinations of the tournament.
The British number one fought valiantly throughout the encounter, pushing Sabalenka to her limits.
The match concluded with a warm embrace at the net, with Sabalenka joining the 15,000-strong Centre Court crowd in applauding Raducanu from the court.
Emma Raducanu suffered an injury scare during her Wimbledon defeat
Reuters
Despite the defeat, the 22-year-old former US Open champion demonstrated the fighting spirit that has characterised her remarkable comeback from injury.
A worrying moment occurred during a crucial rally when Raducanu took a tumble on Centre Court whilst chasing down a ball.
The fall happened at 30-0 on Sabalenka's serve, with the British player immediately clutching her thigh as concern spread across the stadium.
"Now this might be a concern," BBC commentator Nick Mullins observed as Raducanu fell near the net.
"Had issues with a lower back injury for much of the year. Concern on the face of Mark Petchey and concern from Aryna Sabalenka immediately which is good to see."
The incident proved particularly unsettling given Raducanu's recent injury struggles.
Tracy Austin, co-commentating for the BBC, noted the gravity of the situation: "Dealing with the back spasms through the spring and all the way up to Wimbledon. That's disconcerting, you start to fall on grass, it's completely out of control."
After composing herself at her bench, Raducanu displayed remarkable resilience by creating two more break point opportunities.
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Emma Raducanu suffered a straight-sets defeat to Aryna Sabalenka
Reuters
She capitalised when Sabalenka committed an unforced error, earning the chance to serve for the set.
However, the world number one forced a tiebreak and eventually converted her eighth set point with a volley winner after 74 minutes.
In the second set, Raducanu again surrendered an early advantage as Sabalenka won five consecutive games to seal victory.
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Emma Raducanu put on a fine showing before crashing out
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The defeat carries significant implications for British tennis rankings. Raducanu will relinquish her position as Britain's top-ranked woman, with Katie Boulter set to reclaim the number one spot.
Sonay Kartal will move up to British number two, whilst Raducanu drops to third place.
This marks a disappointing turn after she regained the British number one ranking just last month for the first time in two years.
The 22-year-old's remarkable journey back from surgeries on both wrists and one ankle in 2023 has seen her climb from outside the world's top 300 to her current position at world number 40.
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