Jack Draper is out of the Italian Open after a straight sets defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in a gladiatorial battle in Rome.
The Briton was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Alcaraz, with both putting on an incredible show in front of a roaring crowd at Foro Italico.
Both players left everything out on the clay court, with Draper even screaming in anguish at one point.
But ultimately, Alcaraz's class pulled through as he emerged the victory through straight sets.
Jack Draper crashes out of Italian Open after losing to Carlos Alcaraz
Reuters
It also sees Alcaraz claim revenge over Draper, who beat him on his way to winning at Indian Wells earlier this year - which was also his first Masters 1000 title.
It was the first time the two tennis stars had met on clay while the Roman sun beat down in brutal conditions for both.
And after leading 4-2 in the first set, Draper threw away the chance to take an early lead against the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion.
Alcaraz won all four of his break points, compared to Draper, who could only land two out of eight - hitting just eight winners.
The Spaniard overcame an early deficit to secure victory in just one hour and 37 minutes.
Draper had initially taken control of the match, breaking Alcaraz's serve to establish a 4-2 lead in the opening set.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Wimbledon champion won five consecutive games to claim the first set before maintaining his composure in the second set to complete the win.
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Alcaraz's resilience proved too much for Draper despite the Briton's spirited performance.
Draper had seized the early advantage in the first set when Alcaraz served a double fault on the second break point, giving the British No.1 a promising 4-2 lead.
Alcaraz responded immediately with a devastating run of form, breaking Draper to love before breaking again to serve for the set at 5-4.
After 43 minutes of play, Alcaraz secured the first set when Draper hooked a backhand into the tramlines.
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Carlos Alcaraz took control of the Italian Open match against Jack Draper
Reuters
Draper's initial control had evaporated against the Wimbledon champion's relentless response with Alcaraz seemingly on course for a quick victory.
The Spaniard converted his third break point to win the opening game with a backhand volley winner but Draper showed resilience by immediately breaking back to level at 1-1.
The match intensified in the eighth game when Alcaraz was forced to save two crucial break points which he successfully managed to make it 4-4.
From then on, Alcaraz looked in complete control as he steamrolled to victory over an exhausted Draper, who has now lost four out of the six times he has met the 22-year-old.
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There is immense mutual respect between Jack Draper and Carlos Alcaraz
Reuters
While it might have cooled Draper's confidence going into the French Open later this month, Alcaraz will be dreaming of a chance to defend his title.
Draper reached the Madrid Open final earlier this month, where he was beaten by Casper Ruud in another tantalising tie.
However, his search for a maiden clay title on the ATP tour goes on - though Roland Garros will give him the opportunity to land a first Grand Slam.
