British number one Jack Draper has been knocked of Wimbledon in the second round by Czech player Marin Cilic 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 4-6.
The 2017 Wimbledon finalist produced an impressive and commanding performance over the 23-year-old, who quickly head for the changing rooms after the defeat.
High hopes had been put on Draper, who produced a dominating performance in the first round against Argentinian Sebastian Baez.
However, Cilic used his experience and proved too much for the Briton in the end.
Jack Draper looked to the sky as Marin Cilic continued to power through
Reuters
Draper's performance, on the whole, was not all bad.
But it was Cilic, who was the 2014 US Open champion, who took centre stage on Court 1 on Thursday evening.
The world number four has never made it past the second round in his home tournament, and will have to wait another year to take the next step.
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Jack Draper is yet to make it past the second round in his home tournament
Reuters
In fact, it is Draper third consecutive exit in the second-round at the All England Club.
The 23-year-old represents yet another top 10 ranked seed to be knocked out of the tournament in the early stages, as upsets continue to shock onlookers through day four.
Speaking after the game, Cilic said: "My emotions are just incredible. Where I was two years ago, I can't even describe. It has been a long journey but I never lost any doubt.
"It was a long and testing period, plus a huge challenge for me in this part of my career to come back and play at this level. To play in front of this crowd and against Jack [Draper] is incredible, so thanks everyone for your great sportsmanship."
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The 36-year-old paid testament to his experience: "It has been a long career for me. I have been really dedicated on training for my whole life and, of course, huge credit to my team and to everyone who is helping me on this journey.
"I've spent the last few weeks in the United Kingdom enjoying myself, playing through some Challengers and winning matches. I'm just feeling great and hoping I can continue to play well."
The Grand Slam champion mentioned the importance of his children in his second round success: "They are also one of the reasons that I kept such a great passion for this sport. Also always running after them keeps me in great shape.
"They are always a great support, cheering me on and showing me the fists.
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Marin Cilic produced a stellar performance to defeat British no 1 Jack Draper
Reuters
"I'm just so happy that they are here and obviously we are enjoying this as a family."
Astonishingly, Draper's exit marks the 19th seeded player to leave the tournament already.
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner, who is currently playing, are the clear favourites that remain.
Britain now rest their hopes on Emma Raducanu.
The British number one produced a superb performance against 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova on Wednesday.
The 21-year-old has her work cut out for her, however, as she faces world number one Arnya Sabalenka in the third round on Friday.
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