The British trio of Heather Watson, James Ward and Kyle Edmund took to the Melbourne Park courts overnight and suffered defeats at the Australian Open.
Ward pushed No.31 seed Fernando Verdasco to four sets in a high-quality encounter with the Londoner demonstrating he is a top-100 player of the future.
The British No.2 took the first set 6-2 before losing the second 6-0 but in a tight third, had a point to win the tie-break and take a two sets to one lead.
But Verdasco upped his level at the big moments and sealed a 2-6, 6-0, 7-6(6), 6-3 win.
An unwell Heather Watson, winner of the Hobart International last week, suffered from lightheadedness and a lack of energy as she lost 6-4, 6-0 to Tsvetana Pironkova.
Watson, who overcame Glandular Fever in 2013, called for the doctor on court but was not able to find a way to produce her best tennis.
Heather Watson by Getty Images
Meanwhile, qualifier Kyle Edmund was up against big-serving American Steve Johnson who is ranked 154 places above him.
Kyle, playing in a Grand Slam for the first time without the help of a wildcard, will have taken plenty of experience from the match-up despite going down 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
Kyle Edmund by Getty Images
Reaction from James Ward:
“It was a pretty good level and he said that to me afterwards. He produced at the big moments, but he's going away thinking that if he plays me again this year it won't be easy for him.
“I'm working hard and I'm stronger and faster than I've ever been. It's come down to one or two points.
"Of course if I'd held two more times in the third I've won the set but it was tough conditions out there, very windy. We both played well. Even in the tie-break I gave myself a chance."
Reaction from Heather Watson:
“Yesterday I woke up not feeling that great and today I struggled on the court to have energy. Against any player here it's tough enough when you're fit.
"I get it sometimes. I'm going to go and see the doctor afterwards and see if there's anything I can do to help with times like these in the future. I can't let this affect me anymore. I've lost this week now.
“It's very frustrating, especially as this is one of those times I want all my energy. It’s a real shame and it sucks.”
Reaction from Kyle Edmund:
“To qualify here through three matches was a good experience, but I need to keep working on my return to get into the rallies. You learn more from your losses.
“The more matches you play at this level the more comfortable it becomes. I haven't faced many players with that kind of serve I faced today.
"There wasn't a lot of rhythm due to the fact that he was serving really well. Looking back on it, it's still been a good week."
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