Kyle Edmund's Miami Open is over after the British No 1 lost a high-quality contest against American youngster Frances Tiafoe at Crandon Park.
After Edmund's defeat in the second round at Indian Wells, his first tournament since a memorable run to the Australian Open semi-final at the start of the year, the Yorkshireman was hopeful of a strong showing in the Florida sunshine.
However, he came up against an inspired Tiafoe and the rapidly-emerging 20-year-old from Maryland thrilled the home crowd with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 7-6 (7-5) triumph that showcased a dazzling array of winners and big serves.
Victory moved Tiafoe, a champion in Delray Beach just a few weeks ago, into the third round of a Masters event for only the second time in his career and he will face 10th seed Tomas Berdych, who eased past Yoshihito Nishioka 6-1 6-4.
"I dug really deep as it was high-level tennis all the way through," Tiafoe told Sky Sports.
"I had to compete really hard, he was serving for the match and I had to stay tough. When his legs started to go towards the end I just had to try and keep him out there."
Edmund's disappointment was obvious as he left the court and, having served for the match at 5-4 in the third set, he had every opportunity, but with Tiafoe raising his level, the Brit's lack of match practice became evident across the closing stages of the two-hour, 26-minute epic.
Edmund showed all his battling qualities to stave off five of the six match points that he faced, but at the crucial moments he faltered in the first and third sets and Tiafoe sealed his place in the last 32 with a 15th ace of the match.
There was little to choose between the pair in the first set, the crucial factor coming when Edmund lost both points on his serve midway through the tie-breaker to hand Tiafoe a 5-4 lead which he closed out.
Edmund bounced back to claim the second before the drama of the final set. Having seen Tiafoe break back to level the match at 5-5, Edmund then saw two break points for a 6-5 lead go begging and Tiafoe turned on the afterburners yet again to move to the brink of victory.
The American, currently 63rd in the world rankings, stormed into a 6-1 lead in the tie-break only to see Edmund pick off four points in succession. But a searing ace down the centre of the court wrapped up the win and a date with Berdych on Monday.
You can watch more ATP Masters 1000 action from the Miami Open when we continue our coverage on Sunday from 4pm on Sky Sports Arena and from 7pm on Sky Sports Mix, which you can find on channel 287, and is free for all Sky customers
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