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Max Purcell's hopes of going into Wimbledon on the back of his first ATP Tour title have been dashed, with the Australian going down to Taylor Fritz in the men's Eastbourne International final.
American Fritz defeated Purcell 6-4, 6-3 to claim a record third title in the traditional pre-Wimbledon tournament at Devonshire Park in the English southern coast seaside resort.
In the women's final, sixth-seeded Russian Daria Kasatkina defeated Canadian Leylah Fernandez 6-3, 6-4.
Purcell, ranked 94 in the world, will travel north to London for next week's grass-court major in a confident mood after a breakthrough week in which he reached his first ATP Tour final under new coach Blaž Kavčič.
"To Blaž, it's been a hell of a ride this week," Purcell told the crowd at the post-final presentation.
"Thanks for being here, late call. I really appreciate everything this week you did for me. Felt like my first week as a professional tennis player, honestly, so thank you.
"This is a really special place for me and I couldn't think of any other better place to do it right before Wimbledon."
Fritz, who will go into Wimbledon as the men's world number 12, won 89 per cent of points when he landed his first serve.
He sent down nine aces and did not give up a single break-point chance in the 69-minute victory.
In the second set, Fritz had only given up a single point on serve until the final game, when Purcell produced some late heroics, saving three championship points.
Purcell will get a day's rest before being plunged into action on Wimbledon's opening Monday.
He is drawn to play Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen, the world number 149.
Purcell achieved a career-high ranking of 40 in October last year.
AAP