James McGee's Australian Open dream ended this morning after he was beaten 7-6, 6-4 by German Daniel Brands.
With two victories already under his belt, Ireland's number one ranked player was a solitary win away from qualification for the first Grand Slam event of the calendar year.
In the early hours of the morning Irish time, the world's 199th ranked player faced Brands (151) in Melbourne.
He lost out narrowly in the first set, succumbing to a tie-break (7-1) defeat.
Tough loss today, Brands deserved it. No regrets as I gave everything. I'll be back stronger no doubt #bounceback pic.twitter.com/iZeYO35seR
— James McGee (@jamesmcgee01) January 16, 2016
The 28-year-old fought back in the second set to level 4-4, but the German's service was too strong and he ran out 6-4 winner to clinch the match.
The Dubliner, who has one previous appearance in a Grand Slam event at the US Open back in 2014, tweeted after the match saying that he "gave everything" and credited his opponent despite the "tough loss".
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