Max Purcell's hopes of going into Wimbledon on the back of his first ATP title have been shattered as the Australian maverick couldn't live with the precision serving of American Taylor Fritz in the Eastbourne International final.
Fritz, who will go back to the US No.1 spot after his 6-4 6-3 victory at Devonshire Park in the English southern coast seaside resort, warmed up for Wimbledon on Saturday with a record third title in the traditional pre-SW19 tournament.
But the 26-year-old Sydneysider will travel the 120km north to London for next week's grass-court grand slam in good heart after a breakthrough week in which he reached his first ATP final under a new coach.