Liam Broady has failed in his attempt to win his first challenger title after losing in three sets to James Duckworth in Charlottesville.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed an excellent few months on the ATP Tour, winning three futures tournaments to move up to a career-high ranking of 235.
However, Broady, who defeated American trio Tim Smyczek, Ryan Harrison and Denis Kudla to reach the final in Virginia, couldn't maintain his blistering start against his Australian opponent.
Two breaks of serves helped the left-hander take the opening set but world number 150 Duckworth improved to run out a convincing 5-7 6-3 6-2 winner.
Despite the defeat, Broady, who reached the finals of Wimbledon and US Open at junior level, will move to number 200 in the world rankings on Monday to sit behind Andy Murray and James Ward as the British number three.
Darren Plant
