Somdev Devvarman in action. Photograph: Stanley Chou/Getty Images
Stumbling at the final hurdle, Somdev Devvarman lost the third qualifying round of the Fayez Sarofim and Co. US Men's Clay Court Championship to Guilherme Clezar in Houston.
Somdev fought hard before losing 4-6, 4-6 to his Brazilian opponent, ranked 15 places below him at 186, in the Qualifiers of the $ 549,230 event.
Somdev had six opportunities to break his rival but cash in on only one while he dropped his serve thrice in the match.
It was first meeting between the two players.