James McGee's dream of qualifying for the Australian Open is over after he was beaten in Melbourne on Saturday morning Irish time.
The Castleknock native was beaten by Australia's own Blake Mott 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, with McGee just one win away making it to the final competition.
McGee raced into a 5-2 lead in the opening set, but was beaten on a tie break after Mott rallied to pull himself back into the match.
The longest set of the two-and-a-half hour match was followed by McGee clinching the second set in emphatic fashion, 6-3.
But it wasn't to be for the Dubliner who conceded the final set and as a result the match.
Gave it everything I had but my opponent came up with the goods and put up a great fight. I will grow from this. Well done @BlakeMott96
— James McGee (@jamesmcgee01) January 14, 2017
McGee got the better of Frenchman Vincent Millot in the previous round to move within a win of the main competition. He also beat Croatia's Matija Pecotic in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5, on Wednesday on his quest for qualification.
Unreal support out there today, thank you everyone! It is a privilege to have the opportunity to perform at these events. Thank you again
— James McGee (@jamesmcgee01) January 14, 2017
