Heather Watson broke down in tears following a brutal Wimbledon defeat by Agnieszka Radwanska.
Andy Murray is the only home-grown player left in the singles draws after 20-year-old Watson exited the tournament in the third round with a 6-0 6-2 drubbing by third seed Radwanska.
Watson displayed skill and confidence beyond her years in seeing off Jamie Hampton and Iveta Benesova in the first two rounds, but she was swiftly defeated on Friday.
That was in part thanks to some excellent tennis from Radwanska but also some erratic play from the likeable Channel Islander.
Watson, who has won many hearts with her infectious personality this week, wept openly last year when she suffered a first-round exit to Mathilde Johansson, and the Briton admitted she could not contain her emotions behind the scenes following today's defeat.
"I held it until I got off the court, and then I just let it all out," Watson said.
Radwanska broke Watson three times during a subdued first set in which the home favourite struggled with her serve.
The home crowd willed Watson on, but she could not capitalise on the two break points she earned, and Radwanska continued to return brilliantly.
"She is third in the world for a reason. She didn't miss anything today," Watson said.
"I didn't get the best start apart from the first game, and before I knew it the first set was already gone.
"I couldn't really tell where she was serving, and she was hitting the lines on almost every serve."
Despite the comprehensive Centre Court defeat, Watson was proud of her achievements this week.
She had not won a match in the main draw at Wimbledon before this week and her dismantling of Benesova, a player ranked 48 places above her, was highly impressive, as was her clinical win over America's Hampton.
That victory had made her the first British woman to reach the third round in 10 years, and today's defeat to a two-time quarter-finalist was always the likely outcome for the world number 103.
"This has been a great learning experience for me. I will come back stronger," Watson said.
"It's been my best Wimbledon so far. I want to keep coming back here.
"That first match on Centre Court (against Benesova) was huge for me. That will be my best memory.
"I really felt the crowd this year more than in previous years because I've come through. I just love the feeling. I want it more. I can't wait until next year."
Watson can console herself with the expectation she will break back into the world top 100 after this week's exploits, and she will be back at the All England Club next month for the Olympics, where she will play doubles with Laura Robson.
A pay cheque of £38,875 will also widen the smile of the bubbly player, who caused laughter earlier this week when she revealed she had adopted a superstition of eating smoked salmon and eggs for breakfast.
"I haven't thought about the prize money yet," Watson said.
"I was just focused on the matches. I think I deserve a little present for myself.
"I think I'm going to take my team out for a nice dinner, first of all. Not salmon, though. I've had enough salmon this week. I'm done with the salmon."
