Ellen Perez's preparations for the upcoming Australian Open took a major hit on Tuesday afternoon.
Perez, of Shellharbour, and doubles partner Sam Stosur fell in the first round at the Brisbane International.
The pair - who have linked have linked up for the summer of tennis - fell 6-3, 6-7, 6-10 against China's Yang Zhaoxuan and Ukraine's Lyudmyla Kichenok.
Perez and Stosur looked on track to win their round of 16 clash after comfortably winning the first set. However, Zhaouxuan and Kichenok came roaring back, winning the second set in a tie-breaker before also taking the third set.
Perez, 24, and Stosur are now expected to look to bounce back next week at either the Hobart International or Adelaide International as they ramp up their preparations for the Aussie Open, starting on January 20.
They will be confident of their chances of tasting success in Melbourne. Stosur won the doubles in 2019 with China's Zhang Shuai.
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
