Alexei Popyrin's Australian Open preparations have taken a hit at the Sydney Tennis Classic with the world No.59 going down to Spain's Pedro Martinez.
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The Australian lost serve in the very first game of the match on Tuesday and the world No.61 Martinez went on to record a 6-4 6-4 win.
Popyrin recovered in the second set to break Martinez but, no sooner had he done so, the Spaniard clicked into gear and broke twice to wrap up victory.
The defeat follows Popyrin's second round exit at last week's Melbourne Summer Set to Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor.
The 22-year-old Australian will now head back to the practice courts ahead of the draw announcement for the Australian Open where he reached the second round in 2021.
Martinez, meanwhile, will face Britain's Dan Evans in the last 16.
Popyrin's fellow Australian, Christopher O'Connell, also tasted defeat on Tuesday as he battled valiantly against Sebastian Baez who claimed a 6-2 1-6 7-6 (7-4) win after over two hours of play.
The Argentinian charged into an early lead before O'Connell played a near faultless second set to get back on level terms.
Baez, however, triumphed in the third-set tiebreak as O'Connell's service game deserted him when it mattered most with the Australian dropping points on his own serve on three separate occasions.
Elsewhere at the Adelaide International 2, American Steve Johnson proved too strong for Australia's Alex Bolt, winning 6-4 6-4.
Australian Associated Press
