Cape Town - South Africa's participation at this year's Australian Open is over after doubles star Raven Klaasen lost in the second round in Melbourne on Friday.
Klaasen and his new Austrian partner Oliver Marach lost 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 4-6 to little-known Argentine Andres Molteni and his Monegasque partner, Hugo Nys.
Klaasen and Marach were the ninth-seeds for the year's first Grand Slam.
Klaasen's defeat follows Kevin Anderson's five-set loss to American Taylor Fritz in the men's singles second round on Thursday.
It appeared as though Anderson was coasting when he led by two sets and 4-2 in the third set, only for the American to stage a remarkable comeback to win 4-6, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-2, 6-2.
South Africa's other singles contestant, Lloyd Harris, lost 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round to Argentine 14th-seed Diego Schwartzman.
- Compiled by Herman Mostert
Klaasen exits @AustralianOpen ??
— Tennis South Africa (@TennisSA) January 24, 2020
The 9th seeded pair of @ravenklaasen???? and his New doubles partner Oliver???? Marach were eliminated in the second round on Friday.
Klaasen and Marach lost their men's doubles match 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 to Andres Molteni???? & Hugo Nys#AO2020 I #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/BrCNwGE7Ss