British schoolgirl Hannah Klugman missed out on reaching the main Wimbledon draw as she lost her final qualifying match.
The 15-year-old, who grew up playing tennis close to the All England Club, was beaten 6-3 6-3 by American Alycia Parks.
Klugman, ranked 623rd in the world, needed one more victory to seal her place at Wimbledon, which starts on Monday.
She broke early in the first set, but could not maintain the momentum against her 23-year-old opponent, who is ranked 583 places higher.
There was better news for Britain’s Sonay Kartal, 22, who qualified with a 6-3 6-1 win over Russia’s Erika Andreeva.
Kartal overcame serious health issues at the start of this year, and only played two tournaments between September and April.
GB’s Amarni Banks, 21, was beaten 6-3 6-0 by Canadian Marina Stakusic.
Match too far for Klugman
Current US Open champion Coco Gauff became the youngest modern-day Wimbledon qualifier at 15 years and 122 days in 2019.
Klugman was just eight days older when she faced Parks, and made a dream start by breaking her serve in the opening game.
But Parks broke straight back and was on top from then on, despite the home support for Klugman, hitting 20 winners to six for her opponent.
“I’m definitely proud of myself this week. If you’d told me at the start of the week I’d make last-round qualies, I’d definitely take that,” said Klugman.
“Obviously I’m disappointed with today, so close but so far away at the same time. She was too good today, she was serving amazing.”
American Parks was beaten in the second round at SW19 last year by Romanian Ana Bogdan.
“She’s a great player and I just kept telling myself to stay focused and keep calm,” said Parks.
Kartal lands Wimbledon spot against the odds
Image source, Getty Images
Briton Kartal came up against the older sister of French Open semi-finalist Mirra Andreeva with a place in the main draw of Wimbledon on the line.
Having previously feared she would have to sit out the whole of 2024 because of serious health issues, Kartal produced a brilliant display as she won 6-3 6-1.
Kartal was awarded a wildcard into the main draw at Wimbledon for the past two years, but the 22-year-old has had to take the qualifying route this time.
“I won’t go into the detail but I didn’t think I’d be on tour this year,” said Kartal.
“I managed to get back after a few months and go straight in the deep end and play some big events. I’m super proud of that.
“It was tough, sitting back on the sidelines and watching all your friends play.
“It was pretty scary at the time but I’m super grateful that I’ve got great people and great doctors around me that have made a massive effort to get me back on court.”