NAOMI Broady's run in the ASB Classic in Auckland came to an end as she lost 7-6 (8/6) 6-3. to American Sloane Stephens.
The British No 3 had followed up a win over former world No 1 Ana Ivanovic with a battling second-round victory over Jelena Ostapenko.
But the former Woodhouse Grove pupil could not defeat fifth seed Stephens, despite having chances to win a tight first set.
The 25-year-old recovered from 0-40 to lead 6-5 before Stephens held serve to take the set into a tie-break.
Broady had a set point in the decider but the American eventually won it 8-6 to take the set.
Broady broke Stephens' serve to lead 2-1 in the second set but from there the American won four straight games to be 5-2 in front.
The Briton held serve in game eight and there were three chances for her to break in the next but Stephens finally won the game and the match with a cross-court backhand winner.
After the match, Stephens paid tribute to her opponent, saying: "It was a tough one. Naomi's a great player. She has had such a great week here."
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