Bernard Tomic's return to the Australian Open main draw will have to wait at least another 12 months, after the 33-year-old bowed out in the second round of qualifying.
Tomic defeated Bolivian Hugo Dellien on Monday, but was unable to take advantage of the home crowd on Wednesday against Brit Arthur Fery, losing 4-6, 2-6.
Despite dropping the first set, Tomic showed signs of life in the match's opening stages, at one point saving four break points.
But Fery cruised to victory in the final set, despite Tomic saving one match point in the final game.
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Tomic, who has not competed in a grand slam main draw since 2021, has mostly been competing on the ATP challenger scene since falling to rank 825 in the world in 2022.
Currently ranked 184th in the world, Tomic revealed earlier this week that he is committed to getting back into the top 100.
“I figured out a way to challenge myself, get back to the top 100," he said.
He was also hopeful of one day going deep into another grand slam, although it won't be at this year's Australian Open despite a vocal home crowd supporting him throughout his two qualifying matches.
But an objectively strong player on grass, Tomic is confident he could make a run at Wimbledon.
“It’s something that’s been a goal, to qualify at a Grand Slam again. To have a run at a grand slam, maybe at Wimby (Wimbledon) or here. I know I’m still good enough to compete with these top guys. It’s just a matter of the surface and the conditions, everything has to lay out for me," he said following his win in the first round of qualifying.