Surbiton Trophy: I didn't take my chances says Harriet Dart

The British number four, who is supported by the LTA’s PSP Programme, fell to a 6-4 6-7(5) 6-4 defeat on centre court in West London but showed incredible spirit to push the tournament's top seed and last year’s Wimbledon semi-finalist to the absolute limit in the glaring West London sun.

A win for Dart would have meant five British women in the quarter-finals of the tournament for the first time in its history.

But Dart acknowledged that she lost to the better player.

"In the third set, I had it in my hands," she said.

"There were a lot of game points, I didn't take my chances and those are the fine margins of tennis.

"I have done better than last year, last year I played poorly.

"For me, it is a better tournament this year to get two matches.

"But I had a really good grass season last year after losing in the first round here, so I don't really think too much into it.

"I just think about the next tournament, and this week is about finding my feet on the grass.

"I am disappointed to have only played two matches here, but it is going to set me up well over the next few weeks."

There was a stoppage in the third set as a spectator required medical attention in the sweltering sunshine.

And Dart wished the spectator well, adding: "It was in the third and it was a long match, there was an interruption as well so I hope that lady is ok.

"It was pretty swirly in tough conditions but she deserved to win.

"I have actually never had a disruption like that before.

"Obviously it is very different when your opponent goes off for a toilet break or something like that.

"We are both in the same boat and again I just hope the lady is ok.

"I knew exactly what to expect from my opponent, everyone knows her game style, I definitely had a slow start in the first set which didn't help me.

"I took a long time to adjust, and then it got a bit better."

*For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website.