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Andy Murray's challenge for the US Open title has ended in the fourth round after an enthralling four-set defeat by Kevin Anderson.
The British No 1 seemed to have set the scene for another thrilling comeback after falling two sets down, but Anderson ruthlessly sealed a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-0).
Murray had previously reached the quarter-finals of every Grand Slam he has competed in since the 2010 US Open.
"I'm a little lost for words right now," the 29-year-old Anderson said. "I just managed to keep my composure throughout."
Both men refused to give ground in a tense opening set, with Anderson repelling three break points at 2-2 as Murray pushed for an early breakthrough.
Entering the tie-break, Murray unleashed a sweeping backhand to win a 29-shot rally, but Anderson had the last word as he sent back a punched backhand to bring up set point and converted it with a thumping forehand.
The inspired Anderson built on his lead in the second set, claiming his first break for a 2-0 lead after Murray fired long. Every ball appeared to be falling kindly for Anderson, who broke again following a thrilling close-range exchange.
Murray at last dented his opponent's searing serve with a break of his own, but Anderson converted set point at the fifth time of asking for a 2-0 lead in sets.
The third set was delayed by Anderson's lengthy comfort break and he further infuriated the Scot by claiming an immediate break for a 1-0 lead.
Snarling at himself, Murray aggressively attacked the Anderson serve and broke back to level straight away, soon adding another during a determined onslaught.
This opening was short lived as the Brit battered his racquet after conceding yet another break and was dragged into another tie-break.
But a fired-up Murray hauled back a set with the help of a fortunate net cord and pumped his fist towards an equally excitable New York crowd.
The raucous cheers turned to anxious muttering as Murray fended off break points early in the fourth set and he faced another nervy test at 5-6, bringing up the tie-break with a swerving ace.
But Anderson blasted into an unassailable lead with his cannon-like serve to set up a quarter-final showdown with French Open champion Stan Wawrinka after Murray netted his return.
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