British number one Katie Boulter was knocked out of the first round of the Miami Open on Wednesday following a straight-set defeat by Peyton Stearns.
The 28-year-old had lost to the world number 43 on their previous two meetings and the American once again had the measure of her as she won 6-4 6-2.
Stearns will next face 27th seed Elise Mertens in the second round.
Boulter was making her comeback from a foot injury that sidelined her for two months after the Australian Open in January.
She managed to get through to the third round at Indian Wells earlier this month on her return to action, but was no match for an in-form Stearns in Miami.