KATIE O'Brien yesterday became the last British girl to exit Wimbledon, then candidly admitted that the home-grown players lack the desire to succeed in the sport.
With Lawn Tennis Association officials criticising the dedication shown by certain players, despite the facilities and significant funding at their disposal, O'Brien's comments have added fuel to the fire.
With no British man or woman able to reach the third round at this year's Wimbledon, things need to change and O'Brien spoke out after her 6-0, 6-1 defeat by Michaella Krajicek of Holland. It was a dreadful display and O'Brien admitted that all British players had to up their game.
"The LTA have given all the players fantastic opportunities," said O'Brien. "I think some people just sit there and take it and don't put in the hard work themselves.
"I want to use the opportunity positively as I realise this is the greatest opportunity I'll ever have and they're doing everything they can to help me. It's all down to the players.
"I think it is good that the LTA have been tough on the players and maybe moaning about things which aren't really justifiable, especially considering the funding we've had over the years."
O'Brien admitted that the British women have had an easy ride compared to certain foreign players and added: "I think the LTA being tougher on us and telling us we can't get there with half-hearted attempts is a good thing.
"I think it's no secret that Eastern European players have had to fight for everything they've had. Tennis is the best opportunity for them to make something of themselves and they work hard."
The real bright spot for the British women's game at this Wimbledon has been the return of the injury-blighted Elena Baltacha, who exited in the first round but has the potential to get back to being British No.1.
Baltacha, though, missed out again yesterday with doubles partner Naomi Cavaday as they lost to Stephanie Foretz of France and Selima Sfar of Tunisia, 6-0, 7-6.
Karen Paterson, the other Scottish female at Wimbledon, also suffered doubles disappointment with her partner Melanie South. The British pair went down 6-1, 7-5 to Megann Shaughnessy of the USA and Janette Husarova of Slovakia.
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