Nick Kyrgios didn't have his serve broken but still fell just short of qualifying for a second ATP decider after losing to Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez in the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open.
Kyrgios fell to the second seed 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-5) in a tight encounter, Lopez lifting his level in both tiebreaks to progress to the decider against Spaniard David Ferrer.
The Canberran hammered 13 aces but struggled with the Spaniard's deft dropshots and volleys.
"I was looking good today, but he came up with some ridiculous volleys today and you have to appreciate something like that," said Kyrgios, who applauded some of Lopez's return winners on court.
"It was a great game of tennis and he did enough to come away with the win."
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Kyrgios made the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and the Australian Open this year, but his play has been overshadowed by his behaviour.
In August, he was fined for his now-infamous on-court comment to Stan Wawrinka at the Rogers Cup, a sexual slur concerning the Swiss player's girlfriend that triggered widespread condemnation.
He faces a possible suspension of 28 days if he commits further transgressions.
"I tend to get upset when something stupid happens, like when the linesman gets a line call wrong, but today was a really good game," he said.
Having lost in the first round here last year the 20 year-old will enjoy a handy rankings boost after making the last four.
"I want to get into the top 32. That's my goal. I'm not the biggest goal-setter but I'm happy with my performance," he said.
His career-high ranking is 25, reached earlier this year.
"I'll just have to get back up and keep competing again," he said.
Kyrgios lost his only ATP final, to Richard Gasquet on clay at the Estoril Open in Portugal back in May.
Meanwhile Ferrer needed just over two hours to defeat Benjamin Becker in their semi-final.
He had to save 11 of 13 break points chances as Becker put up a huge battle before eventually succumbing 3-6 6-2 6-4.
