Malisse caused Rusedski plenty of problems

And Malisse revealed after the match that he had played for such an error from Rusedski.

"I knew on break point if I got it back he would get a little tight," said the Belgian.

"In knew if I got it back in play and moved him around he sometimes takes his eye off the ball and looks at where the player's going.

"That's exactly what I did and he missed kind of an easy volley that normally he would always put away."

Rusedski forced two break points in the 10th game but failed to convert them, allowing Malisse to claim the victory with his second match point.

The 21-year-old will now play the winner of the match between big servers Richard Krajicek and Mark Philippoussis.

Best wishes

Rusedski was left to rue a missed opportunity in a tournament that looked to have opened up after the early exit of many leading names.

But he leaves Wimbledon determined to return for another shot at the title next year.

"I think I've got quite a few more years," he said. "I'm just going to have to come back next year a little bit stronger and take my chances."

And Rusedski was happy to give his support to fellow Briton Tim Henman for the rest of the tournament.

"I wish him well, it's a great opportunity and just as long as he goes out there and does his best, that's all he can do."