Dudi Sela has often cut a dejected figure following early elimination from Wimbledon. But not this time.

His defeat against Mikhail Kukushkin was a blessing in disguise. It gives him time to prepare for his wedding to girlfriend Marina Kavisher.

Sela was one of three Israelis to crash out in the first round of the singles competition on Tuesday, but he insists he will be more focused next year.

"I'm going back to Israel and getting married on Tuesday in Caesarea," he said. "We've been together for many years and have a child. She would have killed me if I had reached the quarter-finals. Of course I'm disappointed with the result. I had a good draw and it was a missed opportunity. I didn't play well and made mistakes at important moments."

Shahar Peer, Julia Glushko and Sela crashed out within two hours of one another and Sela believes the country's fortunes on the court remain bleak.

She would have killed me if I had reached the quarter-finals.

"We don't have any good juniors for the next generation. The system is also not very good. It's tough with the financial situation and it is not the best situation."