Jonathan Erlich has cast doubt over his future participation at Wimbledon after tumbling out in the first round of the Men’s Doubles.

The Israeli and Colin Fleming were left to reflect a missed opportunity after tumbling out in the first round of the Men’s Doubles.

In a competition shortened to three sets due to bad weather, they pair hauled themselves back into the match against third seeds Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares before succumbing 6-3 in the decider.

"Obviously I’m very disappointed that we lost,” said Erlich. “I thought we had a good chance to win this match, especially at the end.

"After winning the second set I thought we could do better in the third instead of the sloppy game at 4-3 that finished the match.

"Colin and I got a little tight at the end but they did a better job than us. We made two or three mistakes under pressure which they didn’t.

"That's just how it is, especially on grass. You don’t have time to think like other surfaces. It’s one of my favourite surfaces, that is why the disappointment is a little greater."

Erlich admits he is a fan of the shorter game. “Obviously you never know if we would have done better if it had been the best of five sets but I like the best of three,” he said.

"I thought it was good and I wish it would always be like that here. But obviously if a match is longer you have more time to maybe change things and to get better. It goes both ways.

"In the end you need to win two or three sets and be the better team on the day. Today we didn’t do that.”
Erlich said: “Now I’m going back to Israel to see my kids. It’s been too long for me not seeing them. I need to be home.

"Right now I don’t know if I’ll be back next year. We’ll see. I’m getting older and every year is a struggle. I very much enjoy being here but will only come back as long my body allows me to.”

There was a familiar face in the crowd as Erlich was cheered on by former doubles’ partner Andy Ram. He said: “It was good to be back at Wimbledon but hard to watch Jonathan. When he’s doing badly I want to jump over and help him like the old days.

"But I'm happy in my retirement. I have time for my kids and to do things I like.

"I'm returning to Israel with Jonathan now but I’m flying back for the finals."

There was also disappointment for Scott Lipsky of America and Diego Schwartzman of Argentina who bowed out in the second round of the Men’s Doubles.