Moodie and partner Jeff Coetzee lost 6-4, 7-6 despite having a 3-0 lead and a double break in the first set and a set point in the second set tie-break.

The pair started like a train, but after establishing the double-break, they lost six games in a row. When the second set went to a tie-break, they trailed 6-4 but saved two match points to force a set point of their own. But, Clement played an inspired point to deny them.

It was a disappointing result for Moodie and Coetzee, who also reached the final in Doha a couple of weeks ago.

“We’re not too happy about the way it worked out,” said Moodie.

“But we’ve done well together and would definitely like to continue as a partnership. When I won Wimbledon last time it took a lot of pressure of my singles. I would like to get into a partnership which is long term, and then see where my singles takes me.”

Moodie joined the Monte Carlo Tennis Academy (MCTA) last June, and is benefiting from the guidance given to him by David Sammel, Antony Hampson and the rest of the coaching team.

The MCTA is the world’s first touring tennis academy.