The former champion won his first round match 6-1 6-3 against Yianni Papadimitriou, before falling to second seed Paul Kramberger 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 in the second round of the gold-rated Australian Money Tournament.

Culph, who is still playing in pain after surgery last year, will continue to coach in Yarrawonga, with the Labour Day event in March likely to be his next tournament.

“Disappointing to lose but you’ve got to be realistic,” Culph said.

“These guys are playing week in, week out.

“The more matches I compete, the sharpness will come. 

“Having major surgery five, six months ago and only picking up a racquet probably four or five weeks ago, there were a lot of doubts.

“But I’m really optimistic the mobility in the finger will get better.”

Culph and Kramberger had an entertaining battle and at one stage were the only players on court as officials called for games to be suspended due to isolated showers.

Kramberger, from Adelaide, said he was relieved to make the quarter-finals.

“He got me twice last year, in both quarters, so I’m happy to get a bit of retribution,” Kramberger said.

“I’m enjoying the grass here at Wodonga, it’s great courts, great tournament.

“Do I think I can win this tournament? Probably not.

“It’s a roll of the dice.”

Kramberger will next face Patrick Fitzgerald, who upset seventh seed Jonathan Bejar 6-3 6-1. 

Culph believes the South Australian can go all the way.

“He’s got a good crafty game for the grass and if he serves well he’s tough to break,” Culph said.

“I think semis and possible final for him.

“Look, there’s some good players, here, don’t get me wrong.” 

In the women’s singles, top seed Zuzana Zlochova cruised into the quarters with a 6-1 6-1 win over Alexandra Bailey.