Plucky Murray bows out

Englishman Andrew Murray’s impressive run at the Stella Artois Championship came to an end in the third round today.

Murray was two points from victory against world number 20 Thomas Johansson when he slipped on the grass and twisted his ankle.

The 18-year-old was clearly in pain and told the ATP trainer “I heard something crack” as he received treatment, but was eventually able to carry on.

The British number 13 also looked to be suffering from cramp in his right leg however and dramatically collapsed to the ground in slow motion in the next game, clutching his right thigh.

Again he received lengthy treatment lying face down on the turf and was clearly impeded as he continued, only to lose the next two points and his serve.

Johansson then served out for the match to complete an eventful 7-6 6-7 7-5 victory but was full of praise for the world number 357, who was playing only his fourth match at this level.

“It was very tough, I was very very impressed with the way he was playing, his serve and especially his groundstrokes,” said the former Australian Open champion, twice a winner of the Nottingham Open on grass.

“He has a very good eye for the game, he is already very good but he is going to be even better.

"You can start with the top 50 in the world, that’s for sure, and then it all depends.

“One of his strengths is his serve. He is serving at 140mph and to do that at 18 is very impressive.”