Ex- Number 1 Murray Knocked Out

British two-time champion Andy Murray suffered his earliest Wimbledon exit as he lost in four sets against American John Isner in the second round.

The 35-year-old former world number one clinched the third set to keep alive his hopes but fell 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 to the big-hitting 20th seed.

Isner, a 2018 semi-finalist, fired 36 aces on his way to an impressive victory on Centre Court.

He will play 20-year-old Italian 10th seed Jannik Sinner next.

Murray had never before failed to reach the third round at SW19, in 13 previous attempts.

But he was unable to register a break of serve against the unwavering Isner, who executed his trademark big-serving game to perfection to record a memorable win, going out just hours after British teenager Emma Raducanu lost to Caroline Garcia on the same court.

Feeding off an electric atmosphere to stay in the match, Murray punched the cooling air as a looping Isner return dropped wide to conclude the third set - the crowd rising to their feet to offer further encouragement.

But then came the sucker punch. The Briton, ranked 52nd in the world, rescued one break point for deuce but a second chance proved one too many as 37-year-old Isner took a 3-2 lead in the fourth with the light beginning to fade at SW19.

At 4-2, play was paused to allow the roof to be closed and, following the restart, the American delivered on serve to turn around a 0-30 deficit and move one game from victory.

He was forced to serve out the contest and duly obliged - a love hold sealing a fitting end to an efficient display against the home favourite.

Murray, whose Wimbledon preparations were disrupted by an abdominal injury, had come back to win his opening match against Australian James Duckworth on Monday in four sets.

A fightback was once again required against an opponent he had beaten in all eight previous meetings, but Isner proved an insurmountable obstacle in their first contest on grass.

It was the American who landed the first blow, drawing a couple of errors from the Scot as he broke to 15.

A superb backhand winner was celebrated by the captivated crowd and helped Murray reach the first of two break-point opportunities in the following game, but a series of blistering serves ensured Isner escaped unharmed.