BACK IN OLD ROUTINE
Murray’s a winner but makes his fans suffer
ANDY MURRAY insisted he will keep playing and winning after an incredible first-round victory last night.
The double champion won the first two sets and led 5-0 against No.24 seed Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia before losing seven consecutive games.
But after the Centre Court roof was closed, the ex-world No.1 returned to win 6-4 6-3 5-7 6-3 amid raucous scenes.
Murray said: “I keep getting asked if this is going to be my last Wimbledon, my last match. No. I am going to keep going. I want to play. I am enjoying it.
“I can still play at the highest level. He is No.28 in the world. I have hardly played any matches and I beat him.
“I tested my own nerves. It’s amazing to be back again playing on Centre Court in such a brilliant atmosphere.
“Since I came back these last eight or nine months, I had missed the fans.
“It was an amazing reception when I came out and a great atmosphere throughout. I did well to win the fourth set. That was not mentally easy going back to the locker room.
“I had a shower, I went to the toilet – just a No.1! I was just disappointed to lose the third set. I said to myself to do what got me into a winning position. Stopped the drop shots, served better.
“It has been extremely tough even in these last few months. I didn’t have the most serious of injuries but it has been frustrating not to play on court.
“I have had such little momentum. I kept trying and working hard in the gym, doing all the right things. I feel lucky I could do it again.”
But even in his pomp, the Scot never made it easy for himself or his fans. And despite serving for the match three times – and having two match points at 5-3 – he could not seal the deal.
The roof was then shut to stop play for 15 minutes but Murray returned to race to victory at 9.49pm.
Liam Broady won his first match at Wimbledon for six years by beating Italian Marco Cecchinato 6-3 6-4 6-0.
The British No.5 said: “It felt good to put this one away in straight sets today. He was a little bit upset, which made it easier. Six years is a long time.”
Fellow Brit Jack Draper, at 19 and playing in his first Grand Slam, took the first set off defending champion Novak Djokovic.
But the world No.1, looking for his sixth Wimbledon and 20th Grand Slam title, eventually came through 4-6 6-1 6-2 6-2 in two hours.
Draper, who only won his first ATP Tour matches a week ago at Queen’s Club, said: “It was amazing walking out there, the atmosphere was incredible. I thought I handled myself well.
“Having an experience like that, I think maybe if I played him next week, I’d be even more comfortable. I didn’t feel overawed.”
Djokovic said: “He was playing well. He was fighting. For him, it was a unique occasion, playing for the first time on Centre Court. He has done well.”