Murray loses as he steps up US Open preparations

Andy Murray was back in action yesterday as he steps up his preparation for a return to the main tour, but was beaten in the mixed doubles at the Battle of the Brits tournament.

The former world No 1 is intending to travel to the United States to compete at next month’s US Open in New York, along with a warm-up event in the week before the grand slam.

He has not played on the ATP Tour since winning the European Open in Antwerp last November as he suffered more injury problems,butreturnedtoaction at the singles version of the Battle of the Brits tournament a few weeks ago.

The Scot is only playing in the doubles at this mixed team exhibition event in Roehampton and was on the losing side as he and Jodie Burrage, representing the Union Jacks, were beaten by Joe Salisbury and Emma Radacanu of the British Bulldogs.

Murray and Burrage took the first set, but faltered from there to go down 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 as the Bulldogs opened up an 18-8 lead after day two.

Earlier, Dan Evans proved why he is currently the British No 1 with an impressive display to take down Kyle Edmund in straight sets, producing a clinical 6-4, 6-4 win.

There were words exchanged at the end of the game when Evans was upset with the force at which Edmund touched his racket – a gesture which has replaced the handshake. But Edmund played the incident down.

“It was nothing. He said he misinterpreted touching the rackets and stuff,” Edmund said. “There was nothing there. The racket touch is not that big a deal to be honest.”

Earlier in the day Johanna Konta fought back from an almost certain defeat against Katie Boulter.

British No 1 Konta, who was surprisingly beaten by Burrage on Monday, was staring down the barrel trailing by a set and 3-0, but forced an impressive comeback to win 2-6, 7-6, 10-6. On her friendship with Boulter, Konta said: “I think you put that aside a little bit.”