Andy Murray apologises to fan on Instagram and offers ticket for first-round match

Updated 10/01/2019 at 14:57 GMT

Andy Murray’s Australian Open preparations were dealt a blow when he ended a practice match against Novak Djokovic early on Thursday.

Andy Murray of Great Britain waves to the crowd

Image credit: Getty Images

Trailing 6-1 4-1 and having held serve only once, Murray shook hands with Djokovic and his team to bring an end to the contest.

It was a disappointing end to a match-up fans were delighted to witness in Melbourne, with one supporter telling of her ‘absolute shock’ in watching her hero ‘Muzza’.

On Instagram, @jjkollmorgen said: “Still in absolute shock that I finally got to see the man behind my love for tennis in action today. If it wasn’t for Andy, I’d still be sitting at home questioning mum on how she could possibly watch a sport that is so “boring”. It was Muzza that showed me just how entertaining tennis really could be and for that I thank him with my whole heart.”

Australian Open