Andy Murray outclasses Ryan Peniston to start Wimbledon campaign in style with straight-sets win
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Updated 04/07/2023 at 17:12 GMT
Andy Murray looked in good form as he beat Ryan Peniston in the first round of Wimbledon. The former world No. 1 looked a class above his opponent as he reeled off 12 of the last 13 games to secure his place in the second round. Murray, who is a two-time champion at the All England Club, will next play Dominic Thiem or Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Grand Slam.
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Andy Murray made an impressive start to his Wimbledon campaign as he beat fellow Brit Ryan Peniston in straight sets in the first round.
The two-time champion survived early pressure from world No. 268 Peniston to take the first set and then won 12 of the last 13 games as he won 6-4 6-0 6-1.
Murray will next face Dominic Thiem or Stefanos Tsitsipas, whose first-round match was suspended due to rain on Tuesday.
"It's amazing to be back here playing on Centre Court," said Murray.
"I was quite nervous at the beginning and I wanted to play well but once I got the break in that first set I think I played some good stuff. There were good signs there.
"It's been a long time since I've felt physically this good coming into Wimbledon.
"The last few years have been challenging. I'm hoping I'm fit and ready for a good run."
Murray was watched in the Royal Box on Centre Court by the Princess of Wales and eight-time champion Roger Federer.
"It was amazing to have some royalty here and some tennis royalty as well. It's amazing to have Roger here supporting the event," said Murray.
"The last time I was on this court and he was watching it, it was the Olympics and he was sat in Stan Wawrinka's box supporting against me. I hope you are doing well Roger."
Even though he missed out on a seeded spot, Murray has talked up his chances of a deep run at Wimbledon by saying he is one of the best grass players in the world.
He made a nervy start and had to save the first break point of the match as he was pushed in a lengthy third game.
Peniston did not look over-awed on his Centre Court bow, firing a backhand winner up the line and an ace to secure a love hold.
Murray missed a backhand wide to give Peniston another break-point chance, which was saved after a long rally.
It was potentially a key moment in the set as Peniston made a couple of errors in the next game and lost serve.
Murray followed up with a love hold and in his next service game closed out a 6-3 set.
The momentum was with Murray and he dominated the second set, breaking three times to bagel his fellow Brit.
Murray’s serve was firing and he was finding his range with his groundstrokes, while Peniston was making more errors than he was at the start of the contest.
A series of unforced errors handed Murray another break to start the third set but Peniston managed to get on the board after winning a 31-shot rally.
That was as good as it got for Peniston as Murray continued to control proceedings and closed out a straight-sets win.
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Stream daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm UK time, as well as the two singles finals live on July 15 and 16, on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com
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