Andy Murray has got off to a perfect start at Wimbledon after storming through his first round match against Ryan Peniston.
The two-time champion experienced little difficulty throughout his resounding 6-3, 6-0, 6-1, win over the world No.269 in what was the first all-British clash at the tournament since 2017. Murray’s win continues what has been a successful grass swing this year where he has won back-to-back Challenger titles on the surface. Although he did lose in the first round of Queen’s.
“Starting off the match I was quite nervous at the beginning, came out and was playing quite tentatively,” said Murray.
“It’s been a long time since I felt physically this good coming into Wimbledon, the last few years have been very challenging.
“But here’s hoping I’m fit and ready for a good run.”
On a day when play had been wrecked due to poor weather, Murray had the luxury of playing under a roof on Center Court with his former rival, Roger Federer, among those watching from the crowd. He sealed this largely one-sided win with the help of 21 winners as he broke Penistone seven times.
“It was amazing to have some royalty here but also some tennis royalty,” Murray commented about the Swiss maestro. “It’s amazing to have Roger here supporting the event. Last time I was on this court and he was watching it was the Olympics and he was in Stan Wawrinka’s box supporting him against me. So it’s nice to see a couple of claps today after some good shots.”
This year Murray is making his 15th appearance at Wimbledon which places him joint-first with Jeremy Bates for the most made by a British man in the Open Era. Although he has played more major tournaments (57) than any other male player from his country.
Murray could reach another milestone at the All England Club if he wins his next match. He will be bidding to capture his 200th Grand Slam main draw win which is an achievement that has only been accomplished by seven other players in the open Era – Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl and Pete Sampras.
Murray will play either Stefanos Tsitspas or Dominic Thiem in the next round.
