Murray: Brits must handle pressure

Andy Murray's victory over Jan Hajek on Tuesday was just the start of a road he hopes will take him to a first Wimbledon title but going into the third day he is already the only British singles player left in the tournament.

It is not an unfamiliar position for the Scot but it is the first time he has progressed to the second round alone - indeed, it is the only time in the history of the Championships that just a single home player has won a match.

And Murray said: "Obviously you want to enjoy it but surely when you start playing a sport you want to compete in the biggest events against the best players? When you get there, there's definitely a pressure that comes with it but something you should be able to enjoy as well. You've just got to get your head round it and deal with the pressure."

Jamie Baker, the only other British man in the main draw, lost to Andreas Beck on Tuesday while Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson joined Elena Baltacha, Melanie South, Katie O'Brien and Laura Robson in making first-round exits.

Watson, Keothavong and Baltacha were all in winning positions, and the latter two admitted it was the pressure of the occasion that prevented them from pressing home their advantage.

The Lawn Tennis Association will be braced for another backlash and player director Steven Martens admitted the players did not handle the pressure well but insisted progress is being made.

"It says something about the importance players attach to playing at Wimbledon," said the Belgian. "It's the biggest tournament in the world and having that on your home soil is something that probably unconsciously puts expectations on everyone.

"But if you look at women's tennis, it's no reflection on the progress."

Murray again bucked the trend with a comfortable 7-5 6-1 6-2 victory over Hajek, dominating the match after a surprise early break for the Czech.

The result means the fourth seed is set for a Centre Court date with royalty on Thursday when the Queen visits the All England Club for the first time since 1977. Murray's second-round match against Jarkko Nieminen is certain to be on the schedule, and the Scot is confident the extra attention will not affect his game.