Andy Murray - what the papers say

Andy Murray took the first steps on the road to the nation's dream destination of a first Wimbledon title for a British man in 73 years when he survived a wobble to win his first-round match.

The Guardian

Roger Federer used to loathe first-round matches, losing three of his first four Wimbledon appearances at the earliest stage including in 2002, the year before he won the first of his five titles. Andy Murray has never had this problem at the All England club, his earliest exit being in the third round on his debut four years ago, although with the pressure at its most intense this year, Murray being seeded second behind Federer, he was undoubtedly mightily relieved to see off Robert Kendrick yesterday evening, beating the American 7–5, 6–7, 6–3, 6–4.

The Sun

Andy Murray insists it is "unacceptable" he is the only British male left in the Wimbledon draw.

Daily Mail

Andy Murray claimed his place in the second round of Wimbledon on an otherwise dismal day for British tennis on which six players crashed out.

Daily Express

Andy Murray was left as Britain's last man standing on a day when home hopes were decimated in the singles.Murray ran into some unexpectedly tough first-round resistance himself against unsung American Robert Kendrick, but dug himself out of a hole.

The Independent

The waiting is over and Andy Murray is under way at last. Given the weight of public expectation, the last nine days since he played a match must have passed painfully slowly, but the 22-year-old Scot opened his Wimbledon campaign here last night in the only way that mattered. His 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Robert Kendrick provided only occasional reminders of the brilliance that has made him one of the favourites to win this year's Wimbledon, but there was barely a moment when the result was in doubt.

Daily Mirror

Okay, let's admit we got a little ahead of ourselves again. Let's stop banging on about the 73-year itch for a few more days at least. Let's stop mentioning Fred Perry and 1936 and the new dawn for British tennis. And let's ditch those observations about how it should all be plain sailing for Andy Murray now that Rafa Nadal's out of his half of the draw. In fact, after Murray struggled to an uncertain and uneasy four-set first-round victory over the world No.76 on Centre Court last night, all that we can do is be grateful for small mercies.

Daily Star

Andy Murray admitted he only deserved a 'B' for effort but vowed to improve his mark after reaching the second round at Wimbledon.

Daily Telegraph

His victory over the unseeded American Robert Kendrick in four sets was the only relief in day of bloodletting for the nation's tennis players. Of the eight British men and women competing at SW19 on Tuesday, six crashed out of the tournament on the second day in one of the worst years for British tennis.