Murray takes comfort from defeat

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Scot marked his 21st birthday by going down 6-3 6-2 to the Spaniard who was simply too good, despite Murray showing glimpses of the form that saw him dispatch Dmitry Tursunov and Gilles Simon earlier this week.

Murray told BBC Radio Five Live: "I just want to concentrate right now on getting closer to the guys at the top. Whether or not I'll play as well on clay as on other surfaces, I don't really know."

He added: "But my game is definitely getting better and that is one positive thing I can leave with."

Murray began strongly by holding serve to love in the opening game, but an horrific smash into the net set the tone for his next attempt as Nadal gratefully accepted the first of two break points.

The British number one saved a first set point on his serve in the ninth game, but two weak forehands into the net offered second and third chances to Nadal - the latter converted when the birthday boy volleyed long to concede the first set 6-3.

Murray immediately hit back, however, to claim a first break in the opening game of the second set, but Nadal instantly got back on terms to reassert his superiority.

Nadal clinched a second break in the fourth game, sealed with a looping forehand up the line which brushed the chalk, to move into an ominous 3-1 lead.

The Spaniard had a first match point on Murray's serve in the eighth, and although that was saved, another forehand into the net put an end to the Briton's preparations for Roland Garros.

Murray told BBC Sport afterwards: "Nadal's forehand is the best shot in tennis. When you go behind against him on clay it's very hard to get back."