• Australian Open

British failure not my problem - Murray

ESPN staff
January 17, 2012
Andy Murray beat Ryan Harrison in four sets on Tuesday © PA Photos
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Andy Murray refused to be distracted from his goal as he was left as the sole British representative at the Australian Open.

Britain boasted six players in the singles draws at Melbourne Park, but following a disastrous first day which saw five players beaten, the world No. 4 was left flying the flag.

Murray, who beat American teenager Ryan Harrison on Tuesday, was always likely to be the sole British male in the second round, with James Ward coming through three matches to qualify for the main draw of a grand slam for the first time.

British teenagers Laura Robson and Heather Watson were both handed tough first-round ties against Jelena Jankovic and Victoria Azarenka respectively, but British No. 1 Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong were expecting to win their opening encounters.

However, Murray insists it is not his concern how well his compatriots fare in Melbourne, instead suggesting it was for the powers that be at the Lawn Tennis Association to be worried by the results of his fellow Brits.

"I'm not the person to be disappointed about that," Murray said when pressed on the matter. "There are other people in charge that should be disappointed about it; not me. I mean, I'd rather there were more Brits winning, obviously, but it's not for me to be disappointed."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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