Andy Murray believes that his early Queen’s exit could actually bolster his chances of defending his Wimbledon title.
The Scot’s 6-7 2-6 defeat to world number 42, Radek Stepanek, on Thursday was his first defeat on grass since his Wimbledon final loss to Roger Federer in 2012.
Despite the negatives of the loss, the defeat does give Murray some time to recharge his batteries ahead of Wimbledon, after a frenetic few months of tennis.
The 27-year-old said: “It looks like I’ll be heading to Wimbledon a little earlier than planned after losing to Radek at Queen’s.
“I’d never say it’s a blessing in disguise – I don’t enjoy losing and I messed up that first set by missing so many set points – but at least I now get the chance to give my body a bit of a break.
“I’ve played a lot of tennis over the past few weeks after reaching the French Open semi-finals and I’ll have a rest on Friday and Saturday before getting back on the practice court at Wimbledon on Sunday.”
The defeat will actually give the current world number five more time to become acquainted with new coach, Amelie Mauresmo, and although he would have liked a fourth Queen’s title, victory at Wimbledon is the obvious goal.
Murray is currently priced at 4.70 to retain his crown.
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