Murray, the last British hope in a troubled Australian summer

Zee Media Bureau/Jayanta Oinam

New Delhi: It seems British fans this Australian summer will be a disappointed lot. The travelling British fans, under the pseudonym Barmy Army, will continue to endure further heartbreaks and disappointment as the focus now shifts from cricket to tennis. Interestingly, both the sports were originated in England while the rest of the world were coping with ignominy and non-existent dominions. Forget the Ashes whitewash, by the time the first day of Australian Open 2014 comes to a close, there will be only one British left standing, in Scot Andy Murray. Day 1 of the season opening Grand Slam witnessed both the British women players showing the exit. First, Heather Watson bowing out to Daniela Hantuchova, seeded 31 here. The British No.3 did manage to take a set from the Slovakian, losing the match 5-7, 6-3 and 3-6. In a match lasting just under three hours, the British starlet who is often hailed as yet another tennis hope, played some exhilarating games matching her higher ranked opponent. However, 21-year-old failed to keep her momentum in the deciding set, thus losing the match. Watson`s departure was followed by a rather lopsided performance from Laura Robson. The British No.1, pitted against the 18th seed Kirsten Flipkens, failed to measure to the class and experience of her Belgian opponent. The 19-year-old former Junior Wimbledon Champion lasted just 50 minutes, losing the match 3-6, 0-6. However, like the last few years, the British hopes will be on their man-friday, Andy Murray. The Scots will take on Japanese Go Soeda, ranked 112 in the world in his campaign opener on Tuesday. Then it goes without saying, the pressure will be huge on the No.4 seeded.