ANDY MURRAY supplied the Centre Court crowd with a shower of reality on a burning late afternoon at Wimbledon.

In the end the British number one progressed solidly enough to the second round with a 7-5 6-7 6-3 6-4 victory against American journeyman Robert Kendrick.

But it was a performance sprinkled with uncertainty and tension.

One to douse expectation, rather than fuel the history-making hype which has accompanied his preparations for Wimbledon so far. And perhaps that is no bad thing.

Indeed, as the odd Union Jacks fluttered and the painted saltires glistened on perspiring foreheads the fluctuating moods of elation and apprehension were reminiscent of Tim Henman at his frustrating best. Or should that be worst.

John McEnroe called it a "B performance" from Murray, compared to the "A performance" served up by Roger Federer on the opening day.

And McEnroe’s verdict hit the spot, although Murray hardly gave the impression of a worried man.

He said: "I was disappointed to lose the second set. I had chances and didn’t take them. I was expecting him to come out with some big shots and he served well. It was a tough match.

"But in the whole match he had two break points on my serve so I wasn’t giving him too many opportunities. It was easy to stay calm. Sometimes on grass it takes longer to get the breakthrough. It was not an easy match and staying calm was a big part of that."

Murray is the only British man to survive the first round, but he feels no additional pressure at having to fly the lone flag.

"It’s not great. It’s disappointing. It’s not acceptable," said Murray.

"I’m not picking out the players because some of them played well but they are not at the same level as some of the other guys so when the tight moments come they don’t play well.

"I’m not worried about what those guys are doing, I’m worrying about my own game. I just take care of my own business."