British stars out of Australian Open

British pair Andy Murray & Emma Raducanu have been knocked out of the Australian Open in the second round in Melbourne.

After battling through his epic first round match against Nikoloz Basilashvili, former Wimbledon Champion Murray was beaten in straight sets by Japan’s Taro Daniel on Wednesday 6-4 6-4 6-4. The former World No 1 is now ranked 113^th but will be bitterly disappointed to bow out of the Grand Slam against the Japanese qualifier. The 34 year-old had signalled his intention to ‘go deep’ in Melbourne but will now have to wait for opportunities in Paris & Wimbledon before finding out if he can still challenge for major titles.

There was also disappointment for British number one Emma Raducanu who lost in three sets to Danka Kovinic on Margaret Court Arena. The US Open Champion looked to be in ominous form as she stormed into a 3-0 lead in the opening set before needing treatment for a blister on her hand. She went on to lose the first set but showed great resilience in the second set to level the match. However, the 19-year-old was clearly bothered by her hand injury and eventually fell to a 6-4 4-6 6-3 defeat.

The only remaining British hope in the singles draw is Dan Evans who progressed to the third round after his opponent Arthur Rinderknech withdrew from their match with a wrist injury. The 24^th seed will now play Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime on Saturday.