MERCILESS MURRAY TICKS ALL THE BOXES

Andy turns on style for inspirational onlookers

- Matthew DUNN

ANDY MURRAY was in no mood for an old pals' act as he earned an emotional win against Ryan Peniston on Centre Court.

Since the Battle of the Brits exhibition match put on during Covid, the two-times Wimbledon champion has been a friend, hitting partner and fantasy football combatant with Essex-based Peniston.

But after a shaky start, there was no mercy shown as Murray rattled off a 6-3 6-0 6-1 win against the world No.268 in a minute over two hours.

It was not quite the Murray of his 2016 vintage best but some of the old traits were there, perhaps inspired by a special presence alongside the Princess of Wales and Roger Federer.