Ryan Peniston rues missed opportunity to play Andy Murray at Surbiton

Ryan Peniston rued a missed opportunity to set up a ‘special’ LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy quarter-final against Andy Murray after slipping to defeat against Australian Jason Kubler.

The British No. 7, who is supported by the LTA’s Pro Access Programme, was beaten 6-3 7-6(5) by Kubler in the last 16, dashing his hopes of competing in an all-British affair against the two-time Wimbledon champion on Friday.

Murray got the better of China’s Bu Yunchaokete, winning 7-6(1) 6-4 to continue his strong start to the grass court season.

Peniston, 27, says it would have meant a lot to take on a legend of the sport but admits Kubler was too clinical on the day.

He said: “It would definitely be special, it is one of my goals for sure to play against Andy in a match.

“We practice a lot together, he is a great guy to have around and practice with, but playing him in a match would be special.

“I am pretty happy with how I fought out there, Jason played really clinically and he was really tough to break on his serve.

“It was a tough match, but I am happy with how I fought, and I am already looking forward to next week.

“It has actually been quite a difficult year since last year’s grass season, but that is what happens in tennis, you have ups and down and I am just trying to see the positives out of it.

“I am looking forward to going to Nottingham next week and I am happy with how my game is going at the moment.”

Peniston enjoyed an excellent grass court season in 2022, making it past the first round at Wimbledon after reaching the quarter-finals at Queen’s and Eastbourne in successive weeks.

And he believes that experience will help him as the 2023 summer season gets underway.

He added: “I definitely feel different, I am taking the positives.

“I definitely feel a lot more comfortable, I got a lot of experience last year and it was so much fun.

“The grass season just makes me excited really.

“In Nottingham, I’ll just take it one match at a time and do my best.”

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