Press Association

Praise for Murray following defeat

Tennis fans in Dunblane have heaped praise on Andy Murray after their local hero bowed out of Wimbledon for another year following a nail biting semi-final clasSupporters in Andy Murray's home town cheered on the tennis star as he aimed to became the first Briton in 71 years to reach the men's singles final at the All-England Club.

But despite losing out in the four-set epic to American Andy Roddick, residents in the Scottish town were full of confidence that the 22-year-old could one day go all the way and lift the trophy.

David McFarlane, 60, was watching the match from the Dunblane Youth and Sports Centre, which was crammed full of supporters backing the British number one.

Mr McFarlane said he joined the town's tennis club in 1964 and has played with some of the senior members of the Murray clan over the years.

Speaking after the match, he said he was sure Murray would reach the final one day.

He said: "I'm a wee bit disappointed, but at the same time very proud of him because to get to a semi-final at Wimbledon was absolutely magic.

"I think he's done really well. He's only 22 and I think he will go and win it yet."