Murray endures rare losing feeling in humble county match

World number three Andy Murray traded the glamour of the world's biggest tennis stages for the more humble surrounds of a modest local tournament, and ended on the losing side, British media reported yesterday.

North of Scotland found themselves short of players for their county week clash against Hertfordshire at Eastbourne on Wednesday and Murray, ranked below only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the world stage, volunteered his services.

The 22-year-old Scot interrupted preparations for the US hardcourt season to play three doubles matches on a modest line of grasscourts.

He and his partner won all three contests but it was not enough for the Scottish side, which also featured Andy's brother Jamie, from going down 5-4 in the all-doubles event.

"I know pretty much all these guys from junior days," Andy Murray said.

"I don't get to see them too often and when Jamie said they needed us, I wasn't doing anything so it was an easy decision to come and play."