Andy Murray exited the French Open after losing to Nicolas Almagro in a lively encounter this afternoon.

The British number one was the outsider coming into the third round match, with Almagro having claimed two titles on the surface earlier in the year - and the Spaniard's booming serve and forehand were creating gaps in Murray's armour. After such a positive display against Acasuso, the world number eleven could do nothing else, but sit back and wait for Almagro to relent.

The second set allowed Murray to dictate play considerably more, and he held serve with significant ease compared to the first set. Both players produced some outstanding tennis, but it was Murray who held his nerve in the tense tie-break which ensued.

Momentum had swung in the Scot's favour and he raced to a 3-1 lead in the third set, with some superb serve and volley play at critical moments. Unfortunately for Murray, his opponent started to find his range, and Almagro racked up five games on the bounce to seal the third set.

Almagro was displaying his powerful repertoire of shots, his forehand finding its mark with impressive regularity. A late and passionate fightback from Murray allowed for an exciting ending, but Almagro blistered a backhand pass to seal the match and his passage into the fourth round.

Murray comments on his defeat
I think I proved I'm a good clay court player. You saw by the way that he reacted at the end of the match that it was a tough match.

To win against me on clay, it is a very good result - I'm not someone that's going to be taken lightly on this surface in the future.

I believe that I'm going to be one of the top players on clay in a couple years. I just need a bit more experience, a bit more strength and understanding of how to play and I'll be up there with the best players.

Murray looks ahead to Wimbledon
I want to try to win the tournament. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but I believe that if I play my best tennis, I can win.

I've won against a lot of the top players. Not as many guys play so well on grass. If you can get through the first few rounds and work your way into the tournament, there's no reason why not.

Match Statistics (1 image)

He didn't play poorly, did you watch the match?

He matched one of the best claycourters on tour for the majority of the match, and he was outplaying him in spells.

Don't understand your opinions sometimes.

Yeh same here Murray played really well and deserved to win that was a great match though which Almagro was lucky to win.

yep and the turning point in the match was when Murray was leading 3-2 but then got broken in that long deuce.

Yeh and that's what I expect I think he should get to last 4 in queens and last 8 at Wimbledon then that would be a great grass court season for Murray.

every time the same...he wins a little bit,and then he looses a match which he should win....

yeh same old Andy.