Fist fury and worries over Murray

Andy Murray would not be where he is in tennis were he not a highly competitive individual who sets himself high standards.

However, Murray's latest defeat has prompted a flurry of concern over his behaviour on court and what it says about his mental state.

The star repeatedly pounded his racket with his clenched fist leaving his knuckles bleeding. This behaviour led to Amanda Owens, a former British tennis international and psychology consultant, to suggest Murray is indulging in something close to self-harm.

All those who look to greater things from Scotland's greatest tennis player may be concerned about his state of mind - his recent defeats led him to part company with most of the 'Team Murray' coaching staff - but we hope Ms Owens is proved wrong.

The changes to what has, up until now, been a successful team, show that Murray is aware something is wrong in his game, but identifying exactly what when he is so close to glory is no easy task.

But fist-pounding to the point of spilling blood does not bode well in a sport where poise and control are just as essential as strength and aggression. Murray is his own harshest critic but this just hands opponents an advantage.