In your court: Watson out, so Murray shoulders UK hopes again

The 20-year-old, who became the first British woman to make it to the third round in a decade, was defeated 6-0 6-2 by world number three Agnieszka Radwanska.

Watson put up a valiant defence, but her departure means Britain has no women left in the tournament and the nation’s hopes now rest firmly on the shoulders of Andy Murray.

After breaking down in tears after she was knocked out last year, Watson kept her emotions in check during her post-match interview but admitted: “I held it till I got off the court, and then was just a bit, you know, let it all out.”

Murray is due to play Marcos Baghdatis on centre court today.

And after the shock exit of Rafa Nadal – who defeated the Scot in the semi-finals in the past two previous years – odds on the Scot to win Wimbledon have been slashed.

Meanwhile Wimbledon’s strict dress code came into play yesterday as one player was told to change his shoes before he could begin a match.

Radek Stepanek was ordered by the umpire to change his bright red and blue footwear before he could start his third round match against top seed Novak Djokovic on centre court. The All England club requires that players at Wimbledon wear “predominantly white”.

However, the scene will be somewhat different when the club hosts the Olympics tennis tournament when the requirement for white clothing will be gone, as will the club’s traditional dark green backdrop.

Instead, spectators can expect a rainbow of hues as players will be allowed to wear outfits in the colours of their home nation.