Question of desire after worst start in history by the Brits

There were three more first round defeats yesterday – Jamie Baker in the men's singles, Anne Keothavong and Heather Watson in the women's event – bringing the total to seven in two days. Murray is the last surviving representative of the host country at the world's most illustrious tennis tournament.

Before succumbing to rampant pessimism, it is only fair to praise the British No 1's disciplined 7-5 6-1 6-2 defeat of Jan Hajek from the Czech Republic on Court 1. Murray began a trifle hesitantly, falling behind 4-2 as his opponent showed a deft touch on volley and drop shot.

Any fears that we were in for a repeat of Roger Federer's trials on the opening day were soon dispelled, however, as the Scot clicked into a higher gear and moved onwards with a sweetness of timing which boded well for the rest of the fortnight. How ironic if the worst ever British start could be followed by – whisper it – the men's title which has eluded Britain since 1936.

But reality draws me back to our dismal start, and in particular to the performances of Elena Baltacha and Anne Keothavong. Baltacha, previously full of spirit and determination against Petra Martic, wavered when she served for victory in the second set and never regained her dominance.

Keothavong, stylish and personable, led Anastasia Rodionova 4-0 in the final set and did not win another game. Both players spoke of pressure.

"I'm human, not a machine," said Baltacha.

"Nerves got the better of me," said Keothavong .

It was another instance of the old adage that it is not so much the strokes which decide a tennis match, but what goes on between the ears. By the same token, while coaches cannot win contests for their players they can instil things like belief and composure in critical moments.

Why do so many of our British players see the finishing post as an obstacle rather than an incentive? You don't see this hesitancy in the success-hungry, steely-eyed competitors from Eastern Europe. Hopefully, winning is a habit that can be instilled into our next generation of contenders, such as Laura Robson and Heather Watson. Or maybe I am over-simplifying a problem which has been tormenting the Lawn Tennis Association and its many coaches for years.

Can you manufacture players who do not waver with victory in sight? Ultimately, I always fall back on the words of Fred Perry on what it takes to make a tennis champion.

"Talent, purpose and a bit of luck in the right place at the right time," he once told me. "But you can't manufacture champions. It's the player who wants it badly enough who comes through."

So, do our young players want it badly enough? Particularly at Wimbledon …