Scot will be 'honoured' to bow to the Queen

Murray, 23, sparked fears of embarrassment for British tennis bosses after suggesting he had not yet decided whether to make the gesture if he played in front of the Queen on Centre Court this Thursday.

But sources close to the tennis star said yesterday it was "resoundingly obvious" that the British No 1 would bow.

It will be the monarch's first visit since 1977 and players have been given the choice whether to make the gesture when they take to the court.

Murray had told a pre-tournament press conference: "It should be personal preference. I'll have to wait and see. I'll have a chat with the guys.

"I don't want to be bowing and the person I'm playing with walk straight past or the other way around. You need to have an agreement before you go on. I'll have to speak to the organisers."

But a source close to the player said last night: "This whole thing has got out of hand – of course he will bow. Andy would see it as a massive honour."

Murray, who will start his campaign against world No 80 Jan Hajek on Court One today, also attempted to clear up the issue via his Twitter page by saying: "Few stories about me not bowing to the Queen if I play in front of her. Not the case, would be an honour and privilege, of course I'll bow."

First, he must get past Hajek and how British tennis could do with some good news following what was a poor opening day.

All of the British women in action lost their first-round matches, leaving only four British players alive in the tournament.

Hull's Katie O'Brien did at least deserve some credit for the way in which she battled against 28th seed Alona Bondarenko, but she followed the likes of Elena Baltacha, Melanie South and Laura Robson who all lost their first-round games.

Murray will now lead fellow Britons Jamie Baker, Heather Watson and Anne Keothavong into battle this afternoon hoping for better results.

Elsewhere on a dramatic opening day, defending champion Roger Federer narrowly avoided falling victim to the biggest upset in Wimbledon history as he fought back from two sets down to defeat Colombian Alejandro Falla.