Brydan Klein accepted he had no answer to commanding Andreas Seppi as the Kingston-based British number five was taken apart in straight sets – but doubts his conqueror has enough to see off Andy Murray.
Australian-born Klein was overpowered by Murray’s possible third round opponent as the 25-year-old lost 6-3 6-2 6-2 to the classy Italian.
Klein, who hit himself around the head with his racket in a frustrating third set, said: “He would give Andy a good game but I would back Murray to get through.
“Seppi has given Novak Djokovic a good match recently but I think Andy is a solid player.
“I didn’t really feel comfortable on court today, I wasn’t steady on my feet. He’s a top player and played to his level.
“I would have liked to play better. I was trying to stay relaxed and focus but I needed to take my frustration out a little – I wanted to let something out. I tried not to be rude or argue, I just wanted to let some tension out.
“He was just too good, I didn’t feel that tired and I didn’t struggle with the heat, I just was uncomfortable. It wasn’t my best day to put it mildly.”
Experienced Seppi, ranked 27 in the world, was masterful and didn’t let the British hopeful have a minute to settle.
The 31-year-old’s aggression and near faultless serve proved too difficult for Klein to defend against, as he exits Wimbledon at the first round, failing to build on last year when he went a stage further.
“I am really starting to feel the support,” he added.
“I felt the crowd wanting to get going and get behind me but I didn’t give them a chance to.
“He surpressed me and the crowd. I didn’t get a chance to bite into the match, I didn’t get a sniff.”
Feature image of Brydan Klein courtesy of British Tennis, via Youtube, with thanks
