Wimbledon 2010: Andy Murray column

Highlights - Murray sees off Hajek in first round

By Andy Murray
World number four and British number one

There's no escaping nerves in the first round at Wimbledon but I played well for 90% of my opening match against a tough opponent.

I feel better if I'm nervous anyway, it's a really good thing because it shows that you've got something to play for and that you really care.

It was a tricky start as Hajek began very well and there were a couple of games early on where I was a little bit tentative, but that's kind of normal and once I got ahead I started to play a lot better.

I hadn't seen him play before and when you're facing someone new you don't quite know which side to play to - and if you're going to slice or change the pace you need to know which side you're going to do that to.

As the match went on I got more used to his game style and played better, I started to strike the ball cleaner.

Nieminen's very good - he nearly beat Roddick a few weeks ago at the French and he's got a lot of experience, moves well, and there are not too many holes in his game

I've been hitting the ball really, really well in practice and I served well at the beginning of the match, which is something I'm going to need to do if I want to go deep in the tournament.

And being on Court One for my first match was a good experience as it was the first time I'd played there during Wimbledon since I beat Radek Stepanek in my first year in 2005.

I have played on there in the Davis Cup against Croatia and Austria and it's actually a really nice court to play on.

After the match I did a couple of hours of press and was hoping to get back to see at least the second half of the Argentina game.

Being at home does make a huge difference in switching off, that's for sure. Once I get back I can just watch the football or some DVDs and be around my family.

As for Wednesday, I'm practising at 1pm so hoping I'll get back in time for the England game, but I'll definitely be watching the evening matches.

My focus will switch to the second round and Jarkko Nieminen, and I'll chat to my coach Miles about that on Thursday.

Miles went out to watch the end of the match between Nieminen and Koubek and saw the fourth set. He's done a little bit of scouting and on Wednesday I'll try and practice with a lefty to try and get used to the serve, as the spin that they put on the ball is a little bit different.

Nieminen's very good - he nearly beat Roddick a few weeks ago at the French and he's got a lot of experience, moves well, and there are not too many holes in his game. I'll need to play well to beat him.

It was nice to play on Court One but if I'm chosen to play on Centre Court in front of The Queen on Thursday it will definitely be something special.

That's probably not going to happen too often in my career, if ever again, so I want to be prepared as best as possible and hopefully I'll put on a good performance. I'll be practising my bowing in front of the mirror on Wednesday night!

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Andy Murray was talking to Piers Newbery and will be contributing regular columns to BBC Scotland throughout Wimbledon 2010.

For all the latest news on Andy, visit his new website www.andymurray.com