Andy Murray aware his career may not get the ‘perfect ending’ he would like after Brit suffers first round exit at the French Open

Andy Murray accepts he may not get the fairytale ending his incredible career deserves.

“There is no perfect ending in most scenarios,” he said on Sunday evening after his direct defeat to Stan Wawrinka.

‘I would like to win a match or tournament, but for most players that doesn’t really happen.’

The 37-year-old plays doubles here with Dan Evans and will return to singles on the grass in Surbiton next week.

Wawrinka handed Andy Murray a 6-4 6-4 6-2 first-round defeat in the first round, bringing a premature end to what is likely to be the Briton’s final Grand Slam appearance on clay.

The Swiss came into the clash having won two of the duo’s three matches at the Major, including a grueling five-setter in the 2017 semi-finals from which Murray’s creaking hip never recovered and ultimately forced him into surgery.

After sending Murray four straight sets in the opening round four years ago, the 39-year-old Wawrinka shot out of the blocks again in the duo’s 23rd career meeting by grabbing a break in the first game.

The 2015 champion wrapped up the opening set after some great serves, plunging into the third game of the second set with a series of heavy single-handed backhands from the baseline to increase the pressure on Murray.

Murray, who at 37 has said he is unlikely to play beyond the summer, received a wave of on-court support from Philippe Chatrier and fought on but could not prevent fellow three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka had two sets ahead.

A medical timeout for Wawrinka’s left calf problem delayed the start of the third set, but 2016 runner-up Murray’s move was also in jeopardy due to an apparent leg problem that allowed his opponent to run away with the match.