"I almost crashed, I was pretty pumped": Peniston reacts to finding out news of facing Andy Murray in all British clash at Wimbledon

Britain’s Ryan Peniston has revealed that he almost ‘crashed’ his car after being told that his Wimbledon’s first-round clash will be against the former world number one Andy Murray.

The third Grand Slam of the year will be played from 03 to 16 of July in London where the 27-year-old will face the two-time Wimbledon champion in the opening round.

Peniston stated that he became friends with Murray, whom he watched while growing up.

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“I was literally just driving from my girlfriend’s. I had a text from my coach, Mark. He just said, ‘Andy!’. It’s pretty cool. I almost crashed. I was pretty pumped,” he said. “I know Andy pretty well. We’ve become friends and we’ve practised quite a lot together. He’s a good guy.

“I grew up watching him, especially here. So it’s pretty special. I actually remember when he won it (in 2013), I was playing in Ilkley. They had it up on the big screen. I remember watching it and everyone was crowded around and it was a special moment.”

This will be Peniston’s only second appearance in the Wimbledon main round. His first was last year where he was knocked out in the second round by America’s Steve Johnson with a score of 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.

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Talking about his preparation for the clash this time around against the 36-year-old, which is likely to take place at the centre court, the Essex-born revealed how he will try to get ready for the big day.

“I’ve got to try and prepare for it,” he said. “I’ve never gone through that before. I think going out on Queen’s centre court might be a little bit similar so I can take some things from that. I will just try and go out there, get ready for it and give it my all.”