The Scot was two sets to one up overnight when the 11pm curfew came into play but he was unable to complete the job, with fifth seed Tsitsipas fighting back to win 7-6 (3) 6-7 (2) 4-6 7-6 (3) 6-4.

He was unlucky to face a top seed so soon, and there were many positive aspects to his performance, but he would have fancied his chances against Tsitsipas on grass and this defeat will be a tough one to take.

The game started under the roof on Thursday, but when the players returned to Centre Court on the hottest day of the tournament so far, there were blue skies above.

Murray had sparked alarm right at the end of the set by screaming in pain and going down clutching his left groin but he practised as normal ahead of the match and there was no sign of any discomfort.

The windy conditions may have contributed to more mistakes from both players than in the first part of the match, while nerves were also likely to play a role as the contest drew to a close.

Tsitsipas’ backhand leaked a substantial number of errors but his serve was again working beautifully and Murray was unable to force a break point, the 36-year-old smacking the net in frustration as another close game got away.

He had clearly been eager to avoid the lottery of another tie-break and, in a repeat of the first-set shoot-out, it was Tsitsipas who won the final four points.

Murray’s strategy to relentlessly probe the Greek’s backhand was perhaps becoming a little predictable, and he was in serious trouble when Tsitsipas created three break points in the third game of the deciding set, taking the third to break serve for the first time.

Willed on by the crowd, Murray tried to find a way back but Tsitsipas continued to serve very strongly.

The home favourite still had hope as he saved two match points, but he converted his third chance with his 17th ace to advance to the third round, where he will face Laslo Djere.