Jamie's bid for doubles glory over

JAMIE MURRAY'S bid to win back-to-back Wimbledon mixed doubles titles faltered at the penultimate hurdle .

Britain's doubles number one and new partner Leizel Huber looked on course to win their semi-final against Bob Bryan and Samantha Stosur after taking the first set in just 21 minutes. But their opponents fought back to claim the second set in a tie-break and, when Murray dropped his serve at a crucial moment, the experienced Bryan duly served out for a 2-6, 7-6 6-4 victory.

"It's really disappointing after the way we played the first set," said Jamie. "At the start of this week I never truly expected to defend my title but when you get this close, that starts to change and you start to believe in yourself.

"Despite losing I still think that was our best match of the tournament.

"Unfortunately, they played tough when it mattered."

Last year Murray won the mixed doubles title with Jelena Jankovic but he insists he's just as happy with fellow doubles specialist Huber.

He said: "We're probably one of the better teams and I'm definitely keen to partner her at the US Open."