Bloodied, belligerent, beaten, Andy Murray refuses to accept he’s lost it

British tennis star Andy Murray's defeat at the final of the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles has prompted concern from former tennis players and sports psychologists alike.

Bloodied, belligerent, and beaten, Murray, however refused to accept his own mistakes, instead punishing his body in an extreme - and some say - worrying outburst.

It may be recalled that Murray punched his own racket with his right hand and  kicked his racket, damaging it in the process. At other points of the match, he kicked a ball into the net, and swore at himself.

Despite at one stage reaching match point, the Scot was outplayed in three sets by the young American hopeful, Sam Querrey.

While the loss of even a low-ranking tournament will have understandably been disappointing for Murray, it is the nature of his performance that has raised eyebrows.

"I think these kind of outbursts are impeding Andy's game, they are not conducive to playing well," said Amanda Owens, a former British tennis international who runs a psychology consultancy.

Owens suggested Murray's behaviour appeared disconcerting.

"When it reaches the stage when you're bloodying your hand, it's almost self-harm," she reasoned.

She added: "He sees red and he's unable to control those emotions. It's a bit worrying."

The defeat means nine months have now passed since the world number four has won a title, and experts believe that sense of frustration is now threatening to disrupt his preparations for future events.

Dr Martin Perry, another leading sports psychologist, said: "At Murray's age, I think he will know only too well his own behaviour and psychology. At 17 or 18, it can be difficult to recognise and control your emotional triggers, but Murray is maturing."

Jeremy Bates, the former Davis Cup captain, added: "I don't think aggression or anger hinders Andy's game.”