Rusedski misses out on a record pay day

Mario Ancic, who destroyed Tim Henman's Wimbledon dream earlier this year, snatched a record-breaking winner's cheque of £250,000 from Greg Rusedski's grasp in the final of the Superset Tennis event at Wembley Arena.

Croatian giant Ancic picked up the biggest ever pay-day for a single-set tournament, winning last night's final 11-9. It meant Rusedski, who has enjoyed a roller coaster year, went away with nothing for all his efforts.

The one-day tournament, only the second of its kind in world tennis, drew a large crowd and featured the use of Hawkeye technology to allow players to contest line calls.

Andrew Murray, the US Open boys' champion, had been called up at short notice as a replacement for the injured Henman but found former great John McEnroe in sparkling form. Murray held his serve at the third attempt to win his only game of their firstround match.

However, McEnroe had kind words for the youngster.

"I think he was in a little bit over his head because he isn't used to this sort of occasion," McEnroe told the 7,000 crowd. "I'm not getting better but I'm still pretty good. I work hard at my game and want to play well.

"Andy's going to be a good player but I wanted to show him the old guy had something left."

Murray said: "He played pretty well. I didn't expect him to be as good as he was. He served well and showed he is still quick around the net."