Andy Murray showed just how desperately he needs to find a coach as he was knocked out of the Hamburg Masters by James Blake.

The British No 2 has been without a trainer since he sacked Mark Petchey and the lack of guidance was evident as he struggled to find any rhythm in his serve. Blake, the American world No 7, easily took advantage of the Scot's shortcomings to record a 6-3 6-3 victory.

Murray was broken in the first game but responded well. A cool drop shot set up two break opportunities, and Blake’s long forehand on the second of those secured the break back.

The American went 3-2 up on Murray’s serve as the 19-year-old got an unlucky deflection off the netcord and an unforced error in the seventh game saw Blake take the third break point on offer. Although Murray broke to make it 5-3, his opponent hit back to close out the set, winning it with a backhand volley after charging to the net.

Frustration really began to set in in the second set as a series of unforced errors led to Murray swiping his racket across the ground. He was quickly 2-0 down but an inspired cross-court helped him make it 2-1. Again the serve let Murray down as Blake broke back to restore the two-game advantage.

The final three games went with serve, and Murray’s ironic celebrations at securing only his second service game at 5-3 down said it all.

Blake then took the first of three match points on serve to book a third-round meeting with Croatia’s Mario Ancic.