Jamie Murray and Max Mirnyi wasted a strong start to crash out of the Hamburg Masters doubles at the first hurdle this afternoon.

The Scot and his Belarussian playing partner required just a single break of serve to take the opening set 7-5 against Michael Llodra and Julien Benneteau.

French duo Llodra and Benneteau - ranked 13th and 32nd in the ATP's doubles rankings, respectively - hit back strongly, however, to break their opponents three times and claim the second 6-3.

And they carried that form into the decisive tie break, winning 10-7 to seal a second-round meeting with Jonas Bjorkman and Kevin Ullyett.