RYAN Peniston insists he will head to Nottingham on a high next week – despite his disappointment at missing out on facing Sir Andy Murray.

Peniston would have faced the three time Grand Slam winner in the quarter finals of the Surbiton Trophy had he beaten number five seed Jason Kubler in the last 16.

However, Peniston was beaten 6-3, 7-6 by the Australian in a match which lasted two hours.

And Peniston must now wait for the match he wants against Murray.

The 27-year-old told the Echo: “To play against Andy in a match is It’s one of my goals for sure.

“We practise a lot together and he’s a great guy to do that with but playing him in a match would be special.”

Peniston, who beat Jiri Vesely in the first round, went into his clash against world number 69 Kubler as the underdog.

But the former Southend High pupil was pleased with how hard he made Kubler work for his victory.

“I’m pretty happy with how I fought out there,” said Peniston.

“Jason was really clinical and really tough to break on his serve too.

“But it was a good match and I’m already looking forward to next week now.”

Peniston will again be looking to produce spirited performances at the Nottingham Open, which starts on Monday.

And he cannot wait to get back on court.

“I’m looking forward to going to Nottingham and I’m happy with how my game is at the moment,” said Peniston.

“I’ll take it one match at a time and do my best.”

That attitude worked well for Peniston last summer as he stormed to the quarter-finals at Queen’s and Eastbourne before reaching the second round of Wimbledon.

But that means Peniston could well under more pressure to perform this time around.

“I definitely do feel different but I take the positives and I feel more comfortable,” said Peniston.

“I got a lot of experience last year and it was so much fun so it just makes me excited.”

However Peniston was unable to build on last summer’s heroics as he was struck down by both injury and illness.

But the left hander fully understands the nature of the sport.

“It’s been quite a difficult year since last year’s grass season,” said Peniston.

“That’s what happens in tennis, you have ups and downs and you’ve got to see the positives.”