Andy Murray stops for haircut during Rafa Nadal match

Andy Murray took drastic action in his second match at the ATP Tour Finals on Wednesday when the British No1 used the change of ends as an opportunity to give his hair a quick trim.

Having comfortably beaten David Ferrer in his opener on Monday, Murray faced former world No1 and 14-time Grand Slam champion Rafa Nadal on Wednesday knowing that a victory would virtually assure his place in the semi-finals.

However, after both players had traded breaks in the first two games and with Murray looking agitated, the Scot took the his chance during the change of ends to cut a few strands of hair from the front of his head before returning to court.

The decision appeared to have the desired effect as he held serve for the first time in the following game, although he would eventually lose the first set 6-4 – and the match (6-4, 6-1).

However, Murray is not the first sportsman to have an impromptu haircut while in action. In December 2013, Tom Huddlestone finally ended his two-year run without a goal in Hull's 6-0 thrashing of Fulham by having a clump of hair cut out on the pitch. The England midfielder had made a vow not cut his hair until he scored again.

But boxer Paulie Malignaggi, who was known for a number of weird and wacky haircuts during his career, went a step further. Having gone into his fight against Lovemore Ndou in 2008 with hair extensions, the American asked trainer Buddy McGirt to intervene when the braided weave obstructed his vision and went on to win the fight on a split decision.

Guardian services