Andy Murray opened up his campaign at the ATP World Tour Finals by defeating Spain’s David Ferrer 6-4, 6-4.
This year is that first time in Murray’s career that he has gone into the year-end tournament as the second seed after a solid year where he has won four titles with a win-loss of 68-12 leading into this week’s tournament. In comparison Ferrer has won 4 ATP titles this year but 12 matches less than the 28-year-old .
Murray started the match tentatively as he faced a break point at the start of the match before eventually holding his serve. The slow start by the two-time Grand Slam champion improved in the following couple games as Ferrer appeared initially solid with his serve. Murray had a shot of breaking to lead 3-1 but was unable to capitalise. The Brit also had three chances during a lengthy 8th game to break to move ahead 5-3 but was unable to convert any of them against a determined 33-year-old Ferrer.
After squandering four break points during the opening set, Murray pounced at the right moment. As Ferrer served trailing 4-5, a superb backhand volley from the Brit was rewarded with his first first set point. The set was then gifted to Murray with a costly double fault from the Spaniard, triggering a big cheer from the London crowd.
Leading into the match Murray has a 59-0 win-loss after winning the first set however that daunting figure didn’t faze Ferrer. After taking advantage of Ferrer’s nightmare end to the first set, Murray came abruptly under attack from the Spaniard at the start of the second set with Fereer breaking to love. The offensive against Murray from Ferrer continued as the 33-year-old intensified his aggression on the court to maintain his advantage. Despite trailing the Brit once again found a way to claw himself back. A deep cross-court forehand forced his opponent to return the ball into the net as he broke back to level at 3-3.
After Murray grabbed the crucial break back, Ferrer faced his biggest test yet by serving to stay in the match. As the pressure mounted, Ferrer was unable to get a first serve in to enable Murray to dominate the rallies. This fragility in the Spaniard’s game allowed Murray to easily maneuvered his way to his first match point as Ferrer hit an erratic backhand wide. The world No.2 took the victory will a smash at the net.
The victory is Murray’s fifth consecutive win over Ferrer as he extends his overall head-to-head to 12-6. Following his won, Murray gave his assessment on the match during his on-court interview.
“it was a tough match, a lot of long rallies. he fought all the way until the end and made it really difficult for me”. Murray said.
“He (Ferrer) didn’t serve well, which helped me”. Murray admitted.
The next match for Murray will play either Rafael Nadal or this year’s French Open champion Stan Wawrinka.
