Kei Nishikori dispatches Andy Murray in straight sets

Nishikori was too good for Murray

US Open finalist and World Tour finals debutant Kei Nishikori defeated Andy Murray in straight sets in the first match of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals which began earlier today in London at the O2 Arena.

After having a spectacular run leading up to this tournament, Murray was nowhere as good as he was in the previous few tournaments.

The match started off slowly with both players making a lot of unforced errors and double faults as well. Murray broke Nishikori in the 5th game to lead 3-2 courtesy of a Nishikori double fault, but two double faults in the next game saw the British hope get broken to love. Nishikori broke to wrap up the 47-minute opener 6-4.

The second set started off with Nishikori breaking Murray in his first service game. Murray fought back from 1-4 down to make it 4-4 but was not able to hold his serve at 4-5, thus making Nishikori win the second set and the match.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose the first match,” said Murray. “I would have liked to have done better. I didn't serve well enough today,” Murray added.

Result: Kei Nishikori (4) beat Andy Murray (5) : 6-4, 6-4