Murray in must-win match with Milos Raonic in ATP Finals Group B

Rising Japan star Kei Nishikori inflicted a straightforward defeat on Andy Murray in the opening match of the ATP World Tour Finals, but the outcome was perhaps not that surprising after a hectic recent schedule.

The Scot enjoyed a superb run up to this competition, winning three titles in six weeks to confirm his place for the event at London’s O2 Arena, but he had to play a total of 23 matches in that time.

But it is not all over for 16/1 title fifth-favourite Murray, as he still faces two more Group B tests, with Milos Raonic (50/1) next up. However, the British number one has a losing 1-3 record (not counting walkovers) against the tall Canadian, who is a decent 13/8 chance to beat Murray again.

Their last two head-to-heads have gone to three sets in favour of Raonic, so back him at 7/2 to win 2-1 once more.

New world number six Murray, though, is still the odds-on favourite with Coral at 1/2 for victory, and is a more enticing 5/4 to do so in straight sets, as he did at the 2012 US Open against Montenegrin-born Raonic. This match is on the same surface, albeit indoors.

Following Murray’s loss to Nishikori, he wrote in his BBC Sport column: “It’s disappointing to start with a loss at such a big tournament but I’m still in the competition, and it just gives me another challenge at the end of a tough year.

“The ATP World Tour Finals are for the top eight players, so I wouldn’t go into any match just expecting to win, and Kei Nishikori has had a great year.

“I felt good in practice but sometimes it doesn’t happen for you out on the match court, and after a 6-4 6-4 defeat, now I have to try and win my next two matches – and win them well.

“I’ll need to play better than I did on Sunday if I’m going to extend my week at the O2,” Murray added. “That’s the nice thing about the round-robin though – if this was another event I’d be going home, but I still have an opportunity to get back into the tournament.”