Kei Nishikori demolished Andy Murray at his Barclays ATP World Tour Finals debut.
Fourth seed Nishikori, a winner of four ATP World Tour titles in six finals this year, defeated fifth seed Murray 6-4, 6-4 in the first match of Group B play at the O2 Arena in London.
It was the Japanese star’s first victory in his fourth meeting against Murray.
After an exhausting six-week schedule that saw him play 23 matches and win three titles to earn his place in London, it seemed like Murray could not carry that form into his opening match.
Murray now faces a tough task to claim one of the two semi-final places from Group B.
Another Group B Match saw six-time former champion Roger Federer avenge his recent loss to Milos Raonic, with a 6-1, 7-6(o) victory.
The second round of matches will see Federer take on Nishikori with Murray up against Raonic.
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