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Murray Crushed By Nadal In ATP Finals

Murray Crushed By Nadal In ATP Finals

Andy Murray has been defeated in his second ATP World Tour Finals group match, as an inspired Rafael Nadal wrapped up a comfortable 6-4 6-1 victory at the O2 in London.

The British No 1 raised a few fitness concerns ahead of the upcoming Davis Cup final as he stretched his leg out gingerly after rushing for the ball in the closing stages of a dominant win for Nadal, who took a big stride towards the semi-finals.

Few would have expected the dramatic slump from Murray after he seized a break in the opening game, but Nadal has repaired his fragile confidence during a difficult year and broke back immediately.

Murray strangely used scissors to snip his fringe during an interval, but it was Nadal who offered the cutting edge in many of the prolonged rallies and forced the Scot to repel two break points at 4-4.

The misfiring Murray serve was being continually pressured by Nadal and he finally forged a decisive break at 5-4 up, cushioning a backhand volley to seal the set.

As Nadal resumed his assault in the second set, Murray again fumbled with his serving and a double fault paved the way for another break.

The Spaniard was still not satisfied with his lead, breaking the Murray serve and his remaining resolve to open a commanding 5-1 advantage.

Murray then endured that uncomfortable moment as he appeared to tweak his hamstring while rushing to collect a drop shot.

There would be no sympathy from Nadal, who sealed victory with a fizzing forehand winner, leaving Murray with more work to do in his final match against Stan Wawrinka if he wants to qualify from the group.