Murray wins first match as world number 1

It also allowed Wimbledon champion Murray to erase the memory of his US Open quarter-final loss to Nishikori in September. Their latest matchup set a record.

Andy Murray is closing in on his first semi-final appearance in four years at the ATP World Tour Finals after battling from a set down to beat Kei Nishikori in the round-robin stage.

They needed 3 hours, 20 minutes, to separate themselves. He stepped up a gear and broke Cilic twice as he took the set 6-2.

In the next match of the ATP World Tours Finals of England the Britain No.1 player Andy Murray going to chase Kei Nishikori.

Murray took over at the top of the rankings last week, replacing Djokovic.

But he was no match for the 26-year-old, who was sacked up to make amends for his loss in NY, where he reached his only major final in 2014.

“It was a great reception obviously. I managed to get enough breaks to win it”, Murray said afterwards. “We’ll see definitely how things are going to play out”, the Croat said.

Murray was unconvincing early on in his opening match against Cilic but improved markedly and played an excellent second set.

“He moves the ball around extremely well, better than anyone maybe”. It wasn’t easy because I wasn’t able to dictate numerous points, it felt. But not in the first couple of sets.

“Obviously, I need to get into the rhythm on the serve”, said Cilic. I feel OK right now, but it’s the following day when you feel it often.

Novak Djokovic struggled through a pair of tough tiebreaks on Tuesday to book the first semi-final spot at the World Tour Finals with 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-5) over Milos Raonic. It is always never easy to play against him.

An 85-minute war of a first set culminated in an incredible tiebreak that, despite both men having multiple set points, ended with Nishikori coming out on top 11-9.

There were more signs of the form that has brought Murray such success this year as the second set unfolded. Nishikori tied it at 4-4.

“Like I said, for the event and everyone interested in tennis, I’m sure that would be the most exciting way to finish the year”.

Andy Murray has not missed its debut as world No. 1.

Wawrinka saved one set point in the first set, and dominated the tiebreaker.

Deposed top dog Djokovic could snatch the top rung back if he performs better than Murray in London, but Cilic believes that with the momentum the Scot has, he will take some stopping.