Jamie Murray is happier now. On, and off, the court

“I’ve tried to juggle the two so that I don’t have to miss the (Tour Finals) but also give myself a good chance of playing well in the Davis Cup”, said Murray who was beaten in the Paris Masters final on Sunday by Novak Djokovic.

As part of his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the world number one travelled to Belgrade in September to visit one of the child-friendly spaces that has been set up to support a few of the thousands of refugees and migrants travelling through Serbia.

Murray and Peers looked confident from the off and deservedly took the opening set on a tie-break after seeing a set point go begging in the 10th game.

“I’ve had many humanitarian or charity activities in my life”.

“I was on the Tube at 8.30 this morning”, the elder Murray said. “The movements and stresses are different from those on grass courts and I am the first to admit that I do not react or adapt well to them”, said Murray during a break in training. “I mean, it’s awful what’s happening”.

The statistics of Djokovic’s season get more impressive by the day and he needed only 65 minutes to defeat Nishikori 6-1 6-1 and register a 23rd consecutive win. The Scot will have to contend with Stan Wawrinka who dispatched Murray at the US Open 2 years ago. He is unbeaten since 2012 and is bidding to become the first player to win four successive World Tour Finals titles.

“The preparations have been tricky, it’s never going to be flawless, but, you know, I would have signed up to be in this situation at the end of the year in comparison to last year and hopefully I can play a few good tennis here and the Davis Cup”.

“Reflecting back on those memories of course gives me more confidence, more comfort coming into every single match”.

Nishikori has qualified for the tournament for a second straight year but he is struggling with an abdominal problem.

The Japanese player said: “H e played unbelievable tennis. I’m very ashamed with this score, but I have two more matches”. For Andy and Jamie Murray, however, greater glory will be at stake in 11 days’ time, when the brothers spearhead Britain’s quest for a first triumph in the Davis Cup for 79 years. “We both wanted a bit of a change, a fresh start”.

“I don’t want to put pressure on but they should win this tie eight out of ten times”.

It may be nearly 80 years since they last won the Davis Cup, but John McEnroe insists Great Britain should be considered hot favourites when they face Belgium in the final this month. It does seem like it’s a dilemma but I think, It’s all good. It was a great match, a really exciting match. We worked hard all year to qualify for this tournament.

The Murrays were not the only British Davis Cup hopefuls in action.

Speaking together to the reporters, Federer advised Murray to enjoy the end of the season he is having and relish these opportunities.

“I think Andy knows exactly what he’s doing. From my point of view, just try to do the best we can, finish on a high, try to make a great year even better”.