Decision day for Murray as injury hinders O2 chances

The world No 3 was one of the favourites for the title before the tournament began, but never looked comfortable during the two hours he was on court at the O2 Arena.

Murray revealed after the match that he picked up the problem in his left leg during practice last week, and admitted if the tournament had not been such a prestigious one on home soil then he would not have taken to the court at all.

The Scot said: “I’ll decide (in the morning) whether or not I keep playing.

“You’ve got to sometimes do the right thing. I didn’t know exactly how it was going to feel on the court.

“I haven’t been able to do too much training this week. I played, I didn’t feel particularly great. I’ll see if I feel any better (on Tuesday.”

Recalling the moment he felt the muscle pull while stretching for a ball in practice, Murray said: “I’ve never really had many strains, it’s more been bony, jointy things, especially playing on hard courts. It was the first time I’d really felt anything go.”

For a player struggling with his movement, as Murray clearly was, Ferrer, the most dogged of Spanish baseliners, was a nightmare opponent.

Murray had won all their previous meetings on hard courts but Ferrer, a clear world No 5 these days, has had an impressive season and 44 unforced errors from his rival was simply far too many.

It was particularly disappointing for Murray given his form during the autumn, which saw him win three titles in successive weeks in Asia, with this tournament providing the opportunity to showcase that form on home soil.

The round-robin format means he still has a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals but to do that he is likely to have to beat world No 1 Novak Djokovic and in-form Czech Tomas Berdych, while his failure to win a set yesterday means even that may not be enough.

Asked about his feelings were he forced to pull out, Murray added: “It would be gutting, really gutting.”

Ferrer, a finalist in 2007 when the tournament was held in Shanghai, was delighted with his win, which gives him a great chance of making the last four.

He said: “I’m very happy. I beat Andy, in London, it is not easy. I played very well.

“I played very consistent all the match.

“Maybe the first set I played better than the second. In the second sometimes I was a little bit nervous.

“But, in important moments, I took my chance.”

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