Murray wins on Masters Cup debut

Andy Murray got off to a winning start at his first Masters Cup by defeating Andy Roddick in three sets in Shanghai.

The British number one came through 6-4 1-6 6-1 against the American in the season-ending event for the world's top eight players.

Murray still has round-robin matches to come against Frenchman Gilles Simon and world number two Roger Federer.

Simon caused a major shock by beating defending champion Federer 4-6 6-4 6-3 in the opening match in the Red Group.

The top two will go through to the last four, along with two from the Gold Group of Novak Djokovic, Nikolay Davydenko, Juan Martin del Potro and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Murray began in imperious fashion against Roddick, winning his first service game with three aces and a backhand winner before earning the first break with a cross-court forehand pass in game five.

The Scot served magnificently as he eased through the set without facing a break point, and a fifth win in eight meetings with Roddick looked inevitable.

But while Roddick is not the daunting opponent he once was, he remains a fighter, staving off a break point at the start of the second set to stay in the contest.

It proved vital because Murray then suffered an alarming slump, hitting two double faults in the next game as he dropped serve before appearing to conserve his energy for the decider as the set raced away from him.

Murray was breathing heavily as the third set began but his focus had returned.
In game two, Roddick saved two break points with an ace and a volley but could do nothing about a searing Murray backhand return on the third.

The Briton secured another break in game four, setting it up with a beautiful return at the feet of the incoming Roddick, before eventually serving out for a victory that leaves him well placed to reach the semi-finals.

Asked how he was feeling afterwards, Murray said: "Not great. He made it difficult and made me do a lot of running.

"It's tough to get over the jet lag. I've been going to bed at this time and hopefully I'll be better for the next match."