Murray opens Finals bid with win over Berdych

US Open champion Andy Murray came from a set down to get his campaign at the ATP World Tour Finals off to a winning start against Tomas Berdych.

Competing for the first time on British soil since his grand slam triumph at the US Open, Murray,was greeted on court at the Cavernous arena like a returning hero, but the atmosphere was subdued as things did not initially go to plan for Murray as Berdych survived 10 break points to take the first set 6-3.

But the British No 1 moved through the gears and, after taking the second by the same scoreline, was always in charge of the decider after securing an early break, going on to complete a 3-6 6-3 6-4 victory.

Murray was quickly into his stride at the O2 Arena and brought up two break points on the Berdych serve in the opening game of the match, but he was unable to convert and that was to prove the story of a frustrating first set for the home favourite.

In total seven chances came and went and, having survived early on, Berdych grew in confidence and took his opportunity when it arrived in the sixth game as Murray netted a weak forehand to gift the Czech what proved the solitary break of the opener.

Murray looked in danger of being cut adrift at the start of the second as a whipped cross-court forehand gave Berdych 15-40 in the third game, but the Scot showed all of his fighting spirit to survive, his first ace securing what would prove a big hold.

Murray finally managed a break of the Berdych delivery in the very next game after two sloppy forehand errors from his opponent and, after consolidating with a love service game, would go on to see out the set and level the match.

With the momentum now very much with him and the crowd having found their voices, Murray was quick to gain the upper hand in the deciding set with a break in the third game as Berdych dragged a forehand wide.

Although very much in the ascendancy he was unable to secure the added insurance of a second break, but ultimately it mattered not as he remained solid on his own serve to seal a confidence-boosting success.