Andy shrugs off loss as he closes in on top form

“However, I can still make a few improvements in the next couple of days before playing in Beijing.”

Murray admitted he took the first tournament day off of his tour career on Wednesday just to be able to give himself a fighter’s chance of getting through his second match in 48 hours against the world No.31.

He said: “Yesterday was the first time in my entire career that I didn’t practise the day before a match.

“I was tired after the first round and tried to rest and recover as much as possible.

“That was something that I have done differently and I’m trying to maybe look at just other BY MATTHEW DUNN ways to give my body a bit of a break and a rest when I can.

“I need to work out what the best thing is for my body just now. But I learned that my hip held up well after two pretty long matches.”

Earlier in the day, it was Nick Kyrgios’ mental fortitude that had been called into question by the ATP following their investigation into events in Cincinnati. The 24-year-old Australian abused an umpire and broke two rackets and the tennis authorities claimed his action showed a “pattern of behaviour”.

As a result, they ordered he have a mental coach with him at all future events for six months and be visited during the off season by a “professional specialising in behavioural management”. Otherwise – or if he shows similar behaviour in that time – he will be banned for 16 weeks and fined a further £20,000 on top of the £92,000 he has already paid.

“Guess I’m on my best behaviour for six months #detention,” Kyrgios posted on Instagram, suggesting he will go along with his sanction in his usual relaxed fashion.