Reception proves to be big boost for Murray

A HERO’S welcome helped Andy Murray make a winning start to life as world No 1 at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Playing his first match since he officially ascended to the top of the standings last Monday, Murray was an ultimately-convincing 6-3 6-2 winner over Marin Cilic.

London’s O2 Arena has often scarcely felt like a home event for the Scot such is the international nature of the crowd but there was no mistaking who the favourite was this time.

A packed arena was on its feet before Murray walked onto court, giving the 29-year-old an extra spring in his step.

He said: “It was a great reception, obviously. A really good atmosphere. It was obviously nice to play in that stadium with the crowd like that.

“After a long few months, it’s nice to know I’m going to be finishing the year playing in that sort of atmosphere. It helps you get up for the matches a bit more.”

The victory made it 20 in a row for the Scot, who needs to match Novak Djokovic’s performance this week to ensure he holds onto top spot until the end of the year.

Djokovic won his opening match against Dominic Thiem on Sunday and Murray knew he could not afford any slip-ups.

A tally of two winners and 14 unforced errors in the opening set was hardly world-leading stuff but it was good enough for Cilic, whose garish shorts were more memorable than his shots.

By the end, Murray was playing some fine tennis and victory over Kei Nishikori tomorrow will likely be enough for a semi appearance.

Finn Russell