MURRAY HAS GOT EYES ON FINAL GLORY

TENNIS

ANDY MURRAY hopes his reduced autumn schedule will see him fit to play the ATP World Tour Finals and the Davis Cup Final next month.

The world No.2 (above) reported no physical problems after beating Steve Johnson 6-2 6-4 in the Shanghai Rolex Masters – his first match since the Davis Cup semi-final on September 20.

The Scot has hinted he could pull out of The O2 event next month to ensure his back is fit to face Belgium on November 27.

But Murray will not play another event until the Paris Masters on November 2 – and could use the time to adjust to the clay. The British No.1, who faced John Isner in the Shanghai third round this morning, said: “It was important for me to get a bit of time away from the court.

“And after this event, I’ve got another couple of weeks where I won’t be playing any matches.

“So I’ll be able to get some further rest and get some training done, work on some things and, hopefully, stay fresh for the end of the year.”

Rafa Nadal needed two hours and 44 minutes to see off Ivo Karlovic 7-5 6-7 7-6.

Heather Watson will face Sam Stosur in the Hong Kong Open quarter-finals after beating Chinese Taipei qualifier Ya-Hsuan Lee 6-0 6-7 6-4.