ATP World Tour Finals: I won't be overawed, says tournament debutant Kei Nishikori

Kei Nishikori is looking forward to his ATP Tour Finals debut on Sunday firmly believing he can make his mark at London’s O2 Arena.

The 24-year-old from Japan opens his programme with a match against home hope Andy Murray and, while he realises he is not the favourite, he knows he is certainly capable of making a winning start.

The US Open runner-up said: "He’s beaten me already three times and he's one of the toughest players on the Tour.

“And especially he's from here and he's got the home crowd so it's not going to be easy for me.           

Live Tennis: ATP World Tour Finals

"But this is a little bit of a different situation because I've been playing one of the best years of my career and beating top-10, top-five guys already.         

"I don't think it's like I can't beat him so, if I can play good tennis, I think I will have some chance to win."

Nishikori has been drawn in a tough group and will also face Roger Federer and Milos Raonic.                     

World No 6 Murray has ended the season in good form but certainly respects the rising start from the east, saying: "He's made big improvements this year in his game and his ranking.

"He's won a number of tournaments, he's had a lot of matches but also quite a few injuries.               

"He's played some very good tennis this year. He's a young guy and he's going to keep getting better over the next couple of years."