David Ferrer has warned Andy Murray he will face a tough battle to progress to the semi-finals at the ATP World Tour Finals.
Spaniard plans to make life tough for British number one
David Ferrer has warned Andy Murray he will face a tough battle to progress to the semi-finals at the ATP World Tour Finals when the two clash at the O2 Arena on Thursday night.
The combination of results thus far in Group B means that all four players still retain a chance to qualify, although Roger Federer needs only to avoid a thrashing at the hands of Robin Soderling to advance.
Murray, who will be looking to respond after his tame 6-4 6-2 defeat to Federer on Tuesday, will at least know what he needs to do when he takes to the court against Ferrer.
A win for Soderling would eliminate Ferrer and mean Murray must beat the Spaniard and then hope things work out in his favour.
Meanwhile, defeat for the Swede against Federer would leave the home hope needing only to win a set against Ferrer to qualify for the semi-finals for the second time in his career.
Ferrer has not yet even won a set at this year's tournament, but the Valencia native is renowned for his dogged determination and has beaten Murray in three of their four encounters to date.
His victories have all come on clay, though, with the British number one claiming success in their only previous meeting on hard courts.
"I have a good record (against Murray) on clay, not on hard court," Ferrer stated. "But I am confident. I finished the season in the top 10 and I don't have any problems, physical or mental.
"I know it will be a very difficult match. But it's the same with all the players, we are the eight top players of the world. I will give everything, I will fight."
Murray will certainly need to improve on his rather lacklustre performance against Federer, when he was noticeably below-par on both serve and return.
The Scot said: "It's a very tough match. He's a really tough player. He makes many, many balls and he's incredibly consistent.
"I'll have to try to use my weapons well. I have to serve well against him and get some free points."
