Skip to content

Shanghai Masters: David Ferrer comes from a set down to eliminate Andy Murray

Spaniard David Ferrer fought back from a set down to dump Andy Murray out of the Shanghai Masters 2-6 6-1 6-2 on Thursday.

The Scot made an excellent start against the fifth seed, dropping just two games in the opening set, but Ferrer turned the match on its head to ease into the quarter-finals and a possible clash with Novak Djokovic.

The result means the Spaniard replaces Murray in ninth place in the race to qualify for the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

It had all looked to be going according to plan for Murray when he cruised through the first set, his cause helped by five aces as he dropped just four points on his own serve.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights of the third round clash between Murray and Ferrer

However Ferrer's more aggressive approach turned the tables on his opponent; he claimed an early break in the second set, one he built on quickly on his way to levelling matters.

Latest Tennis Stories

The decider proved to be just as one-sided, a pair of breaks putting the fifth seed on the brink. He duly served out for the victory, with Murray dumping the final point into the net to seal his fate after one hour and 55 minutes on court.

"I needed to play my best tennis today," Ferrer told the ATP Tour website. "I think this match was very important for both players. Today was a good victory."

In the running

Despite the defeat, the 27-year-old is still firmly in the running to make the eight-man event at the O2 that rounds out the season.

He won a title in Shenzhen and also reached the last four of the China Open in Beijing last week, while Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori, Marin Cilic and Grigor Dimitrov all suffered early exits in Shanghai and Milos Raonic was forced to withdraw through illness.

"We'll see over the next few days where I decide to go. Hopefully I can play well the last couple of tournaments, try and make a push for London," Murray said after his third-round exit.

Meanwhile, Tomas Berdych boosted his qualification hopes with a 6-3 6-4 win over Ivo Karlovic.

The Czech will now take over from US Open champion Cilic, who was beaten by Karlovic at the start of the week, in sixth place if he beats Gilles Simon in the quarter-finals.

Get unlimited access to all 7 Sports channels for 7 days. No contract

Around Sky