JOIN USMurray, Djokovic start favourites
When Andy Murray steps out on court to face Tomas Berdych in his first match at the ATP World Tour Finals on Monday the expectation he usually shoulders will weigh a little less.
The season-ending event will be the London-based Scot's first tournament on home soil after he finally made his major breakthrough by winning the US Open in September, beating Novak Djok-ovic in an epic final.
The 25-year-old ended 76-years of British hurt by downing Djokovic at Flushing Meadows and he will be guaranteed a raptuous reception at London's O2 Arena, the final stop on another year of dominance for the game's big guns.
Djokovic has been drawn to face Murray in Group A which also features dangerous Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tso-nga.
With Rafa Nadal absent injured, Wimbledon champion Roger Federer heads Group B which also contains David Ferrer, Juan Martin del Potro and Janko Tipsarevic.
All eyes will be on Murray though as he aims to complete a magnificent treble, having also taken Olympic gold in London. "I'm sure it will (be a great reception)," Murray told reporters on Saturday after the draw. "I will have to wait and see what's it's like when it does happen. It will obviously be nice,’’ he added.
With a major to his name, Murray admitted he was slightly more relaxed going into a tournament that in terms of quality is regarded not far below a Grand Slam.
"For me I feel a little bit more relaxed this year than I have in previous years because I've managed to win the US Open," Murray said. "But there is (still) going to be pressure on me here to play well. The only thing I can guarantee is that I'll give 110 percent on the court and fight as hard as I can to the end of all the matches, and see where that gets me,’’ he added.