Andy Murray vs David Ferrer, Barclays ATP World Tour Finals 2015: Where to watch live, preview and betting

Andy Murray kick starts his ATP World Tour Finals campaign against Spaniard David Ferrer at the O2 Arena in London.

Where to watch

Murray vs Ferrer is live on BBC Two HD, Sky Sports 3HD and BBC Radio Five Live sports extra from 2pm.

Preview

Andy Murray begins his ATP World Tour Finals campaign with an elephant in the room. The British number one might be world number two after a remarkably consistent 2015 season, but the reality is unchartered success in London is a distant priority.

As the flag-bearer of Britain's Davis Cup team, Murray will have the hopes of a nation pounding on his shoulders in Ghent in less than a fortnight when faced with Belgium on clay. This week in London may represent ideal preparation against the other top eight players in the world, but there remains a feeling his ambitions in the capital do not extend beyond avoiding serious injury, despite having progressed beyond the semi-final in his six tournament appearances.

Financial and sporting political pressures forced Murray into participating in the season-ending tour finals where he has exited the round robin stage on three of his six appearances. In 2014, he was dumped out by Roger Federer in a humiliating straight sets defeat lasting less than an hour which ended an otherwise indifferent year.

If Murray has ambitions of not being leg-weary going into the David Cup final, then the proposition of David Ferrer in his opening group match will not have encouraged the two-time grand slam champion. The Spanish veteran is as shrewd an operator as anyone on tour while his superb court coverage typifies every performance.

Ferrer has enjoyed a record-equalling year in the sport despite turning the ripe old age of 33 in April. The Valencia-born right-hander won five titles in 2015 including capturing his 25th title in his 50th final in Kuala Lumpur. Though his grand slam showings were modest at best, his enthusiasm for the game shows no letting up and he poses a tough test for the home favourite.

What the players say

Andy Murray: My ambition is to win the tournament, but I have to be realistic about how well I will start the event. It's impossible to prepare for both [the World Tour Finals and the Davis Cup] – or it is for me.

"For some guys, they can rock up on a clay court and immediately feel great. I will go out there and give it my best in all of the matches. That's all anyone can ask for. You can't always play your best tennis, but I will definitely give my best effort in all of the matches."

David Ferrer: "I have the same motivation as when I was younger. And I enjoy playing tennis more than when I was younger: Really!

"I like to be playing with the best players in the world. My goal is to be top 10, but most important is that I am still playing tennis. When I finish enjoying it, I will not have the motivation to be a good tennis player and I will stop. I am 33, and I hope I still play at least two more years."

Betting odds (source William Hill):

Andy Murray 2/7 vs 13/5 David Ferrer

Head-to-head record: Murray 11-6 Ferrer. Last match Paris Masters (hard) Murray bt Ferrer 6-4 6-3

Previous meetings at the ATP World Tour Finals: Murray 1-1 Ferrer. Last match Ferrer bt Murray 6-4 7-5