Murray clinches Masters place

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:01

By reaching the US Open final the new world number four has assured himself of a place in the elite tournament at Shanghai’s Qi Zhong Stadium from November 9 to 16.

The 21-year-old from Dunblane joins the ATP’s top trio of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as those who have already sealed their slots in the eight-man field.

“I am having my best season ever and qualifying for Shanghai is a great reward. It was one of my goals at the beginning of 2008 and I look forward to competing there for the first time,” said Murray, the first Briton to qualify for the circuit finale since Tim Henman in 2004.

Murray, whose ranking matches the highest ever held by a British man, has enjoyed an impressive 2008 campaign with a 41-14 record.

He won the Doha and Marseille titles in the first two months of the season, and collected his first ATP Masters Series title in August at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati.

His eight wins against top 10 players this season is the second-best on the ATP circuit behind Nadal’s 16.

Tennis Masters Cup director Brad Drewett said: “We are very excited to have Andy in Shanghai this year, especially as he was so close to qualifying last year.

“He has had another outstanding year and everyone in China is looking forward to having him qualifying for his first Masters Cup event later this year.”

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