Andy Murray looks to win a third successive title when he takes on David Ferrer in the final of the Shanghai Masters.
After winning back to back titles in Bangkok and Tokyo, Murray went in as strong favourite for the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season and he's not disappointed, dropping just one set all week.
Kei Nishikori had enjoyed the finest week of his career but the Japanese star was thoroughly outplayed by Murray who handed out a 6-3, 6-0 drubbing. One of the best returners in the game, Murray was all over the Nishikori serve in the second set, winning 68% of the return points.
"I didn't give him any chances. If you can do that, then you can make life easy for yourself," Murray said afterwards. "And because the courts and the balls are very fast here, if you serve well, you're going to give yourself opportunities because you can definitely put pressure on guys by getting through a few quick service games."
Ferrer had a much tougher time, hitting back from a set down to see off Feliciano Lopez 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3. Lopez has served superbly all week and Ferrer found himself under considerable pressure early on but worked his way back into the match and a few untimely double faults from Lopez ultimately cost him dear.
Murray and Ferrer have contested some tight encounters in the past with the British player taking the last three, most importantly 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-1, 7-6(2) in the Australian Open semis and 6-2, 6-3 in Tokyo last week. Ferrer has only ever beaten Murray on clay.
Prediction: Murray in two.
