• BNP Paribas Masters

Murray wary of momentum check

Andy Murray had a brilliant time during the Asian swing © PA Photos

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Andy Murray has admitted his recent lay off may have checked his momentum, with the ATP World Tour Finals a fortnight away.

Murray had a blistering run in Asia, winning the Japan Open and backing that up seven days later with victory at the Shanghai Masters. He was slated to return to action at the Swiss Indoors last week, but a muscle injury forced him to withdraw.

He now has just the BNP Paribas Masters this week to get in 100% condition for the Tour Finals at the O2 in London, and it is a nagging concern for the world No. 3.

"I feel good," Murray told the ATP Tour's official website. "I had a little niggle in Basel and was not able to play there, but I feel fine this week - physically much better than going into Paris in the past.

"I feel confident, but also I need to build my way into the tournament and back into form. I had a few weeks off and that stops the momentum a bit, but if I can get through a match or two I am sure I will start to play better."

Murray is looking for a good run in London, having been beaten in agonising fashion by Rafael Nadal 12 months ago and slipping out of the group stage in 2009 on countback.

He said: "I am looking forward to the end of the season, two big tournaments, and try and finish well. Outside of the slams, it is the biggest event. It is a fun tournament to be a part of and I'd love to go further than in the past. I have played some of my best tennis there but been a tad unfortunate. I had a great match with Rafa [Nadal] last year and lost 7-6 in the third and in the previous year was when it came down to one game difference with [Juan Martin] Del Potro. So hopefully I can go better.

"It is not the ultimate goal for the year but to be part of that tournament is a good achievement. In London they put on a great event, the crowd are pretty much packed for every single game, and I am looking forward to it."

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