We'll have live set-by-set coverage by Hugh MacDonald of Andy Murray's first match at the O2 Arena this afternoon here on HeraldScotland. Hugh sets the scene:

And so it begins. A week that could end with Andy Murray pocketing $2m starts this afternoon with his first match in the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The 27-year-old Scot plays Kei Nishikori, the 24-year-old Japanese, who is now based in Florida, in the first of the round-robin matches.

Murray, who has qualified for the finals six times, has a wealth of experience compared to Nishikori who is making his bow in the lucrative end-of-season finale.

Murray has beaten Nishikori on the three occasions they have met, the last in Brisbane early last year. However, Nishikori has enjoyed a breakthrough season, reaching the final of the US Open, beating Novak Djokovic in the semi-final in the most sensational result of the year. He lost out to Marin Cilic in a final no once could have predicted but Nishikori now has the reputation of the coming man, winning four tournaments this year.

Murray will seek to use his power on serve to overwhelm the Japanese while also maintaining patience if rallies develop. This tournament is about the elite playing the elite.

This afternoon should give it a fitting start.

Andy Murray's match is scheduled to begin at 2pm.