Murray to play in Heineken in New Zealand

It looks like Heineken Open tennis officials have secured another major draw card for January's tournament. Rising Scottish star Andy Murray has told British tennis media he will play in Auckland ahead of the Australian Open.

The full tournament field will be confirmed at the end of the month.

Murray's confirmation is a big boost to the tournament which has already secured four top 20 ranked players. The 18-year-old has risen to 66 in the rankings in his first year on tour and is billed as the next great British hope. "

Murray and Khan to share secrets

The Boxer and The Tennis Player to share secrets

Andy Murray is a fan of Amir Khan and boxing in general
Tennis star Andy Murray will train with boxer Amir Khan in his Manchester gym in a bid to improve his fitness. Murray, 18, will join up with Khan on Thursday for a private filming for the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year. The Scot is a huge boxing fan and the pair have met several times, most recently at 18-year-old Khan's last fight in Glasgow on Saturday.

After the fight Murray said: 'I like to think we can learn from each other and help each other to further success.' Khan added: 'Andy is the same age as me and we are both going the same way - right to the top. "

Tough Murray defeated by Chilean Gonzalez

Hard-hitting Chilean Fernando Gonzalez ended Briton Andy Murray's run at the Swiss Indoors defeating him 6-4 3-6 6-1 in an entertaining match in Basel. Gonzalez's fierce forehands and big serves ate away at Murray's resolve and he took the opener with a single break.

The Scot rallied and fought off eight break points before carving out a break of his own, as Gonzalez wobbled, to tie the match one-set all. But Gonzalez broke a fading Murray twice in the decider to seal victory.

The Chilean will now meet fifth seed Dominik Hrbaty in the semi-finals after he beat Belgian Kristof Vliegen 6-7 6-1 6-3. Murray got straight down to business at St Jakobshalle, winning 11 straight points on his serve.

But the world number 17 jolted the Scot out of his comfort zone with his powerful returns and seized on a short second serve to break in the seventh game. Murray could find no way past the Wimbledon quarter-finalist as he swiftly served out for the set in 31 minutes.

Andy Murray Marches On in Swiss Open!

Andy Murray reached the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors in Basel after a 6-4 2-6 6-4 win over Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic.

After Murray won the first set with his only break point of the set, Berdych took control to take the second set. But Murray broke in the seventh game of the deciding set to lead 4-3.

The 18-year-old held his nerve to wrap up the win three games later and set up a meeting with fourth seed Fernando Gonzalez from Chile.

Murray overcomes Henman hangover

Murray overcomes Henman hangover | the Daily Mail: "Andy Murray admitted he was still hung over from his momentous win over Tim Henman as he battled through yesterday's clash with Tomas Berdych at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors.
Murray made it through to the third round with a 6-4 2-6 6-4 success over his Czech opponent, but the Scottish sensation had to dig deep to stay in the Basel event.
'The hardest thing was the mental side, because my match against Tim was very tough on my head and my body was also a bit stiff the morning after because there were a lot of nerves and adrenaline,' said 18-year-old Murray. "

British number two Greg Rusedski booked his place in the quarter-finals of the St Petersburg Open with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 comeback win over American Kevin Kim.

The 32-year-old, who beat home favourite Dmitry Tursunov in his first-round match on Wednesday, will next face second seed Thomas Johansson of Sweden this afternoon.

"We've had many tough battles and I know it's going to be a difficult match," said Rusedski, who has won just four of his 11 previous meetings with Johansson.

Rusedski also took time out to congratulate Murray on winning his 'Battle of Britain' clash against Henman earlier this week.

"Murray will be the top British player for many years," said the Canadian-born left-hander. "His potential is fantastic and to beat Tim was a great result for him."