Ferrer definitely isn't firing on all cylinders yet, and Murray is putting the Spaniard's second serve under real pressure. A terrific return sets up a well-constructed point which Murray wins with a classic backhand-forehand one-two punch, and then Ferrer over-compensates and throws in another double fault. 15-30. Ferrer recovers, but Murray gets to deuce when Ferrer nets with a forehand. The Spaniard wriggles free though, when Murray nets a backhand and sends a forehand long.

Murray showing no signs of fatigue from yesterday's exertions so far. He's timing the ball really well in the early exchanges here. The Scot seals another comfortable hold with a crunching backhand into the corner.

Image source, Getty Images

So what do we know about David Ferrer? The 32-year-old is one of Murray's big rivals for a place in London - he's currently ninth in the standings.

He and Murray will be sick of the sight of each other by now. They've already met twice in the last three weeks, with Ferrer winning in Shanghai and Murray prevailing in the Vienna Open Final.

While Murray looked a little weary in seeing off Kevin Anderson yesterday, former French Open finalist Ferrer was mighty impressive in dispatching the in-form Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci, barely working up a sweat in a 6-1 6-2 victory.

That's better from the home favourite. Ferrer picks a superb drop volley off his toes to go to 30-15, and then hammers a forehand down the line when Murray advances to the net. Murray whacks a forehand way wide, and the Spaniard is on the board.

A blink-and-you-miss-it service hold from Murray. A fine crosscourt forehand takes him to 30-0, and a Ferrer error and an ace give him the game.

Well, well, that's a handy start for Murray. A very weary service game from Ferrer, who throws in two double faults either side of an absolutely sizzling passing shot from Murray. An early boost for the Scot.

So what exactly does Murray have to do to make the ATP's end-of-year shindig at the O2? Here's the deal: after Rafa Nadal's withdrawal last night, there are now six players competing for four spots at the World Tour Finals. Murray is currently eighth in the standings, with the top nine to qualify. That's the good news.

Here's the bad news. If Murray loses today, he will drop to ninth, and will only be 135 points ahead of tenth placed Milos Raonic with one event to come. That event is the Paris Masters, where Murray has been handed the mother of all bad draws. He's seeded to meet his Wimbledon conqueror Grigor Dimitrov in the last 16, then Novak Djokovic in the quarters.

Welcome to live text commentary of the Valencia Open semi-final, with Andy Murray taking on David Ferrer. The stakes are high for the British number one. Defeat today would be a massive setback in his bid to join the world's other top players at the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month - a tournament that Murray hasn't failed to qualify for since 2007 (though he did miss last year's Finals through injury).

In his way is David Ferrer - a Spaniard so dogged, so determined, so downright impenetrable, that they call him 'The Wall'. He's playing in his hometown, and he's won this tournament three times before.

Make no mistake, Murray has his work cut out this afternoon.

Image source, Getty Images

Quarter-final misery at Wimbledon. A barren run at the year's other Grand Slams. A split with his inspirational coach Ivan Lendl. His lowest ranking in six years. A minor hoohah over his support for Scottish independence. And of course, the indignity of watching his mother get dragged around the dancefloor by Anton du Beke live on Saturday night television.

Yes, it's been a year to forget for Andy Murray. But it could be about to get much, much worse.