Image source, PA

Better from Murray, who once again seems to be the master of his first serve. Toss, arc back, snap into it, watch Nishikori flail. A trip to the net doesn't work out, but the Japanese is kind enough to then put a forehand long. 40-15. As usual, Murray looks more vulnerable when he has to send down a second serve, but his second ace of the match means Nishikori will serve to stay in the first set.

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"Here is the game. The last 16 minutes have been very poor for Murray."

Image source, Getty Images

Nishikori, the smart, laundered white shorts that could have been borrowed from Roger Federer, has found some momentum. Murray, meanwhile, has found some frustration. The Scot, at about five out of 10 on the anger scale, takes it out with a blazing forehand, then gets some change out of a trip to the net. 40-30. The good works comes to nothing as Murray goes long. Levels, you devlis.

John Lloyd
Former Davis Cup finalist on BBC One

"That was an impressive break, to come back that quickly. This is turning into a very high quality match, it is a pleasure to watch."

Miles Maclagan
British tennis coach on Radio 5 live

Image source, BBC Sport

"There have been a few more unforced errors from Nishikori but he's probably been the more aggressive. A couple of good backhand returns off the second serve did the damage."

Take that. Murray looked like wriggling off the hook thanks to a geometry-defying backhand, but Nishikori takes his third break point with a return delivered with extra mustard. Murray returns to his chair, shaking his head. 

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"This is world class match play. Whatever happens, this is a match to be relished."

Image source, Getty Images

It's the balls I feel sorry for. When this pair start trading in a baseline slobberknocker, the poor ball ends up with a headache you'd usually get from a night out with the Rolling Stones. Nishikori stepping into the Murray second serve, three break points...

Nishikori back on the front foot. A deft drop, then Murray too far out of court on the first serve. 

Roy: Murray lacking a certain sharpness but STILL getting it done.

Jiten Chandarana: Murray's backhand cross court backhand is a real strength. The skid through the court, getting Kei to stretch.

Jono: I think we're really over exaggerating the threat Nishikori should pose Murray. Murray is in a different league.

Image source, Getty Images

Nishikori, black hair lolling over his bandana, Murray-style support on his right ankle, is coasting through a hold here. 40-0. I say coasting, but a double fault is followed by an errant forehand. Murray pressurising the serve, fighting all the way back to 40-40...

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"The battle has been won in this set but the war hasn’t."

Image source, PA

If these fellas continue to cover this much ground on the baseline, we'll have two trenches by the end of the match. Murray comes through, consolidating the break. Nishikori has been excellent, but Murray has been better. An excellent first 20 minutes.

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"This is absolutely monstrous tennis this. I am really enjoying it, really tough professional tennis."

Ah yes. Quite brilliant from Murray, who picks one whippy forehand off his shoelaces on the baseline. Nishikori, for once, can't run enough...

Murray is rolling now, the serve being delivered with all the smoothness of Sean Connery's Bond (not Roger Moore, who I've decided I'm not a fan of). Nishikori, to his credit, stays in it with some indefatigable scampering. 30-30. Now then. Loose double fault from Murray, who blasts the ball away in disgust. Break point...

Image source, Getty Images

Advantage Murray. A limp Nishikori backhand is dumped into the fish-catcher and Britain are up in the first set.

Andrew Castle
BBC Sport tennis commentator

"What on earth was he doing? He was late getting there, he should have bounced it."

"Let's go Andy, let's go," is the repetitive chant of the home fans, inspiring Murray to a backhand that has Nishikori stretching without success. 15-30. When the Japanese inexplicably misses a smash (why did he take it on the full?), Murray has two break points...