Andy Murray made a statement for the 2015 season yesterday by easily defeating Rafael Nadal to reach the final at an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.

Although the grandly titled Mubadala World Tennis Championship carries no ranking points, both men were fully committed and Murray showed that he is in fine shape physically and mentally with a 6-2 6-0 victory.

The Scot struggled past Nadal’s countryman Feliciano Lopez in the first round on Thursday but looked sharp from the start as he showed off the effect of his winter training camp in Miami.

Nadal, in contrast, was clearly rusty in his first match since the appendectomy that brought an early end to his 2014 season two months ago.

It is the first time Murray has beaten one of his “big-four” rivals since defeating Novak Djokovic in the final of Wimbledon a year-and-a-half ago.

Speaking after the victory Murray said: “It was a very tough match. There were many long games. It shouldn’t have been that scoreline. I just managed to win the important points. Sometimes it goes that way.

“It was a good match. You never know how you’re going to feel until you get on the match court. I’m pleased. Today was an improvement from yesterday and hopefully tomorrow will be better as well. 

“I’m pleased all the hard work is paying off.” 

In the final today, Murray will play world number one Djokovic, who was equally impressive in hammering Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka 6-1 6-2.

Djokovic was playing his first match of the season but barely put a foot wrong, winning nine consecutive games from 1-1 in the opening set against a dejected-looking Wawrinka.

The Swiss at least avoided a love set but a fightback proved beyond him as defending champion Djokovic eased to victory.