Andy Murray loses to David Goffin in Abu Dhabi

The 29-year-old Murray had beaten Goffin in all five of their previous meetings, including the decisive rubber in last year's Davis Cup final, and appeared frustrated at the defeat although there are no ATP points available in this tournament.

Murray, who became the first Briton to achieve the No 1 ranking, had received a bye into the semi-finals, but Goffin pulled off a surprise. The Belgian won a close tie-break to clinch the opening set, and won the last four games straight in the second set to seal the match. Murray, won won a second Wimbledon crown and Olympic gold in 2016,  is a two-time winner of the tournament.

Goffin will next play former world No1 Rafael Nadal in the showdown on Sunday after the Spaniard beat big-hitting Canadian Milos Raonic 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 in the other semi-finals.

After Abu Dhabi, Murray will open the new season at the Qatar Open in Doha before heading to Australia for the season-opening Grand Slam. Murray has never won the Australian Open despite making it to the final on five occasions since 2010.