Cincinnati (Ohio), Aug 18 (DPA) Andy Murray took the long way to the Cincinnati Masters, presumably giving his new skills behind the wheel a test as he and fitness trainer Jez Green made a 15-hour drive from his weekend championship performance in Montreal.

Murray, the freshly minted world number two, informed his fans Monday that he and his mate were travelling in a Cadillac Escalade SUV for the journey of more than 1,120 miles.

Much of the work was done by an unspecified driver, with Murray tweeting: 'We're getting driven. Entire row of Escalade to myself. Slept 4 hrs already.'

But the 22-year-old Scot is in fresh possession of a British driving licence after several failed attempts to earn the privilege.

He will get more time on the open road this week at the tournament, which gives leading players the use of personal cars for the week.

Murray is on call Tuesday morning for media duties, presumably rested from his unorthodox trip, which replaced a standard two-hour flight.

The winner of five titles this season after beating Juan Del Potro of Argentine in Sunday's Canadian final is due to play in the second round after the bye given to the top eight seeds.

He will face Spaniard Nicolas Almagro, who advanced when Israeli Dudi Sela retired trailing 6-4, 1-0 Monday.