Brilliant Murray romps into Masters Cup semis
Wednesday, 12 Nov 2008 21:52
Andy Murray into Masters Cup semis after beating Gilles Simon
World number four Andy Murray underlined his credentials as one of the favourites for the season-ending Masters Cup by booking a semi-final spot with a match to spare.
The Briton easily despatched Frenchman Gilles Simon, who had beaten world number two and top seed Roger Federer in his opening match, 6-4 6-2.
The result means now Murray's final group match against the Swiss maestro will have no bearing on his place in the last four, although he will hope to round out an impressive showing in Shanghai so far with a perfect record from the Red Group.
Murray looked in control from the start, although he was pushed hard by Simon in early sparring - which was characterised by long rallies and some booming groundstroke exchanges.
However, the Scot took control and immediately ran out to a 4-0 lead in the first set as Simon struggled to live with Murray's speed and energy around the court.
The Frenchman stepped up his game to pull a break back but it was not enough to claw his way back into the first set, which Murray claimed with two service holds.
The second set continued in much the same vein as the first, with both players forcing break chances.
However, it was Murray who was taking his opportunities and again he moved two breaks clear after a disgruntled Simon began to tire, both physically and mentally.
With the finish line in sight, the 21-year-old third seed maintained the pressure he had been exerting on his opponent.
And despite showing some heart in the final throes of a certain defeat, it was Murray who ended the match the stronger to seal a straight-sets win and a place in the semi-finals at his first-ever Masters Cup.