World No.1 Andy Murray has progressed to his first year-end semi-final since 2012 after securing a 6-4, 6-2, win over Stan Wawrinka in his final match of the John McEnroe Group.
Already with wins over Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic under his belt, Murray entered his clash with Wawrinka knowing that he only needed to claim one set to book his last four place. On paper it appeared to be a simple task, but the reality was different.
Facing a player known for shining on the big occasions, Murray had to contend with a barrage of spectacular winners flying off Wawrinka’s racket in the early stages. After only three games, the Swiss player fired 12 winners to give the top seed some food for thought.
The encounter was almost like a game of chess, with Murray planning when to pounce. That assault occurred in the seventh game with a Wawrinka backhand into the net handing the Brit his first break point. It was an opportunity seized by Murray, who broke with a straightforward volley at the net. The turn of events was one which infuriated Wawrinka as he slammed his racket onto the ground.
Pulling away from his opponent like Usain Bolt in an Olympic race, Murray strolled to the 6-4 lead when a serve out wide was unsuccessfully returned from his opponent. Murray’s momentum continued beyond the opening set as he battled to a set and 3-0 lead (fending off a set point on route). Wawrinka had invested heavily in the match, but it was being outdone by Murray’s superiority on the court. The easier than expected victory occurred at the strike of the 86th minute following a forehand shank from his Swiss rival.
“The first set was tight. There weren’t many chances. I managed to get the break late in the set. In the second set I’d already qualified for the semis so maybe it was easier for me to play more free than him.” Murray told BBC Sport.
“Things can change quick at this level. Stan is one of the best players in the world. When he plays at his best he’s unplayable. I played a solid match and am happy to get to the semis.”
Sealing his third consecutive win in the tournament, Murray has avoided a semifinal showdown with Novak Djokovic, who topped the Ivan Lendl Group. Instead, he will face Canada’s Milos Raonic on Saturday afternoon in what will be a repeat of this year’s Wimbledon Final.
“He’s played very well in this event. These are quick conditions here and it’ll be tough. He’s got a huge serve. It’s an amazing stadium and atmosphere.” The world No.1 said about his next opponent.
As a consequence of Murray’s win, Wawrinka has been eliminated from the competition and Nishikori qualifies with a match to play. Nishikori will play Djokovic in the evening match tomorrow.
SATURDAY
12: Kontinen/Peers vs Bryan/Bryan
2: A. Murray vs Raonic
6: J. Murray/Soares vs Lopez/Lopez or Klaasen/Ram
8: Djokovic vs Nishikori— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) 18 November 2016
