Madrid Masters photo gallery, day 6
Originally published on: 26/02/10 14:59
A dominant Andy Murray beat Gael Monfils 6-2 6-2 to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Masters and now faces US Open champion Roger Federer, who beat Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 6-3.
In the other half of the draw, top seed Rafael Nadal saw off compatriot Feliciano Lopez 6-4 6-4 and faces Gilles Simon in the semis.
Murray started nervously and lost his opening service game against Monfils, but broke back twice to take a 4-2 lead and never looked in danger from that point. Monfils had no answer to the Scot’s variety as Murray through in just over an hour.
“I served very badly at the start,” admitted Murray afterwards. “But once I got a few more serves in, I only lost one more game until I lost my focus right at the end. It was a really satisfying performance.”
Federer’s straight-sets defeat of Murray in the US Open final leaves their head-to-head record at 2-2.
“Playing against Federer is always a great challenge,” said Murray. “I’ve played well against him in the past, apart from at the US Open, which wasn’t so good. I’ll definitely be much more relaxed tomorrow than in New York.”
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Federer will take nothing for granted against Murray having twice been beaten by the Scot. “I’ll have to come with a proper game plan. He played well against Monfils, so I’ll have my hands full with him.”
But Nadal’s concerns centre more on the shoulder pain he experienced against Richard Gasquet on Thursday than his semi-final opponent. He received treatment just before playing Lopez.
“Right up to the last minute the doctors have been treating me for shoulder pain,” said Nadal. “I spent two hours with them before coming out on court.”
Simon clinched victory over Ivo Karlovic, beating the Croat 7-6 4-6 7-6.
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