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Murray survives as Djokovic storms into semis


 

Originally published on: 04/07/13 00:00

Fernando Verdasco showed the form that saw him ranked inside the world's top 10 in 2009 as he stormed to a two-set lead against Andy Murray in their quarter-final.

However, the home favourite dug deep to reach his fifth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final with a 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5 victory.  "He served unbelievably well, especially when behind in games," Murray said of the world No.54. "I thought in the first set, he played some really good stuff at the end when he needed to. Second set, my level dropped, and I started rushing a bit."

Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals without dropping a set as he survived a wobble early in the second set to defeat Tomas Berdych 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3. His semi-final against Juan Martin Del Potro will be the first in the Open era between two players yet to drop a set in the Championships.

Del Potro started and finished his match on the floor. After taking a nasty fall in the opening game, it looked like his Championships might be over, but he battled on to claim a 6-2 6-4 7-6(5) victory over David Ferrer.

Despite receiving treatment on his already bandaged left knee and moving cautiously when he returned to the court, Del Potro's vicious groundstrokes from the baseline were enough to overpower a weary Ferrer.

Jerzy Janowicz will be Murray's next opponent after the 6ft 8in Pole reached his first Grand Slam semi-final with a 7-5 6-4 6-4 victory over compatriot Lukasz Kubot

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.