Murray through to final

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:44

Murray, who now sits above Rafael Nadal and behind only Roger Federer in the world pecking order, was too strong for the Frenchman, who beat Federer in the last eight.

Tsonga pushed him hard but the Scot always seemed to have something in reserve at the key moments as he claimed a 6-4 7-6 (10/8) victory.

A tight start was broken open when an outrageous netcord helped Murray to break for a 3-1 lead.

Murray served for the set at 5-3 but was unable to get the job done as Tsonga hit back to frustrate the Scot. But he then wasted all his hard work by gifting Murray two break point chances with Murray taking the second – and the set – with a winning cross-court forehand.

Last year’s US Open runner-up cranked up the pressure in the eighth game of the second set but could not convert either of two break point opportunities.

It went to a tie-break with Tsonga claiming a mini-break for a 3-2 lead which he then squandered by netting a drop shot.

Another mini-break gave him a 5-4 lead and the chance to serve out the set. But again Murray hit back and although he had to save a set point, a netted backhand from Tsonga gave Murray his first match point which the Frenchman staved off with a clever drop volley, lob volley combination.

Tsonga wasted another set point before Murray clinched the match with a wonderful return which his opponent could not scoop back over the net.

In the final he will play either Juan Martin Del Potro or Andy Roddick.

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