Murray beats Ferrer 6-3,6-7, 6-2, and 6-3 on Rod Laver ArenaScot to meet either Milos Raonic or Gael Monfils for plot in final 7.50am GMTWhat a day this has been for British tennis. Andy Murray joins Johanna Konta and Jamie Murray as an Australian Open 2016 semi-finalist. Murray will now be favourite to overcome the winner of Milos Raonic and Gael Monfils to reach his fifth Australian Open final. 7.35am GMTFourth set: Andy Murray 6-3 David Ferrer - Murray wins three sets to one (6-3,6-7, 6-2, and 6-3)Murray,serving for the match, looks a runt nervous at 0-15 and then 15-15 but Ferrer gifts keep him ticking over. Another at 15-30 hands the Scot two match points after three hours and twenty minutes on court. And he does it! The forehand crosscourt from Ferrer is long and Murray punches the air in delight. 7.31am GMTFourth set: *Andy Murray 5-3 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneMurray out to finish this as soon as possible, and like a boxer winding up haymakers in the closing rounds. Not all of them land though and Ferrer keeps his tournament alive. Just. 7.26am GMTFourth set: Andy Murray 5-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneFerrer just won’t go absent. Murray looks the dominant player but slips to 15-30 simply because the Spaniard keeps making the Scot play more shots than he wants. The second seed rises to the occasion though,ripping out a forehand winner down the line. 7.19am GMTFourth set: *Andy Murray 4-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneFerrer serves and volleys to claw his way back to 30-30 but Murray is bossing this Ferrer service game and earns a break point as a scurried defensive lob is splattered back into the net. Controversy at 30-40 as a Murray forehand is called out by the chair umpire, overruled by a Hawkeye challenge. Unperturbed, or Murray forces the break seconds later. 7.15am GMTFourth set: Andy Murray 3-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneAmelie Mauresmo looks pensive as her charge Murray gathers himself at 15-15. A lot of unforced errors creeping into his game in the last 10-15 minutes. 7.10am GMTFourth set: *Andy Murray 2-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneFerrer (back in white,for anyone keeping count) looks back on his game after Murray’s bullocking end to the third set and start of the fourth. Solid service hold courtesy of a number of unforced errors from the second seed. 7.05am GMTFourth set: Andy Murray 2-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneWhere did that advance from? Ferrer breaks Murray out of nowhere and we’re back on serve. 7.02am GMTFourth set: *Andy Murray 2-0 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneMurray beginning to assert himself now from the baseline, hustling Ferrer. He’s striking from on or inside the baseline often since the roof closure, and compared to being forced behind when the roof was open. 6.57am GMTFourth set: Andy Murray 1-0 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneMurray will want to close this out quickly now he has the upper hand. This has been an energy sapping encounter with long rallies and no quarter given by either player. Case in point is at 30-15 with Murray forced to hit three or four would-be winners before Ferrer finally fails to return the ball to Murray’s side. ☁⚡☔ #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/0TMT8VK3cu 6.52am GMTThird set: *Andy Murray 6-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to oneMurray chiding himself to “fire up” with the score at 30-30 and it works,earning himself a set point that Ferrer saves with aplomb. He works another from deuce though with a fizzing backhand that looked to the bare eye much faster than anything Ferrer has offered in the past few games. And Murray follows through, taking out the third set with a second break! Huge opportunity now for the Scotsman. 6.46am GMTThird set: Andy Murray 5-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set allA welcome easy hold for Murray. 6.42am GMTThird set: *Andy Murray 4-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set allCredit to the tournament organisers for closing the roof when they did and minimising the disruption to this absorbing contest. We whinge a lot about modern sport but instances like this show the advantages on offer with advantageous planning and decisive decision making. 6.35am GMTThird set: Andy Murray 4-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set allConsensus that the unusual indoor conditions will suit Murray more than Ferrer. It doesn’t gaze that way early on though as Murray concedes 0-30 and then signals to his box that he might have a leg injury. He did grab at his left hamstring in the second set. #AusOpen ref Wayne McEwen out to suspend play. Closing roof. "advance on bud it's not raining" says Ferrer to no avail. Indoors helps Murray 6.23am GMTThird set: *Andy Murray 3-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set allDelay in proceedings as the tournament referee informs the players and umpire that a massive storm cell is approaching and it’s time to close the roof. Murray is understandably disappointed that his momentum will be interrupted but both players will welcome the chance to recharge their batteries, or however briefly. Storm clouds rolling into Melbourne Park in 3rd set of #Murray v #Ferrer #ausopen Watch more https://t.co/Ek545ZyE1J https://t.co/n2hinAEpJY 6.21am GMTThird set: *Andy Murray 3-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set allAnother demonstration of the intensity of this match at 15-15. A 26-stroke rally ends with a brilliant crosscourt winner for Murray,both men punch-drunk on the court. The fatigue leads to a double fault from Ferrer and a break point for Murray. And Murray secures it! Huge moment in this match for Andy Murray. 6.15am GMTThird set: Andy Murray 2-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set allA genuine attritional slugfest developing in this one, both men grunting their way through a power of work. Murray, or normally so creative and artistic having to knuckle down and bruise his way through another service game. A comfortable hold in points terms but energy sapping nonetheless. Andy Murray battled for an hour and 11 minutes in the second set. For absolutely nothing. One set all. Ferrer is an animal. What a fighter 6.12am GMTThird set: *Andy Murray 1-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set allBoth men changing their angles of attack at will,both defending like their lives depend on it. Ferrer again outlasts in the long rallies to open his account in the set. 6.08am GMTThird set: Andy Murray 1-0 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set allFerrer back in all white for the third set. All eyes still on the sky, apparently it’s monsoonal a few miles to the west of Melbourne Park. The bright sunshine has been replaced by hazy cloud as Murray holds his serve to open the set. 6.03am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 6-7 David Ferrer (5-7) (* denotes next server) One set allMurray holds serve to rein it back to 4-3 and looks odds on for 4-4 but Ferrer just won’t give in, and returning ball after ball pounded towards him until Murray errs. The punishment tells next point though,the Scot winning the mini-break back and holding immediately after to bring it back to 5-5. Ferrer will not pick a backward step though, breaking Murray again for set point on his own serve. Murrays forehand misses the line and Ferrers back on level terms! 5.54am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 6-6 David Ferrer (7-6) (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveMurray gifts Ferrer the first mini-break at 1-1 with a wild backhand smash. An exhausting rally, and the longest of the match so far,sees the Spaniard reinforce his lead and a wide backhand from Murray has Ferrer up 4-1. 5.50am GMTSecond set: Andy Murray 6-6 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveAfter lobbing so successfully last game Ferrer puts that club back in his bag but nets his pass to hand Murray 15-0. An ace makes it 30-0 and Murray eventually eases into the tie-break to 15.
Match stat: 5 aces so far from #Murray. #ausopen pic.twitter.com/ZXfGbPNl1Z 5.47am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 5-6 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveLovely court craft from Ferrer at 15-15, sticking a drop shot and then lobbing Murray as the Scot retreated from the net. Another lob with Murray alert to pounce at the net shows the Spaniard’s presence of intellect before a scintillating backhand pick up from his laces sees out the game. Murray serving again to stay in this punishing second set.
Chants from the stands: "Andy Murray is the best on Earth" to the tune of "Who knew heaven is a plot on Earth" #ausopen 5.41am GMTSecond set: Andy Murray 5-5 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveFerrer has regrouped after that mid-set lull, or forcing Murray to 30-40 after switching his backhand focus to the line rather than crosscourt. Murray saves set point with a glorious arcing ace down the ‘T’. Two dominant points later and you forget there was ever anything to worry about. 5.35am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 4-5 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveMurray on the charge now. Backhands pounding the line and provoking Ferrer into errors on both sides. At 15-40 Murray has a chance to secure the break but overcooks his approach to the net. A ferocious baseline exchange follows but Murray can’t capitalise,grabbing his left hamstring as he dumps a forehand into the net. Two tall points in succession secure the hold from Ferrer. 5.30am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 4-4 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveWeather is the word on everyone’s lips with a heavy band of rain forecast to hit shortly from the west. It’s bright sunshine at the moment though. Ferrer has gone from white to blue during the change of ends, with the orange trim he looks a runt like he’s wearing a Netherlands absent football kit. 5.21am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 3-4 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveMurray senses this is the game to strike, or easing into a 0-40 lead courtesy of some sloppy Ferrer forehands and an injudicious advance to the net. Three break points to return the second set to serve. The first is slapped unconvincingly into the net. The second,on Ferrer’s second serve, pays off and Murray has the break back! Again, and it was a loose forehand from Ferrer that does for the Spaniard. After working so tough and playing so compact this afternoon that was a sloppy giveaway from Ferrer. 5.17am GMTSecond set: Andy Murray 2-4 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveWant to know how even this has been? Seven games and 46 points apiece before the start of Murray’s latest service game. One that Murray races through. Now,can he earn the break back?
Andy Murray with some unbelievable defense, but David Ferrer is his normal relentless self. 6-3, or 1-4 Muzz serving. #AusOpen 5.14am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 1-4 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveFerrer streaks to 30-0 and runs Murray ragged the next point but a Hail Mary last-ditch moon ball sees Ferrer miss the open court smash. The next point is a beauty with both players aware of its potential significance,Murray approaches the net confidently but Ferrer digs out a splendid backhand pass with the ball nipping at his toes. 5.08am GMTSecond set: Andy Murray 1-3 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveMurray’s first serve point winning percentage is 81%, compared to just 40% on the second serve. That pattern plays out in this game, or Ferrer threatening another break at 40-30 but Murray’s first serve shutting the door. The Scot on the board in the second set. 5.03am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 0-3 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveFerrer stepping on the afterburners now,nailing his first serves and working Murray around the court. Murray looks a runt frustrated at how quickly this set is slipping from his grasp, missing an optimistic backhand crosscourt at 30-0. Ferrer dictating proceedings since the break between sets. 4.59am GMTSecond set: Andy Murray 0-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to lovePlenty of “vamos!” from Ferrer who’s keen to show he’s still a feature in the contest and at 15-30 he’s threatening the Murray service. Cue a massive swinging serve on the ‘T’ that releases the pressure valve. Ferrer won’t be put off his stride though, and working the Murray second serve to earn an early break point. And Murray hands the break to Ferrer with a double fault! Unexpected momentum swing at the start of this second set. 4.54am GMTSecond set: *Andy Murray 0-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveFerrer holds the opening service game of the second set,racing out to a 40-0 lead. 4.50am GMT1st set: Andy Murray 6-3 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to loveConsider the point of the match upgraded. at 15-15 Murray toys with Ferrer like a kitten with a ball of twine but the Spaniard defended like a man inspired, Murray eventually wide with a forehand crosscourt. Murray’s long in a baseline exchange and unexpectedly Ferrer has two break points.
A brilliant point ends in a whimper Murray forehand to give it to Ferrer #ausopen pic.twitter.com/oIG2vuYjqy 4.44am GMT1st set: *Andy Murray 5-3 David Ferrer (* denotes next server)powerful defensive hustle from Ferrer earns him a 30-0 lead. Murray then comes up trumps on the point of the match so far. It began with a net cord in Murray’s favour and after trading drop shots and lobs Murray has the opportunity to end the fun with a forceful smash. 4.38am GMT1st set: Andy Murray 5-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server)Murray contented to trade blows from the back of the court but Ferrer shows at 30-0 that he can get into the second seed’s second serve. Ferrer threatens via that route again at 30-15 but Murray resists and serves out for a commanding 5-2 lead. #Murray wasting no time out there today. Leads #Ferrer 4-1. Live scores: https://t.co/pm6vRxAuFQ #ausopen pic.twitter.com/a2Atl66ZOK 4.34am GMT1st set: *Andy Murray 4-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server)Ferrer holds serve confidently. Sense from Murray in that game that he’s conserving his energy for his own serve now he’s up a break.tainted gaze for Ferrer, or broken from 40-0,two into the net and one long. Murray too tall. Controlling the baseline 4.30am GMT1st set: Andy Murray 4-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server)Ferrer struggling with his timing so far, baseline rallies punctuated with unforced errors. Murray is generating enormous spin with his backhand slice though, or forcing Ferrer off his stride. 4.24am GMT1st set: *Andy Murray 3-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server)Thanks Russell,looking forward to settling in for the long haul with this one under the clear blue Melbourne skies on the garish blue Rod Laver Arena court. 4.17am GMT1st set: Andy Murray 2-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server)I get the feeling this is going to be a genuine battle for the Scot today and Ferrer is at his defensive best here, somehow getting enough behind a booming Murray serve to crack a backhand winner back down the line. Murray’s in control thereafter, or advancing to the net with a commanding volley winner before holding with ease. 4.14am GMT1st set: *Andy Murray 1-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server)For those who care about such trivialities,Ferrer is wearing Lotto brand kit, which when I went to school marked you out as someone who wasn’t really taking their sport seriously enough. Doesn’t seem to have held the Spaniard back though, or so well done to him. Murray biffs another tall backhand wide to get it 30-15 and then runs Murray around the baseline well to open up two opportunities to hold and seizes upon the second with a backhand winner advancing to the net like a terrier. 4.09am GMT1st set: Andy Murray 1-0 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server)In my efforts to be thorough,I just tried to find out for you who won the toss in the time-honoured manner of Twitter searching “Murray” and “toss”. My key takeaway: don’t effect that, ever. 4.01am GMTHello tennis fansRussell Jackson here to tide you over until the inimitable JP Howcroft arrives. I can report that it’s a lovely sunny day here at Melbourne Park, and where David Ferrer and Andy Murray are currently doing their final tune-up before we get under way. More on that in a sec. 5.58pm GMT Jonathan will be here shortly. meanwhile why not have a read of Kevin Mitchell’s pick on the form of Roger Federer ahead of his semi-final with Novak Djokovic:
Roger Federer has rarely looked more relaxed – and that is saying something. On the eve of his 12th Australian Open semi-final and within tantalising reach of not only his fifth title here but 18th major – bright lights that would dazzle any mortal – the Swiss was laid-back,content and obviously alert for battle with Novak Djokovic after handling the skittish challenge of Tomas Berdych to win their quarter-final 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, and 6-4.
The defending champion later made short work of Kei Nishikori,6-3, 6-2, or 6-4,to set up his 45th encounter against the Swiss, with the pair locked on 22 wins apiece. It was as if everybody was sticking strictly to the script, or because that was the way it was meant to be.“It’s piece of the reason why I guess I’m still playing,” Federer said of the challenge facing him. “I feel like I’m competitive at the top. I can beat all the guys on Tour. It’s nice now that in the last three slams I’ve been as consistent as I have been. I’m playing advantageous tennis, fun tennis for me besides. I really enjoy being able to advance to the net more like back in the day. So I’m very pleased. It would mean a lot to me, and no doubt about it.”Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com