Murray caps triumphant day for GB
What 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.
Asked on court about the key moment in the match, the roof closure midway through the third set, Murray told Jim Courier: “I grew up playing indoors, I learned to play in Scotland... It made it a little easier to return, that helped me a little bit.” Adding, “It was good to have a break because we played some brutal rallies.
It was a brutal match with long rallies in the Melbourne sun perpetuated by Ferrer and his ability to hunt almost everything down that Murray could throw at him. The Spaniard wilted under the roof though and as Murray asserted himself Ferrer couldn’t find another gear.
Game, set and match Murray!
Fourth set: Andy Murray 6-3 David Ferrer - Murray wins three sets to one (6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3)
Murray, serving for the match, looks a little 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.
That was a hard fought victory from Murray, credit to Ferrer.
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Fourth set: *Andy Murray 5-3 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Murray out to finish this as soon as possible, like a boxer winding up haymakers in the closing rounds. Not all of them land though and Ferrer keeps his tournament alive. Just.
Fourth set: Andy Murray 5-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Ferrer just won’t go away. 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.
A double fault opens the door again for Ferrer though but it seemed like only an opportunity for Murray to spur himself back into the moment. Deuce is spellbinding with both players steering each other across Rod Laver Arena. Ferrer looks to have the point in his grasp but Murray lunches, wraps his racquet around a forehand pass that curves into play like a boomerang. Ferrer finally looks forlorn as Murray serves out for a 5-2 lead.
Fourth set: *Andy Murray 4-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Ferrer 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, Murray forces the break seconds later.
Can Murray hold his serve to back the break up?
Fourth set: Andy Murray 3-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Amelie 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.
The first lengthy rally for some time ends in Murray’s favour, eliciting a “come on”, but he hands Ferrer the point straight back with a lazy long forehand. A more guttural “come on” emerges at 40-30 and a solid roar and fist pump greet the game winner.
You sense that if Murray retains his intensity this is his to lose but Ferrer isn’t going to concede any time soon.
Fourth set: *Andy Murray 2-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Ferrer (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.
Fourth set: Andy Murray 2-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Where did that come from? Ferrer breaks Murray out of nowhere and we’re back on serve.
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Fourth set: *Andy Murray 2-0 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Murray beginning to assert himself now from the baseline, hustling Ferrer. He’s striking from on or inside the baseline often since the roof closure, compared to being forced behind when the roof was open.
Ferrer’s not going down without a fight though, sprinting all over the court but he can’t deny Murray in this mood, and that’s the crucial break of serve.
Fourth set: Andy Murray 1-0 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Murray 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.
Huge moment at 40-30 with Ferrer tucking into a weak Murray second serve, deuce looks imminent until Murray peel off a thrilling running forehand pass that clips the line. Big point.
☁⚡☔ #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/0TMT8VK3cu
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2016
Third set to Murray
Third set: *Andy Murray 6-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads two sets to one
Murray 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 naked 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.
Third set: Andy Murray 5-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set all
A welcome easy hold for Murray.
The host broadcaster offering some excellent analysis as to why, highlighting data that indicates Ferrer’s groundstrokes are 10% or so slower under the roof than outdoors.
Third set: *Andy Murray 4-2 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set all
Credit 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 good planning and decisive decision making.
Both players a little sluggish since the break though and Ferrer stumbles to 15-30. Murray then climbs all over a second serve to earn two break points. Ferrer saves the first in the best rally since the resumption, growing in stature as the point draws on. Murray then fluffs his lines with the second, missing an opportunity with a wide crosscourt backhand.
Ferrer clearly relishes the fight and despite some poor serving sees off Murray’s charge.
Third set: Andy Murray 4-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set all
Consensus that the new indoor conditions will suit Murray more than Ferrer. It doesn’t look 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.
Undeterred, he pulls it back to 30-30 only to double fault and threaten to hand his hard earned break straight back to Ferrer. One break point saved but then another double fault opens the door. Saved, and then a confident couple of points secures the hold and an imposing 4-1 lead.
The Spaniard is now back in blue, by the way. AC/DC’s lesser known Miles David tribute album.
#AusOpen ref Wayne McEwen out to suspend play. Closing roof. "Come on bud it's not raining" says Ferrer to no avail. Indoors helps Murray
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) January 27, 2016
Roof closure
Third set: *Andy Murray 3-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set all
Delay 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, 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
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2016
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Third set: *Andy Murray 3-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set all
Another 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.
Third set: Andy Murray 2-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set all
A real attritional slugfest developing in this one, both men grunting their way through a power of work. Murray, 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
— DavidLaw (@DavidLawTennis) January 27, 2016
Third set: *Andy Murray 1-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) One set all
Both 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.
Third set: Andy Murray 1-0 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) One set all
Ferrer 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.
The host broadcaster lingers on a pair of Murray supporters that would be considered ‘colourful’ to the euphemistic among us.
Second set to Ferrer
Second set: *Andy Murray 6-7 David Ferrer (5-7) (* denotes next server) One set all
Murray holds serve to rein it back to 4-3 and looks odds on for 4-4 but Ferrer just won’t give in, 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 take a backward step though, breaking Murray again for set point on his own serve. Murray’s forehand misses the line and Ferrer’s back on level terms!
71 minutes of energy sapping tennis that set and it ends in favour of the Spanish eighth seed.
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Second set: *Andy Murray 6-6 David Ferrer (7-6) (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Murray gifts Ferrer the first mini-break at 1-1 with a wild backhand smash. An exhausting rally, the longest of the match so far, sees the Spaniard reinforce his lead and a wide backhand from Murray has Ferrer up 4-1.
Second set: Andy Murray 6-6 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
After 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
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2016
Second set: *Andy Murray 5-6 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Lovely 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 ready to pounce at the net shows the Spaniard’s presence of mind 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 place on Earth" #ausopen
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) January 27, 2016
Belinda Carlisle must be delighted.
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Second set: Andy Murray 5-5 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Ferrer has regrouped after that mid-set lull, 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.
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Second set: *Andy Murray 4-5 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Murray 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 big points in succession secure the hold from Ferrer.
Topsy turvy set showing the fighting qualities of both men.
Second set: *Andy Murray 4-4 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Weather 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 little like he’s wearing a Netherlands away football kit.
Not the most convincing service game from Murray who is distracted by a cameraman’s accoutrements. At 15-30 Ferrer fancies his chances but more unforced errors prove costly. On the subject of unforced errors an errant drop shot has Murray scalding himself, leading to deuce and then a break point. He saves on a second serve, running around a massive crosscourt forehand. Ferrer then fails with two forehands in quick succession to bring Murray level in the set.
Second set: *Andy Murray 3-4 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Murray senses this is the game to strike, 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, it was a loose forehand from Ferrer that does for the Spaniard. After working so hard and playing so compact this afternoon that was a sloppy giveaway from Ferrer.
Second set: Andy Murray 2-4 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Want 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 usual relentless self. 6-3, 1-4 Muzz serving. #AusOpen
— Mick Colageo (@MickColageo) January 27, 2016
Second set: *Andy Murray 1-4 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Ferrer 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.
Murray really sensing the importance of this game to this set, digging in for some long rallies, blowing hard, forcing Ferrer to deuce. A spectacular no-look backhand stun volley at the net gives the Spaniard advantage and he eventually holds with Murray dumping a groundstroke into the net. Tame end to the game of the set so far. Ferrer in control of this one.
Second set: Andy Murray 1-3 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Murray’s first serve point winning percentage is 81%, compared to just 40% on the second serve. That pattern plays out in this game, Ferrer threatening another break at 40-30 but Murray’s first serve shutting the door. The Scot on the board in the second set.
Second set: *Andy Murray 0-3 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Ferrer stepping on the afterburners now, nailing his first serves and working Murray around the court. Murray looks a little 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.
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Second set: Andy Murray 0-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Plenty 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, 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.
Second set: *Andy Murray 0-1 David Ferrer (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Ferrer holds the opening service game of the second set, racing out to a 40-0 lead.
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First set to Murray
1st set: Andy Murray 6-3 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server) Murray leads one set to love
Consider 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.
The first is saved with a confident serve sliding away from the Ferrer forehand. The second with a thumping 195 kph ace down the middle. Two more rapid first serve points and Murray’s up a set. Nerves? Pah!
A brilliant point ends in a whimper Murray forehand to give it to Ferrer #ausopen pic.twitter.com/oIG2vuYjqy
— Andrew Jerell Jones (@sluggahjells) January 27, 2016
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1st set: *Andy Murray 5-3 David Ferrer (* denotes next server)
Great 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.
At 30-30 Murray finds the baseline chalk to earn himself a break point but Ferrer pounds his forehand often enough at Murray’s backhand to take it to deuce. A blistering cross court backhand from Murray is millimetres out on review, followed up by a powerful Ferrer serve to stay alive in the opening set.
1st set: Andy Murray 5-2 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server)
Murray happy 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
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 27, 2016
1st 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.
Bad look for Ferrer, broken from 40-0, two into the net and one long. Murray too big. Controlling the baseline
— Howard Bryant (@hbryant42) January 27, 2016
1st 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, forcing Ferrer off his stride.
Double-fault from Murray at 40-30 rewards Ferrer’s persistence for keeping his dander up after going down that break but the Spaniard can’t take advantage. Murray presses home his ascendancy with some neat footwork at the net.
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1st 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.
Ferrer races to a 40-0 leave on serve but slides into deuce just as quickly with three unforced errors. A fourth in a row gives Murray break point and that’s a telling early blow for the Scotsman. Sloppy from Ferrer, really handed that break to Murray on a silver platter.
1st set: Andy Murray 2-1 David Ferrer* (* denotes next server)
I get the feeling this is going to be a real 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, advancing to the net with a commanding volley winner before holding with ease.
JP Howcroft will join you now. Enjoy!
1st 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, so well done to him. Murray biffs another big backhand wide to make 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.
1st 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 do that, ever.
My other takeaway: Murray is now serving and after a brief rally nets a backhand to give Ferrer the first point of the match. Ferrer returns the favour before a cracking first serve puts Murray at 30-15 with slightly more spring in his step, if that’s how one can describe a man with heavier objects strapped to his ankles than a parolee. As ever, all that extra baggage doesn’t hold him back as he advances to the net and whips a forehand winner down the line but it’s soon at deuce and Murray’s livid with himself. He needn’t be as he digs in well to hold serve.
Hello tennis fans
Russell 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, where David Ferrer and Andy Murray are currently doing their final tune-up before we get under way. More on that in a sec.
Jonathan will be here shortly. In the meantime why not have a read of Kevin Mitchell’s take 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 ready for battle with Novak Djokovic after handling the skittish challenge of Tomas Berdych to win their quarter-final 7-6 (7-4), 6-2, 6-4.
The defending champion later made short work of Kei Nishikori, 6-3, 6-2, 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, because that was the way it was meant to be.
“It’s part 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 good tennis, fun tennis for me anyway. I really enjoy being able to come to the net more like back in the day. So I’m very pleased. It would mean a lot to me, no doubt about it.”
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