Match report
At three hours and 38 minutes, that is the longest match in this tournaments history, 18 minutes longer than Andy Murray’s win over Kei Nishikori’s on Wednesday. Murray’s not afraid of a bit of physical torture, is he? “It was unbelievably tough. I had to fight very hard to get over the line. Pretty amazing tie-break.” Pretty amazing player. Milos Raonic gave it absolutely everything, had chances to win and showed amazing resilience at times. But Murray had too much in both tie-breaks and he moves into the final, where he will face either Novak Djokovic or Nishikori. They play tonight. Join me then. Thanks for reading. Bye.
Andy Murray beats Milos Raonic 5-7, 7-6, 7-6!
Third set tie-break: Murray* 11-9 Raonic* (*denotes server): They rally. But not for long. Raonic, his legs about to turn to actual jelly, nets a forehand on the run and Andy Murray has somehow won one of the maddest matches I have ever seen! He’s into the final!
Third set tie-break: Murray* 10-9 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic sends a forehand return long. Murray has another match point.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 9-9 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray saves it with a calm volley. Will it ever end? They’ve got to fit in an evening session.
Third set tie-break: Murray 8-9 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic earns his first match point as he overpowers Murray with a forehand into the left corner.
Third set tie-break: Murray 8-8 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray nets a forehand with Raonic at the end. It was a half chance at most.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 8-7 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray earns a third match point with an ace.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 7-7 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray chops a slice long! Does he want to win this match?
Third set tie-break: Murray 7-6 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic slices long. I think. He challenges. Hold that thought. Was it out? Hawkeye says ... yes! Murray has another match point.
Third set tie-break: Murray 6-6 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic looks out of it one point, only to come up with a scintillating forehand down the line to stay alive!
Third set tie-break: Murray* 6-5 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic nets at the end of a preposterous rally. Murray ... has a match point.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 5-5 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray nets a forehand. Dearie me.
Third set tie-break: Murray 5-4 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic clings on, Murray unable to get enough purchase on a lob.
Third set tie-break: Murray 5-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray pummels a forehand into the left corner to soften Raonic up, then lands a decisive blow with a forehand into the opposite corner.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 4-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic sneezes a forehand into the net.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 3-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray responds with an ace. He should have done that 10 minutes ago.
Third set tie-break: Murray 2-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic pings an ace out wide.
Third set tie-break: Murray 2-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray nets a forehand return.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 2-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray volleys well. Your guess remains as good as mine.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 1-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray double faults.
Third set tie-break: Murray 1-0 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic sends a backhand wide.
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 6-6 Raonic (*denotes server): After three hours and 17 minutes of peculiar tennis, Andy Murray serves for the match again. He nets a forehand to make it 0-15. This is becoming a bit much, I’ll level with you. Soon it’s 0-30, Raonic winning a cross-court forehand duel. Murray makes it 15-30 with a searing forehand down the line, but he’s still got plenty of hard work to do, especially when he nets a forehand to gift Raonic two break points again. Murray nets a backhand. We will have a tie-break. Absurd.
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 6-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): Two mistakes from Raonic make it 0-30. Murray steels himself and wonders if he’s about to break again. Raonic serves superbly to make it 15-30, though, before Murray gets a bit too excited with a backhand return. The game goes to 30-all and more solid serving from Raonic makes it 40-30. Murray forces deuce, though, and incredibly earns a break point when Raonic picks a bad moment for a double fault. Can he take it? He can! Raonic wearily nets a forehand down the line and Murray will serve for the match again! What drama! Sport, eh?
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 5-5 Raonic (*denotes server): After three hours and six minutes, Murray steps up to serve for the match. This hasn’t always felt like the likeliest of outcomes and there still might be a twist or two. In keeping with a barmy match, Murray is forced to wait while the people in charge switch the right lights on – and then Raonic cracks a stunning forehand return from right to left to lead 0-15. It’s 15-all when Raonic dabs wide after a Murray drop shot; it’s 15-30 when another brilliant Raonic forehand tees him up for a smash. Murray desperately needs first serves. He gets one, but Raonic’s tentative return drops inside the baseline and Murray ends up gifting up two break points by netting a backhand. Murray saves the first with an outstanding, defiant forehand to make it 30-40. Raonic still has another chance. Murray tries a drop shot again. This time, Raonic is on to his tricks. Murray can’t pass him, he tries a lob, Raonic breaks with a smash. Murray smashes a ball into the air and receives a warning from the umpire.
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Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 5-4 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray wins the first point, just about, as he loops a forehand down the line and Raonic stretches into a stiff backhand that drops wide. Soon it’s 0-30, Raonic putting too much behind a forehand that flashes wide. Another miss on the forehand side hands Murray three break points. Raonic challenges to no avail; then he nets a backhand! After three hours and five minutes of gripping tennis, Murray breaks and he’ll serve for a place in the final!
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 4-4 Raonic (*denotes server): A break here and Raonic will be serving for the match, so it’s safe to say that Murray can’t afford too much sloppiness. He needs some first serves. He gets one, but Raonic returns superbly and wins the point thanks to a ripped forehand into the right corner for 0-15. He clenches his fist, sensing that he has Murray right where he wants him here. He might be on to something, you know. Raonic attacks a weak second serve and makes it 0-30 with a clever forehand volley. Murray looks weary again. But wait. Murray wins the next three points to lead 40-30. But wait. The game goes to deuce, Raonic hammering a backhand down the line at the end of a brilliant, tense rally. Murray holds, though, skelping an ace away.
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 3-4 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray has a couple of stabs at passing Raonic at the net, but he can’t find a way through and eventually nets a backhand for 15-0. It’s 15-all when Raonic nets a seemingly simple backhand, but the world No4 makes it 30-15 with an emphatic smash. Murray responds with a peach of a backhand down the line to make it 30-all, but finds himself down 40-30 after knocking a backhand return long off a second serve. Raonic holds to 30.
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 3-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray’s quickly into a 30-0 lead in this game, but a double-fault at 30-all gives Raonic hope. A pinpoint forehand takes Murray to 40-30, though, and he holds to 30. Will we see a break?
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 2-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic produces some glorious tennis to crunch into a 40-0 lead, drop shots and forehands too hot for handle, but he volleys wide and double faults to make it 40-30. This is a bit careless from Raonic. But Murray can’t force deuce, wafting a forehand long off a second serve. That was a small chance for Murray.
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 2-2 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray is forced to wait before the start of this game as fans take their seats after seeking refreshments at the end of the second set. He stays calm, bangs an ace out wide to lead 30-0 and holds to love thanks to some accurate groundstrokes.
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 1-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray produces an excellent return off a second serve, drilling a backhand down the line, and Raonic finds himself down 0-15 after hooking a backhand wide. The game goes to 30-all when Raonic double faults, but the Canadian makes sure it goes to 40-30 with a deft volley. Raonic holds to 30 when Murray nets a forehand.
Third set: Murray* 5-7, 7-6, 1-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic is responding with granite focus, moving into an ominous 0-30 lead with a fine backhand from left to right. A couple of sloppy groundstrokes lets Murray nervously move to 30-all, but Raonic earns a break point with a firm forehand, Murray stretching and hitting long. He can’t take it, though, limply netting a forehand, but he has another opportunity when Murray does the same thing. Murray digs deep; Raonic nets a forehand again. What a generous fellow. Murray holds.
Third set: Murray 5-7, 7-6, 0-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): It’s going to be very interesting to see how Raonic responds given that he led by a set and a break. Not too badly here. He clobbers his way into a 40-0 lead and holds to love. The second set lasted 80 minutes, so both players must be feeling it.
Andy Murray wins the second set 7-6 to level the match!
Second set tie-break: Murray* 7-5 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray serves down the middle and Raonic lifts his forehand return long! What grit from the world No1!
Second set tie-break: Murray 6-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray drives through his backhand down the line and earns a set point with a forehand volley!
Second set tie-break: Murray 5-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic wins the point despite some absurd net-based shenanigans. If he wins the next one, he’s got match point.
Second set tie-break: Murray* 5-4 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic cancels out the mini-break with a swaggering forehand.
Second set tie-break: Murray* 5-3 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic slaps a forehand into the net.
Second set tie-break: Murray 4-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray sends a forehand return long. His lead remains slender.
Second set tie-break: Murray 4-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic produces another ace. Murray challenges incorrectly again. He’s out of challenges.
Second set tie-break: Murray* 4-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray looks like he’s lost this point, only to dig an outrageous volley out from, I think, between his feet on the run!
Second set tie-break: Murray* 3-1 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray comes up with a big serve out wide.
Second set tie-break: Murray 2-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic booms an ace down the middle. Murray challenges to no avail.
Second set tie-break: Murray 2-0 Raonic* (*denotes server): Raonic nets a backhand. The first mini-break goes to Murray.
Second set tie-break: Murray* 1-0 Raonic (*denotes server): Raonic swipes a forehand wide.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 6-6 Raonic* (*denotes server): Grabbed by the idea of forcing a tie-break, Raonic begins this game with an ace, before thumping a forehand to make it 30-0. Raonic holds to 15. We will have a tie-break. Raonic’s odds must have lowered as a result.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 6-5 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray was broken at this stage in the first set and he looks determined not to suffer a repeat, volleying astutely for a 15-0 lead. He moves into the safe waters of 30-0, but Raonic is still lurking ominously, hitting a backhand well to make it 30-15. Soon it’s 30-all, Murray netting a forehand. Is it going to happen again? Maybe not. Murray just finds the line with a forehand from right to left. There wasn’t much in that one. There’s a lot in this one, though, Murray sending a forehand into orbit to make it deuce. Murray has chances to wrap it up, but Raonic is determined not to make it easy for him. Time and again, he forces deuce. The tension grows. Murray holds. He’s forced a tie-break at the very least, but he’s bound to want better than that.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 5-5 Raonic* (*denotes server): Murray’s very pleased with himself after smacking a forehand into the right corner, forcing Raonic to hit long for 0-15. He’s two points from levelling the match after a very dodgy double fault from Raonic, who misses the second serve by a mile, but it’s 15-30 when Murray clips a backhand wide off a second serve. He’s annoyed with himself. Some preposterousness ensues. Murray very nearly grabs two set points with a lovely drop volley, but Raonic shows fine footwork to steer his backhand down the line. Murray manages to lift the ball in the air, Raonic puts his smash back into play and they rally. Eventually Murray lifts a slice wide and Raonic makes it 40-30 with an ace before holding when the Scot nets a forehand. A huge change goes begging.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 5-4 Raonic (*denotes server): Well aware that Raonic will be serving for the match if he wins this game, Murray’s concentration must be absolute. He begins encouragingly, a stunning half volley making it 15-0. At 30-0, though, he lets Raonic make into the game with two shabby forehands. This is a test of his resilience now, even more so when he misses a first serve, but he moves to 40-30 when Raonic drifts a slice long. Murray holds to 30 thanks to a firm backhand down the line. Raonic will serve to prolong the second set.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 4-4 Raonic* (*denotes server): “Dammit!” Murray cries as he fails to read a Raonic serve. 15-0. Raonic holds to love. That didn’t take long.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 4-3 Raonic (*denotes server): After the disappointment of failing to break in the previous game, Murray begins this one slowly, double-faulting for 0-15. The game goes to 15-30, Murray curiously challenging a forehand that was out by a mile. He’s under pressure during the next rally, but Raonic can’t flick a volley over the net and soon it’s 40-30. Murray holds to 30.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 3-3 Raonic* (*denotes server): The first two points of this game are shared, a sense growing that Murray is beginning to see the Raonic serve. He makes it 15-30 with an inspired backhand pass from left to right, Raonic flummoxed at the net. He must have thought he’d done enough with a forehand. He does enough with the next one, though, Murray netting his backhand this time. But Raonic is facing a break point when he nets a backhand down the line, Murray charging around the court like a whirling dervish. He steels himself and saves it a stinging forehand down the line, Murray stooping and pulling a backhand wide for deuce. Murray grabs a second chance when Raonic whistles a forehand just wide. Raonic thinks he’s saved it with an ace, but Murray finally gets a challenge right. I’ve seen everything now. Andy Murray got a challenge right. That absurd development doesn’t lead to a break just yet, though, Raonic scooping a preposterous half volley into play, Murray hurtling forward and pushing his running backhand long. From there, Raonic makes sure he holds.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 3-2 Raonic (*denotes server): There’s a different look to Murray now and he makes it 40-0 with a swinging ace out wide. He holds to love thanks to an accurate forehand and Raonic needs to regain his composure quickly.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 2-2 Raonic* (*denotes server): Well, all Raonic needs now are four strong service games and he’ll be through to the final. on that note, he begins this one with a ludicrously poor forehand to make it 0-15. Another one makes it 0-30. The crowd perks up, sensing that Murray’s not out of this one just yet. They might be right, you know. Raonic nets another forehand to gift Murray three break points. Raonic approaches the net, but that’s not going to work every time against Murray, who overpowers him with a firm forehand to force himself back into the second set!
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Second set: Murray* 5-7, 1-2 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray wastes a challenge on a second serve. It was long. That’s a double-fault, that’s 0-15. The game goes to 30-all and Raonic grabs a break point when Murray hooks a forehand long at the end a lengthy rally. Murray decides now’s the time for a drop shot. Raonic crunches forward and dabs a forehand down the line. It sits up for Murray to strike through a driven backhand volley, which Raonic blocks wide. Murray was a bit lucky there. Raonic is undeterred. He slaps a forehand return down the line to earn a second break point and breaks when Murray dumps a forehand into the net. This is a strange performance from Murray. Everything’s a little off and it’s making all the difference.
Second set: Murray 5-7, 1-1 Raonic* (*denotes server): Trailing 30-0, Murray fights back to 30-all. Can he carve out his first break point of the match? Nope. Raonic produces a splendid low forehand to make it 40-30. The world No4 is playing extremely well in conditions that seem to suit his game, although he wobbles a little here, a double-fault allowing Murray to tiptoe to deuce. All of a sudden, Murray has a break point as Raonic flaps a backhand into the net. What’s it to be? An ace? Not an ace. But Murray lets himself down with a wild forehand. He earns a second chance when Raonic nets a slice, but surprisingly nets a backhand. Eventually Raonic holds with an ace. Murray will be kicking himself.
Second set: Murray* 5-7, 1-0 Raonic (*denotes server): Murray’s fortunate not to lose the first point of this game, with Raonic trying to be a bit too cute with a forehand volley and dumping it into the net. Raonic is determined to seize the initiative, though. Winning that set seems to have given him extra belief and he moves into a 15-30 lead thanks to a surprisingly brilliant drop shot. Murray digs deep, strong hitting with his forehand bringing him to 30-all, a forehand pass with Raonic at the net making it 40-30. The games to deuce, though, and Raonic is looking sharp. Murray has to be at his resilient best to hold him off.
Milos Raonic wins the first set 7-5!
Raonic moves into a 15-0 lead when Murray steers a backhand wide. It’s 30-0 when Murray nets a forehand. That was a weary effort from Murray, who’s looked subdued and there for the taking. He changes tack, borrowing a Raonic tactic by approaching the net. But Raonic comes up with a fine backhand to earn three set points. He can’t take the first, a good return from Murray drawing a backhand error from Raonic. Murray saves the second as well, Raonic nervily netting a backhand slice. But he has a third opportunity. You fancy that one big serve will get the job done and so it proves. Raonic slices one down the middle and Murray can only block a forehand into the net. Murray’s No1 ranking is under serious threat now! He’s looking flat.
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First set: Murray* 5-6 Raonic (*denotes serve): It’s not looking too clever for Murray when he skews a forehand, Raonic moving into a 0-15 lead. It’s it’s a good time for Murray to come up with an ace, but he nets a forehand to make it 15-30. These are dangerous times for Murray, whose first serve isn’t quite clicking. Nor is his game. A dismal forehand hands Raonic two break points. He’s seen four come and go already, but this time all he needs to do is sit back and watch Murray double fault. Raonic breaks at last and will serve for the first set. It’s been coming.
First set: Murray 5-5 Raonic* (*denotes serve): Serving to stay in the set, Raonic is delighted to see Murray make three uncharacteristic backhand errors, the game drifting to 40-15. He holds thanks to a fourth. The pressure is back on Murray.
First set: Murray* 5-4 Raonic (*denotes serve): At 30-all, Murray, who’s been given a time violation by the umpire, needs to switch on here. He does. He’s aggressive and consistent, volleying to perfection to force deuce and keep Raonic at bay. A scratchy forehand gifts Raonic another chance, though. Murray challenges, but it was well out and he’s all out of challenges now. More importantly, he has to save a break point. Can he do it a third time? He nets a first serve. The second’s in. Raonic comes to the net, asking the question. Murray produces a brilliant answer, a sumptuous forehand pass to bring it back to deuce. But Raonic is pressing so hard now and he earns another chance when Murray nets a backhand. He just can’t capitalise, though. Murray is granted another reprieve when Raonic wastefully goes long with a backhand. Eventually Murray ekes out the advantage and he somehow holds when Raonic sends a frustrated forehand wide. Raonic will serve to stay in the set and he’ll need to have his wits about him after such profligacy.
First set: Murray 4-4 Raonic* (*denotes serve): “No, no,” Murray cries after a tame return off a second serve allows Raonic to take control of the first point and the game with a forehand winner. An ace makes it 30-0; a double-fault makes it 30-15. Any hope Murray has of getting on level terms in this game are quashed when Raonic nails a smash, though, and the Canadian comfortably holds to 15. Are we heading for a tie-break?
First set: Murray* 4-3 Raonic (*denotes serve): Raonic is annoyed with himself after netting a forehand return off a second serve. It’s a poor miss. He should be doing better with those. He slaps his racket against his trainers after wonking a backhand return wide off another second serve and Murray makes it 40-0 with a fine serve down the middle. Murray holds to love.
First set: Murray 3-3 Raonic* (*denotes serve): Raonic sails into a 30-0 lead thanks to two fine serves. Murray nets a backhand return to make it 40-0. Not much doing here. Raonic holds to love with an ace.
First set: Murray* 3-2 Raonic (*denotes serve): Murray punches a forehand into the left corner after a short return from Raonic. 15-0. Murray wins the next point when Raonic drops a volley just wide, but that was a good play from the Canadian, who shook things up by approaching the net. He uses the tactic again and makes it 30-15 when Murray nets a forehand, the game drifting to 30-all when the Scot mishits a forehand. The game goes to deuce, Raonic finding his range with a brutal forehand down the line at 40-30, Murray only able to watch it fizz by. Raonic earns the first break point when he pings a backhand return away off a tame Murray second serve. Murray nets a first serve. He’s under pressure here. Raonic lets him off the hook, though, making a dog’s dinner out of a forehand and Murray holds on to his serve in the end.
First set: Murray 2-2 Raonic* (*denotes serve): Raonic is nice and positive on the first point, but a little too aggressive, slapping a forehand wide. He challenges to no avail and Murray moves into a 0-15 lead. The world No4 responds with a wonderfully angled forehand from right to left, though, pulling Murray out of position and capitalising with a forehand into the open court. Murray can’t eat up the ground in time and 15-all becomes 30-15 when he sends a backhand return long. Raonic’s first ace makes it 40-15. He holds when Murray scoops a forehand down the line wide on the run.
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First set: Murray* 2-1 Raonic (*denotes serve): Murray gambols into a 40-0 lead, Raonic not forcing him to exert himself. He holds to love when the Canadian pulls a forehand wide. Raonic is making a lot of errors.
First set: Murray 1-1 Raonic* (*denotes serve): Raonic lays down the hammer with a huge serve. Murray gets it back, but a short ball invites Raonic to attack with a forward, winning him the point. He moves into a 30-0 lead, before Murray makes it 30-15, punishing some slack volleying with a dismissive forehand pass. Another errant volley from Raonic makes it 30-all at the end of a tight rally. That huge serve brings him so many free points, though, and he smashes one down the middle to make it 40-30. Another one allows him to hold to 30. Murray will have to be patient.
First set: Murray* 1-0 Raonic (*denotes serve): The first semi-final begins with Andy Murray opening the serving. The game begins with Raonic netting two forehand returns, lifting Murray into a 30-0 lead. A miss on the backhand side makes it 40-0. Murray holds to love.
Tok! Tok! Tok! They’re knocking up.
The players are out on court! The first semi-final will begin imminently! But we’ve got to get through the usual niceties first. On that note, why does the umpire always remind the players of the basic rules before every match?
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Preamble
You again! For the third time this year, Andy Murray and Milos Raonic meet in London for a pivotal match. First the final at Queens, then at Wimbledon, and now the semi-final of the ATP World Tour Finals. On paper, this appears to be better news for Murray than for Raonic, who has lost his past seven matches against the world No1. At Queens, he led by a set and a break. He lost. At Wimbledon, he was dismissed in straight sets. Even away from London, he’s not enjoyed himself against Murray. He led by two sets to one in their Australian Open semi-final, but he was limping badly towards the end of a five-set defeat. Murray also won 6-2, 6-0 in Monte Carlo and 6-3, 6-3 in Cincinnati.
It would appear that he has the big-serving Canadian’s number. Should we expect anything to be different today? Well, isn’t that the beauty of sport? Not for nothing is Raonic the world No4. He has had a fine year and if he had displayed a bit more urgency in the crucial moments against Novak Djokovic on Tuesday night, he might have secured his first ever win over the Serb and finished first in his group. Instead he lost 7-6, 7-6, but he showed enough to suggest he will not give Murray an easy time today. Murray, though, is having the time of his life. Superb against Stan Wawrinka yesterday, he will be confident of extending his incredible winning streak.
Play begins at: 2pm GMT.
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