ATP World Tour: Andy Murray takes on Fernando Verdasco

In an attempt to whip the fans up into more of a frenzy before the combatants enter the arena, Murray's face appears on all the big screens at the O2 Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Murray looks rather sheepish and embarrassed as he walks out into the arena through a cloud of dry ice Photograph: guardian.co.uk

And into a tv cameraman and fans all wanting to get a picture of him Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Verdasco serves Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Murray chases a wide forehand Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Murray celebrates breaking serve in the 9th game of the 1st set, which was the only break in the whole match Photograph: guardian.co.uk

A multiple exposure image of Murray serving Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Verdsco collapses on the net after missing a simple volley which gave Murray the first set Photograph: guardian.co.uk

A relieved Murray reacts as a ball narrowly misses the line and is called out Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The effort shows on Verdasco's face as he plays a big backhand Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Murray stretches to return one of Verdasco's many big serves Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Verdasco plays a backhand in the 2nd set Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Despair in the 2nd set tie-break as Verdasco comes back to take the set and make it 1-1, and with it the opportunity for Murray to definitely qualify for the semi-final. Now even if he wins, the Scot's fate rests on the result of tonight's Federer v Del Potro match Photograph: guardian.co.uk

Verdasco reaches to return a Murray serve Photograph: guardian.co.uk

The British no 1 seed sinks to his knees after winning on matchpoint Photograph: guardian.co.uk

After a brief celebration of his victory, a jubilant Murray smashes 3 signed balls into the top deck of the crowd Photograph: guardian.co.uk

An exhausted Murray sits in his chair after winning the match. It's no wonder he was tired as the close fought match lasted 3 hours, with Murray finally triumphing 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 Photograph: guardian.co.uk