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Superb Murray reaches Cincinnati Masters final

02/08/2008

Andy Murray has reached his first Masters Series final with victory over Ivo Karlovic in the Cincinnati Masters this evening.

The British number one was in breathtaking form as he outclassed the big-serving Croatian to come through 6-4 6-4 in the first semi-final, with new world number one Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic battling it out in the other semi-final.

Murray played some amazing tennis in the match, but just like he did against Moya, the 21-year-old again got off to a sluggish start today as he lost his serve in the second game to fall behind 2-0. But Karlovic was not serving to his usual high standard and Murray broke back to make it 2-1.

Both players held their serve comfortably as the first set went to 3-3. Murray then lifted his game and an incredible running forehand cross-court winner helped him break the Karlovic serve. Murray was increasingly growing in confidence and even started to serve and volley as he took the set 6-4.

Karlovic is arguably the best server in the men's game, but he looked completely gobsmakced as Murray continued to read his serve and return brilliantly. The young Scotsman carved out seven break points on the Karlovic serve at the start of the second set and eventually broke on his eighth break point chance.

A place in the Cincinnati Masters final seemed like a formality as Murray eased to a 3-2 lead in the second set. The world number nine looked a class above Karlovic and even managed to twice lob the 6ft 10in Croat.

But Murray then let his concentration drop for a moment and found himself break point down on his serve and eventually lost his serve as Karlovic drew level 3-3 in the second set.

The next two games went on serve, but then Murray managed to break crucially at 4-4 and set up an opportunity to serve for the match. Murray made no mistakes as he comfartably held his serve to reach the final.