Murray knocks out Federer in epic encounter

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/7729083.stm

Andy Murray preserved his 100% record with a sensational 4-6 7-6(7-3)7-5 victory over Roger Federer to knock the world number two out of Shanghai at the expense of Frenchman Gilles Simon.

The Scot ensured that he would finish top of the Red Group with this superb performance which sees him now face Russian Nikolay Davydenko in the last four, whilst Simon will face the highest seed left in the draw, Novak Djokovic, in the other semi. Djokovic will go into his semi-final as the favourite but Simon has been in good form and has interestingly won their only previous encounter.

Simon had earlier put the pressure on Federer after an emphatic 6-`1 6-4 victory over Radek Stepanek. Simon has done incredibly well to reach the last four, especially considering the fact that he was only in Shanghai as a replacement for Rafael Nadal.

Despite this, it looked as though Federer was on course to go through as he took a close first set, but Murray demonstrated his sheer grit and demonstration to keep up the fight despite the fact he was already through to the semi-finals. The Brit really showed real professionalism throughout the match as he was determined to knock out a tired Federer who appeared to nursing a back injury.

It was Murray who was then rewarded as he sealed his fourth victory over the former world number one on his eigth match point to end top of the group.

Tomorrow's semi-final showdown between Murray and Davydenko should prove to be fascinating as they have both been in great form this week, and with them each winning three of their previous six encounters. However, if Murray can reproduce the form that he showed today then he should prove to be too strong for the world number five, providing he has enough left in the tank. But judging by my predicitions this week, what do i know?

(Picture provided by Hettie McFarlane)