Cincinnati (Ohio), Aug 23 (DPA) Roger Federer snapped a four-match loss streak to Andy Murray in swashbuckling style Saturday, slamming the Scot 6-2, 7-6 (10-8) to reach the final of the Cincinnati Masters.
Federer, the top-seeded world number one, had lost to new number two Murray twice last autumn and at Doha and Indian Wells in the first quarter of 2009.
And he produced a game plan to make sure that scenario was not repeated.
“I stayed aggressive. I was always looking to make the plays, and I think in the end I deserved to win just because I wasn’t scared to go after my shots.
“I served well today, it was just overall a very good performance.”
The Swiss, who last beat Murray in straight sets to win the 2008 US Open, will face the winner from second seed Rafael Nadal and number four Novak Djokovic.
“Both are quality players, both have incredible footwork and solid shots, forehand and backhand. That’s why they’re up there in the rankings.
“Rafa has caused more problems for me, but I also played him about, I don’t know, 12 to 13 times on clay which didn’t help in my head to head.
“Sure, I’ve had better matches with Rafa than with Novak in the past.”
Federer looked on imperious form as he won the first set with two breaks of the Murray serve. But the second set got tighter, with no break points out to the tiebreaker.
The Swiss got away to a 4-1 lead in the decider only to let Murray back in as the Scot levelled for 5-all with a passing shot.
The drama increased, with Federer saving a Murray set point with a serve winner and Murray doing the same to a Federer match point as the Swiss sent a forehand long.
Federer claimed victory in 90 minutes as Murray slumped to a double-fault on the second Swiss match point, which Federer had set up with his fourth ace.
Federer, a two-time Cincinnati champion, earned the win without facing a single break point.
The victory was only the third for Federer against the 22-year-old Murray, winner along with Nadal of five titles this season, including the French Open and Wimbledon.
Federer improved to 46-7 on the season while Murray suffered his eighth loss of 2009 and will head to New York as soon as possible to prepare for the Open starting Aug 31.
Murray said he’s more than ready to head to the Grand Slam after winning the Montreal title last week and getting to the final four in Cincinnati.
“I played seven, I thought, very solid matches,” said the Scot, who added: “Yesterday and today weren’t so good. That could have (come) down to a combination of things: My opponent was playing well, my level dropping slightly.
“But it’s been perfect preparation for the US Open. I’ll go there this evening or tomorrow and rest up for a couple days and train hard before it starts.”
rounak