Andy Murray rallied from a set down to reach the semi-finals of the Valencia Open on Friday with a 6-7, 6-4, 6-4 win over South Africa’s Kevin Anderson.
Murray is hoping to boost his chances of a seventh consecutive appearance in the World Tour Finals in London next month.
He will face David Ferrer today in a crucial clash for one of the remaining three places.
A poor service game that included two double-faults put Murray in trouble in the first set as the big-serving Anderson broke to love to lead 4-3.
The two-time grand slam title champion repaired the damage by breaking straight back in a marathon, 22-point game, but Anderson proved too strong in the tiebreaker as Murray’s serve faltered again.
After an early exchange of breaks in the second, it was Murray who took control with some characteristic chasing from well behind the baseline before passing Anderson at the net to break for a 5-4 lead.
The Scot served out for the set and broke through again at the beginning of the decider with a lovely lob for which Anderson had no answer
Despite blowing three match points when serving for victory, Murray sealed his 16th win in 18 matches when Anderson found the net on his fourth match point.
Ferrer, who is also fighting for a place at the Tour finals, swept past Brazilian qualifier Thomaz Bellucci 6-1, 6-2.
Ferrer is seeking his fourth championship in his home tournament.
Follow us on twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
