DOHA // The defending champion Andy Murray beat Roger Federer 6-7, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the final of the Qatar Open, his fourth straight win over the former world No 1. Murray, who improved his career record against Federer to 5-2 in tour matches, will face Andy Roddick in the final. Since losing to Federer in the US Open final, the fourth-ranked Murray beat the Swiss at the Madrid Masters in October, the Masters Cup in Shanghai in November and an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week.
"It is disappointing to lose after the first set when things were going my way," Federer said. "I just couldn't give the knockout punch. But it is not a big thing. Andy is a tough player against me. "I hope when big matches come, I beat him." Federer has 13 grand slam titles, one short of Pete Sampras' record, heading into the Australian Open later this month. In Doha, Federer committed four double faults and had 37 unforced errors, the same number as he had winners. While Federer failed to break serve, Murray converted four of six break points.
Murray took an injury time-out in the third set for treatment on his lower back, but showed no signs of trouble as he closed out the match. On match point, Federer slammed an easy smash into the net. *AP