Andy Murray overwhelms Matthew Ebden to reach the semis – Shanghai Rolex Masters 2011
British onslaught continued in Shanghai, China, as the world number four, Andy Murray outclassed the Australian qualifier, Matthew Ebden, in the quarter-final matchup of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Friday evening.
Being played on the outdoor hard courts of the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, the contest witnessed a magnificent display of sheer dominance from the second seeded Briton to drive away the 124th ranked Ebden from the competition. Murray took
merely one hour and twenty five minutes to wrap up victory in straight sets 6-3, 6-2, to make his way to the semi-final round of the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Masters Series event.
24-year-old Briton is 53-11 and has already bagged four ATP championship titles this season so far. Murray came to Shanghai as the hot favourite for winning the title and his belligerent form clearly depicts that the Briton is certainly up to it. He gave
no chance to his opponent to get settled in the contest and cruised through the both sets to register a comprehensive victory in the end.
“I created a lot of chances,” said Murray. “I had game points in almost every one of his service games during the match. [But] I could have done with being a bit more clinical. I feel like I can play better. I served well so far. But I think I can hit the
ball a bit better from the back of the court. And, like I said a few days ago, it’s different conditions to the last couple of weeks. Maybe still adjusting a bit.”
Murray dropped just six points on his first serve, clinching 20 points and firing seven thudding aces in the matchup to come out as the winner. He crafted a total of 11 break opportunities in the contest and converted four of them en route to victory, with
Ebden utterly failing to register a single break point in the entire matchup before losing it. The Australian had a break chance in the second set but was denied buy the brilliance of Murray to remain at a disadvantage.
Up next for Murray in the semi-finals is the Japanese sensation, Kei Nishikori, who is having a dream run at the Shanghai Rolex Masters so far. Nishikori stunned the world number 18, Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine, in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, in the quarter-final
clash on Friday to meet Murray in the round of four.
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