Andy Murray Books Semi-Final Spot

Andy Murray was the first man to book his place in the semi-finals of the Western & Southern Open as he saw off Gilles Simon in straight sets.

While the Scot has not showed his best form in Cincinnati this week he has produced enough to enjoyed three straight set wins.

The pair traded breaks at the beginning of the match before Murray broke for a second time to lead 3-2 - and he never surrendered that lead again.

In fact he only put more pressure on the Frenchman as the set continued as he broke for a third time to wrap it up 6-3.

Simon has the first chance to break in the second set but Murray fought off the danger in game three to keep the set level.

In the very next game Murray broke to open out a 3-1 lead. It has been a tough week so far for Simon as all of his matches went the distance - and the second set progressed he looked visibly tired.

After just ninety five minutes on court Murray had wrapped up a 6-3 6-3 win and booked his place in the final four.

Speaking to the BBC sport after the match Murray said: "I have to play my game against him and it works very well.

"I've seen many players try to blast him off. You have to wait for the right moments. I need to keep improving a few per cent every day."

Murray will now face in form American Mardy Fish in the semi-final later today as he saw off world number two Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-3 6-4 in the second of yesterday’s quarter finals.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw