Andy Murray buoyed by standout Australian Open showing

Omnisports

January 27, 2016 11:08 AM

Australian Open second seed Andy Murray labelled Wednesday's hard-fought four-set win over David Ferrer as his performance of the tournament.

___4612289___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4612289___2016___1___27___16___andymurray-cropped_m7zgj53h52o415zrmpe4o97ad

Four-time runner-up Murray endured some grueling rallies but managed to see off the eighth-seeded Spaniard 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-3 in their quarter-final at Melbourne Park.

Murray needed almost three-and-a-half hours to overcome the typically obdurate Ferrer and set up a last-four meeting with Milos Raonic.

"I think today was probably the best match I played, especially in the second and third set. I started hitting the ball better from the back of the court," Murray said.

"Start of the tournament was good. Obviously last few days have been tough and maybe hadn't played my best tennis and managed to get through.

"I felt like at the end of the match I was playing some good stuff, moving well. Few things I could still do better for sure, but not easy circumstances either with the changing of the conditions and warm-up for the match indoors then start the match outdoors and then changing back to indoors.

"It is not that easy. Handled it fairly well."

Murray - a US Open and Wimbledon champion - will now prepare for a sixth semi-final in Melbourne and 18th overall at grand slams.

"You want to try to get to the latter stages to give yourself opportunities. Obviously I want to win these events. That's why I'm still playing," he added.

"After a tough year in 2014, I think I'm now sort of established again at the top of the game and giving myself chances.

"That's all I can keep doing. And working hard. Obviously two matches away [from winning the tournament] potentially here. [I'm going to] give it my best the next few days."

Omnisports