Murray destroys in-form Nalbandian

Andy Murray has made it through to the semi-finals of the Toronto Masters after an impressive 6-2 6-2 victory over David Nalbandian.

It is not often that the British number one comes into a match as the underdog, but the media and the bookmakers had labelled Murray as the outsider going into the match. Nalbandian was on an impressive winning streak, and has been playing electric tennis recently. However, the Argentine committed a catalogue of unforced errors, even on his usually sound backhand wing, which made things significantly easier for the Scot to progress to the last four.

In comparison to his encounter with Monfils, the Scot looked far more secure mentally, and he showed no lapses of concentration throughout the entire match. His groundstrokes were also notably improved, sustaining a consistent depth that staved off Nalbandian from stepping inside the baseline and unleashing his normally devastating two-hander.

Murray found the important first break of serve, and consolidated to take a 3-1 lead, and he was rarely troubled from that point onwards. Nalbandian's ferocious returns kept Murray honest on his second serves, but in terms of break point opportunities, Nalbandian really didn't forge numerous chances.

Those who have watched the world number four of late might have expected a second set wobble, but to his credit, Murray kept his composure and concentration, whilst his opponent clumsily handed another break right at the start of the set. The man from Cordoba threw his racquet down to the ground once in frustration, as Murray's variety and trickery became too much for him. As steam billowed from Nalbandian's ears, the steam also effervesced from behind the Brit as he cruised to victory, his first against Nalbandian. Speaking to the Sky studios post-match, Murray described it as his best tennis since the Australian Open, and few could argue with that assertion.

Murray will face either Rafael Nadal or Philipp Kohlschreiber in the semi-finals, on Saturday.