By Niall Clarke
- Andy Murray defeats Viktor Troicki 6-3, 7-6(4)
- The match was moved to Sunday at 3-3 in the first set due to storms
- Murray will play Kevin Anderson in the final
Andy Murray needed two sets in as many days to defeat Viktor Troicki and book a final berth with Kevin Anderson later today.
At 3-3 in the first set the Brit carved out his first break point opportunities, but storms meant that the match had to be called off until the Sunday where play would resume.
When the players stepped on court for the second time, Murray came out firing. The top seed finally managed to break the Serbian’s serve on the seventh attempt and in the process take an early lead after the delay.
After a love hold from Murray, Troicki found himself serving to stay in the set. Despite his best attempts however, the British number one was too strong, and a second break of serve sealed the set 6-3 to Murray.
At the start of the second set Troicki worked a break point, but it was saved by Murray who in turn had his own chance to grab an early break in the following game, but like Troicki could not convert.
It was the world number 25 who dealt the first blow in the second set, breaking the Murray serve at 2-2. His lead did not last long though, as Murray was able to break back at 4-3.
The match stayed on serve which took us to the inevitable tiebreak. A big passing shot from Troicki gave him an early mini break, but Murray soon turned it around. The Serb managed to get back the mini break, but at 5-4 Murray carved out his first match point by re-establishing his advantage.
Troicki played a valiant match point in his attempt to stay in it, but Murray’s defence turned out to be too much for the Serb. A marvellous lob from the Brit forced Troicki to net the smash, and thus give Murray the victory.
The top seed will now turn his attention to the final against Kevin Anderson which is due to start around 2:30pm.
The South African needed three sets to beat Gilles Simon on Saturday, but has the advantage of extra rest due to the delay.
Anderson is also the man who knocked out second seed Stan Wawrinka in the second round. A big serving performance was capped off with two tiebreak set victories.
The 29 year old is one of the more solid players on tour. He does not have many weaknesses in his game, and is very solid all round. His biggest weapon is the serve, which has been very effective so far in this tournament.
Murray leads to head to head 4-1, with Anderson’s lone victory coming four years ago in Canada. The Brit won their only grass court meeting at Wimbledon last year in straight sets.
The return will be key for Murray in this match-up considering how well Anderson can serve. The South African will not likely give much away, so Murray will have to work for it.
Luckily Murray was not dragged in to the deep waters by Troicki, so he should not be tired in this match-up. If anything the earlier game should serve as a good warmup for Murray before the main event later on.
It is the last step towards a fourth Queens Club triumph for Murray, who is looking in good form heading in to Wimbledon. Anderson will be a big test, but you would expect Murray to pass it.
Murray will play Anderson in the final at 2:30PM later today