Google News Indian Wells Flashback: Andy Murray denies Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer clash
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 2983
Andy Murray advanced to his first Indian Wells final in 2009. Andy faced Roger Federer in the semi-final and scored a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 victory. Thus, the Briton prevented an expected title clash between Federer and Rafael Nadal, who ousted Andy Roddick in the second semi-final.
Murray played well at the start of the season, conquering Doha and Rotterdam and seeking another crown in the desert. Andy and Roger met for the eighth time, and the younger player scored his sixth triumph to maintain his excellent score against the Swiss.
Federer had more winners and unforced errors. He lost ground in the deciding set to end his run in the semi-final and propel Murray through. Andy tamed his shots nicely, landing a similar number of winners and unforced errors while drawing almost 30 forced mistakes from Roger.
Andy Murray took down Roger Federer in the 2009 Indian Wells semi-final.
The Briton had the upper hand in the shortest and mid-range exchanges, starting all over in the decider and earning his fourth consecutive victory over the Swiss.
Federer created three break chances in the encounter's fourth game, and Murray stayed calm to rattle off five straight points and level the score at 2-2. Roger lost focus and got broken in game five to fall behind. Andy held at love in game six to settle into a fine rhythm and move 4-2 in front.
Another booming serve sent Murray 5-3 up, and he secured the opener with another break in the ninth game for 6-3 after half an hour. Roger made a better start in set number two, eager to get back on track. The Swiss broke in the first game and confirmed the advantage with a volley winner in game two.
Murray broke back with a backhand crosscourt winner in the fourth game and claimed his third straight game with an ace for 3-2. Roger held after a couple of deuces in game six and fired a forehand winner to clinch a break and move 4-3 ahead.
He landed a smash winner for another good hold that brought him closer to the set. Serving at 5-4, Federer held at love thanks to a beautiful backhand winner to wrap up the set and arrange a decider, with momentum on his side.
Instead of building on that, Roger played a loose backhand in the fourth game to suffer a break and send Andy 3-1 up. The Swiss sprayed another mistake in the next game to fall further behind. Barely putting a foot wrong, Andy grabbed a break in game six and served for the victory at 5-1.
Facing two break points, Murray repelled them and moved over the top after many deuces to set the final clash against Rafael Nadal.