Murray Survives Ramos Threat In Barcelona, Rafa Runs Away From Chung
Andy Murray nearly fell for a second time in as many weeks to Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The Spaniard Vinolas twice led by a break in the final set against the Scot today in the quarterfinals at Barcelona, but failed to serve out the match at 5-4 and eventually lost in a deciding breaker 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(4).
“It was very similar to the match in Monte-Carlo, except in that match I was the one who had chances there, and today he had more chances to win,” said Murray. “I feel like I was a little more aggressive at the end of the second and third sets and then played a good tiebreak.
“I’m obviously tired, but that’s why it was important for me to get matches, especially ones like today. It’s good physically to have the long ones.”
Murray fell to Ramos-Vinolas last week in Monte Carlo losing from 4-0 up in the third set.
It’s the first time Murray’s made the semifinals at the event. And tomorrow, he’ll meet Dominic Thiem who was an easy winner over Yuichi Sugita 6-1, 6-2.
“I’ve never reached the semi-finals here before, so that’s good. It’s nice to do that, but I’d like to reach the final now,” said Murray. “It’s one of the biggest clay court events on the ATP World Tour just because of the history. A lot of great players have played here and won in the past.”
In the other semifinal, clay king Rafael Nadal will take on Argentine Horacio Zeballos.
Nadal kept his hopes of a 10th Barcelona title on track after ending the run of qualifier Hyeon Chung 7-6(1), 6-2. The 20-year-old Chung played Nadal tough in the opener and jumped out to a 3-1 lead.
“He was playing at a very high level throughout the tournament and played well today. He has good potential, great backhand and very quick. He has all the right things to be a good player,” said Nadal who is 51-3 at the event. “He had chances in the first set and I’m happy that I started to play better after the first six games.”
Zeballos ousted youngster Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-1.
In Budapest, top seed Lucas Pouille is the heavy favorite to take the title. He’ll meet Paolo Lorenzi while the other semifinal pits two qualifiers, Laslo Djere and Aljaz Bedene.
SATURDAY BARCELONA SCHEDULE
PISTA RAFA NADAL start 13:30
[1] [WC] A. Murray (GBR) vs [4] D. Thiem (AUT)
Not Before 16:00
[3] R. Nadal (ESP) vs H. Zeballos (ARG)
F. Mergea (ROU) / A. Qureshi (PAK) vs J. Rojer (NED) / H. Tecau (ROU)
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