By Erik Gudris | Friday, September 26, 2014

 

Andy Murray, who has not claimed a title since Wimbledon last year, is now two wins away from taking the Shenzhen Open title.

Photo Credit: AP

Andy Murray, who hasn't won a title since Wimbledon last year, is now just two match wins away from taking the Shenzhen Open title.

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Murray, a wildcard entrant into the new ATP event, needed to work hard against his quarterfinal opponent Lukas Lacko. Though Murray took the first set, he struggled in the second to take control despite having early break point chance. At one stage, Murray served to stay in the set at 4-5.

But finally taking hold of a late break, Murray eventually secured a 6-3, 7-5 win.

"I was a little bit frustrated at the start of the second set because I had chances to break and didn't take them," Murray said to ATP.com "It allowed him to get back into the match. He started playing better, was creating some chances. Hopefully, in the next few weeks, when I have chances to get myself ahead, I can do that a bit better."

Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Murray is also seeking to gain points so he can qualify for the upcoming ATP Tour finals in London.

Next up for Murray is Juan Monaco who continues enjoying a fine run at the event.

The former top 10 player upset No. 3 seed Richard Gasquet 7-6(7), 6-4 in a first ever meeting to reach the semifinals. Earlier in the week, Monaco posted his 300th career ATP win.

Spain's Tommy Robredo, seeded fourth, will face off against No. 6 seed Santiago Giraldo of Colombia in the second semifinal. Giraldo knocked out qualifier Viktor Troicki who upset top seed David Ferrer earlier in the week.