(July 3, 2013) -- After keeping an entire nation on the edge of their collective seats, Andy Murray prevailed in a tense five set battle to reach the semifinals of Wimbledon.
Despite holding an 8 to 1 lifetime advantage against former top ten player Fernando Verdasco of Spain, it was Verdasco who came out full of life against a rather listless Murray in the first set.
After dropping the first set, Murray sprang to life by taking a 3-0 lead in the second. But even that lead proved temporary as Verdasco reeled off five straight games to seize a two sets to love lead advantage.
Buoyed by the fervent Centre Court crowd, Murray found his powerful baseline game right on time as he stormed ahead to take the third and fourth sets.
But Verdasco, with some huge serving even on his second deliveries didn't back down either as he found himself only six points away from the match late in the fifth set. But Verdasco's choice to stay safe with Murray in their extended rallies proved costly as it was Murray, with a potent forehand, who secured the first break of serve to go up 6-5.
Murray then served out the final game and match to complete the 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 victory to book his place in the semifinals where he will meet Poland's Jerzy Janowicz.
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(Photo Credit: Stephen White/CameraSport) |