Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
Despite Ferrer epitomising the Spanish steel that has become synonymous with the nation's tennis players, Murray served consistently and was able to combine a powerful, driven game with moments of inspired creativity to clinch victory.
The Scot will face Novak Djokovic in the final, who defeated Roger Federer in yesterday's semi in straight sets. The last time neither Roger Federer nor Rafael Nadal played in a Grand Slam final was in Australia, three years ago. Djokovic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on that occassion, but even with an extra day's rest, the Serbian saw evidence today that Andy Murray has what it takes to deny him another title.
Fifth seed Murray began well; controlling the first set before a string of unforced errors ushered Ferrer back into the match. The Spaniard took the first set, but Murray learned quickly from his careless prodigality, and psychologically settled into the match as the second set progressed.
After dominating the second set tie break, Murray's scintillating ground strokes and clever invention reduced seventh seed Ferrer to a whimper in the third set; the Briton running out a 6-1 winner.
David Ferrer then began to show flashes of quality as he wrestled with Murray to take the game to a fifth set. Murray, however, survived a brief falter to take the fourth set to a tie-break, which he again utterly dominated to deservedly advance to the final.
This was undoubtedly Andy Murray at his best: his place alongside Fred Perry as a British tennis great is already secure. A Grand Slam victory on Sunday would certainly see him graduate as a British sporting hero, and set alight a career itching to breed success. Equally ravenous for success, however, Novak Djokovic will have enjoyed watching Murray's fitness reserves deplete today, and will make him work even harder in the final. My prediction? A fantastic sporting spectacle that will refresh the tennis world.
This is going to be a fantastic final, even though the top two seeds are out. Murray and Djokovic are fantastic players but I hope Murray can win his first Open.
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