Andy Murray booked his place in a second grand slam final with a powerful four-set victory over Marin Cilic in the Australian Open semi-finals in Melbourne.
Big Croatian Cilic took the first set, but a heavy workload that had included three five-setters in his last five matches took its toll as Murray proved far too strong as the semi-final wore on.
Fifth-seeded Murray hit back in the second set and then took total control as he walked away with a 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory that sealed his place in Sunday’s final, where he will play either Roger Federer or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Despite a nervy start, Murray settled in the second set and soon had the measure of a tired-looking Cilic, with the British number one’s superior speed and strength making it a routine victory in the end.
Such a display will give Murray huge confidence as he prepares for his second grand slam final on Sunday, following his US Open final appearance in 2008.
A hesitant Murray looked a little below par in the opening set, and Cilic capitalised on the lack of conviction in the Scot’s shots by grabbing two breaks of serve to take the lead - with his form suggesting it could be a long night for Murray.
A frustrated Murray was screaming at himself for not getting his game together, but a brilliantly played point from the British number one sparked him into life in the fifth game of the second set.
His customary athleticism got Murray to a net cord from Cilic and, when the Croatian lobbed, Murray turned instantly and scampered back before producing a passing forehand on the turn that whistled past a stunned CIlic to give him the break.
Some big Cilic serves saved two set points and prevented another break, but Murray was not to be denied and he served out safely enough to level the match.
14th seed Cilic was starting to slow down noticeably at the start of the third set as he struggled under the relentless pace set by Murray, and the Scot showed no mercy to break in the third game.
The Croatian 21-year-old produced a stunning forehand winner to answer right back, but he was still on the back foot as Murray ran him around the court, and a break came in the seventh game enabling Murray to serve out for a 2-1 lead.
With Murray getting stronger and stronger, Cilic was deflating fast, as he demonstrated with a tired-looking double fault in the third game of the fourth set that put the Scot right in the driving seat.
A double break then put Murray 4-1 up and in total control, but at least Cilic showed enough desire to hold serve for 5-2 and make Murray serve for a place in the final.
Just to add extra gloss to the occasion, Murray produced a stunning low forehand around the side of the net post from way out wide during the game, which resulted in him serving out for a place in the final.
Murray will be the first Briton to take part in the Australian Open final since John Lloyd in 1977, and is in impressive form as he looks for a maiden grand slam title
Sky Sports
