Murray into Masters tennis semi-finals

11-13-2008 | AFP

The world number four will now face Federer in the Masters Cups

Panama Star Murray overcame some dogged resistance from Gilles Simon to follow Novak Djokovic into the last four 6-4, 6-2 before Federer was also made to work for his 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 win.

Roddick became a last-minute withdrawal after rolling his right ankle, joining world number one Rafael Nadal (tendinitis) on the sidelines and renewing concerns about the rigorous tennis schedule.

Federer is also carrying a back injury which forced him out of the Paris Masters, and his cautious return to play ended in a shock defeat to Simon in his opening match.

He started strongly on Wednesday as Stepanek double-faulted to be broken in the first game. But the Czech hit back before Federer took control of the tie-break, rounding it off with an unreachable forehand drop.

The Swiss now needs to beat Murray in his last match.