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Murray dodges Dolgopolov bullet to break into semi-finals

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-01-26 15:23

Andy Murray of Britain plays a shot to Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine during their quarter-final match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne Jan 26, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

MELBOURNE - Andy Murray ended Alexandr Dolgopolov's brilliant debut at Melbourne Park, slaying the giant-killing Ukrainian 7-5 6-3 6-7 6-3 with an impeccable defensive game to ease into the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday.

Up two sets and a break in the third, the spring-heeled Scot appeared to be cruising to victory, but was stunned when Dolgopolov broke back and prevailed in a tense battle of nerves to win the tiebreaker 7-3.

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The resurgence was to prove fleeting as Dolgopolov self-destructed early in the fourth set, falling back 4-0 to allow Murray to calmly serve out the 186-minute match on a chilly summer's day at Rod Laver Arena.

The victory ensured fifth seed Murray entered his second successive semi-final at Melbourne Park as he seeks to end Britain's 75-year wait for a men's grand slam champion.

The Briton will play the winner of David Ferrer and Rafa Nadal for a place in the final.