Friday 6 May 2016 17:46, UK
Andy Murray is into the semi-finals of the Madrid Open after battling past long-time rival Tomas Berdych on Friday.
The British No 1 is the reigning champion of the Spanish event and has moved one step closer to retaining his title after a 6-3 6-2 win in the quarter-finals.
The encounter on Madrid's clay courts lacked the spikiness of previous meetings between the players, but the Brit would have appreciated a calmer day's work.
Murray broke at the third time of asking in the second set before easing into a 4-2 lead, grinding Berdych's challenge to a halt.
Murray secured back-to-back breaks with a sensational backhand drop shot that sent Berdych scurrying unsuccessfully across the red clay, before serving out the win.
The result extends Murray's head-to-head record against Berdych to 8-6, emphasising the difficulties that the Czech player has given him throughout their careers.
Berdych had won their previous meeting in Madrid three years ago but rarely looked capable of repeating that trick.
Watch the Madrid Open semi-finals on Saturday from 11am, live on Sky Sports 3 HD.
