By Mike McIntyre
Andy Murray continued his recent success over Roger Federer with a 4-6, 6-2, 7-6(8) victory on day two of the Capitala World Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi on Friday. With the win Murray improved to 5-2 lifetime against the world number two although he admitted he is yet to beat him on the biggest of occasions. The victory will not count in their official head to head as it was only an exhibition match.
"It's always a challenge playing Roger," said Murray. "I've got the better of him on a few occasions, but in the big one we played, at the US Open final, he beat me pretty badly."
"Hopefully, I'll get him in a Grand Slam [again] one day."
Murray's post match comments display his respect for Federer despite his recent victories against him. His words also reveal a growing confidence and increased personal expectations for the upcoming season.
"It would be nice to become the number one player in the world, but my aim for 2009 is to win a Grand Slam event, and I feel the Australian Open is my best chance."
Murray advances to the final on Saturday against Rafael Nadal, himself a victor in the other semi final against Russian Nikolay Davydenko by a score of 6-2, 6-3. Davydenko spoke prior to the match about the difficulties of playing Nadal and in some ways made it sound like he had little chance of beating the world number one.
"Outdoor he plays much better," Davydenko admitted, "indoor I think I might have a better chance with him, the ball always [bounces] perfectly indoors and there's no wind."
Nadal has the series advantage heading into the final against Murray, owning a 5-1 career history against him. Their last meeting was Murray's first victory against the Spaniard and came on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows this past summer. Exhibition or not, should Murray be able to defeat Federer and Nadal back to back one would certainly have to give him the early edge heading towards the first Grand Slam of the year.
Live scoring, player interviews and much more can be found at the tournament website -
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