
HEAD players Andy Murray and Gilles Simon advance to the semifinals at the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai after winning their Round Robin matches today.
Murray, who is ranked No. 4 in the ATP world standings, defeated Rodger Federer for the third time this year to lead the Red Group with a 3-0 record. In the three hour match, Murray was able to upend his opponent 4-6, 7-6(3), 7-5.
“It was a hard-fought match. I was able to bounce back after dropping the first set and come away with a victory,” said Murray. “Hopefully, I’ll have enough in me to make a solid run at the title.”
Murray, who has only dropped two sets in the tournament, was the only player to remain undefeated heading into the semifinals. Murray uses a MicroGel Radical MPas his weapon of choice.
Also to emerge out of the Red Group was Gilles Simon, who earned a trip to the semifinals after a dominating performance against alternate Radek Stepanek. Simon, who plays with a MicroGel Prestige MP, defeated his opponent in straight sets 6-1, 6-4.
“It feels great to get another win,” said Simon. “I knew that I had to win to advance to the semis and, fortunately, was able to get it done out there.”
Simon, whose only loss came from undefeated Murray, faces a tough opponent in world No. 3 Novak Djokovic in his next match. Murray is set to face Russian standout Nikolay Davydenko.