19 Apr 2009

Nadal beats Murray in Monte Carlo

8:52 am on 19 April 2009

World number one Rafael Nadal held off a late challenge from Briton Andy Murray to move to the brink of a record fifth consecutive title at the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-2 7-6 semi-final win.

The Spaniard, who has won his last 26 matches in the principality, will play world number three Novak Djokovic in the final after the Serb had earlier recovered to beat Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 4-6 6-1 6-3.

Nadal, who has not dropped a set in Monte Carlo since the 2006 final against Roger Federer, pushed the fourth-seeded Murray far behind the baseline, leaving his opponent with little opportunity to attack.