• London 2012 - Tennis

Murray mauls off-key Almagro

Andy Murray made light work of Nicolas Almagro © PA Photos

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Andy Murray sauntered into the semi-finals of the Olympics singles, with Nicolas Almagro producing a limp display on Court No. 1.

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Murray was made to work hard by Marcos Baghdatis in the previous round, but he was barely out of second gear in his 6-4 6-1 win.

Almagro made a series of mistakes, had the trainer on for a lengthy physio session on his right shoulder and threw his racket around the court for good measure as Murray completely overwhelmed the Spaniard.

The match went with serve for four games, but a series of mistakes from Almagro and a brilliant forehand winner from Murray worked break points. Murray had the look of a man ready to take his chances, but he did not need to in the fifth game as a double fault from Almagro gifted the break.

Murray was in complete control and had time to wow the crowd with a cheeky forehand winner that went round the net rather than over it.

After Murray had held serve to take the opening set, Almagro called the trainer and received lengthy treatment on his shoulder. During the break the crowd amused themselves with a Mexican wave, which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did their best to contribute to.

The sight of Royalty doing the Mexican wave did not knock Murray off his stride as he powered down a string of booming serves to keep a frustrated Almagro at boiling point. After opening the door to Almagro with a wild double fault, Murray duly slammed it closed with a brilliant passing shot built on a cheeky drop shot.

That was the last chance for Almagro as the sight of Murray at full stretch sending a forehand whizzing past him for a second break knocked what little belief remained out of the Spaniard as Murray cruised into the last four.

Murray will now face Novak Djokovic as he looks to book his spot in the gold medal match, while Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro will contest the other semi-final.

Murray was back for mixed doubles action later in the day - and, playing alongside Laura Robson, he beat Lucie Hradecka and Radek Stepanek 7-5 6-7(7) 10-7.

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