• Western & Southern Open

Murray plays down injury scare ahead of US Open

ESPN staff
August 21, 2011
Andy Murray struggled with the heat against Mardy Fish © Getty Images
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Andy Murray has disputed suggestions he was struggling with injury during his semi-final triumph over Mardy Fish at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.

Murray booked a place in the final, where he will play all-conquering world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, with a 6-2 7-6(8) success over home favourite Fish, who knocked out Rafael Nadal in the quarters.

The Scot looked to be struggling with his movement during the second set - a problem he attributed to the scorching heat. "It's just brutal conditions, I need to get stronger," Murray said afterwards. "I haven't played many matches recently and this was the first really long one I've played. I need to get more endurance in me before the US Open.

"I was struggling physically early in the second, it was really hot . I was hitting the ball good from the ground but I need to serve better and work on the strength in my legs."

If Murray can beat Djokovic, who has been known to struggle with his breathing during sweltering conditions, on Sunday then he would be only the second man to conquer the Serb this season, following Roger Federer at the French Open.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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