• US Open

Murray hoping to fly out of the blocks against Berdych

ESPN staff
September 7, 2012
Andy Murray was guilty of making a sloppy start against Marin Cilic © PA Photos
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Andy Murray admits he cannot afford to get off to a slow start when he takes on Tomas Berdych in Saturday's US Open semi-finals.

The British No. 1 recovered from a set and 5-1 down to beat Marin Cilic on Wednesday to reach the last four for the third time at Flushing Meadows.

He was expecting to face five-time champion Roger Federer in the semi-finals, but the world No. 1 suffered a shock defeat to Berdych.

The Czech boasts a 4-2 winning record against Murray, and the British No. 1 knows he will have to start strongly if he is to remain on course for his maiden grand slam title.

"You never know exactly what's going to happen in the next couple of days," Murray said. "But I would hope that going into the match on Saturday, win or lose, I'll be in a good place mentally.

"I'll fight from the first point to the last. If I do that, I'll give myself a shot. But I can't afford to start like I did [against Cilic], that's for sure."

Murray lost to Berdych the last time the pair met in Monte Carlo earlier this season, but Murray believes the experience of playing in a Wimbledon final and winning Olympic gold will give him the edge.

"I think having played in a Wimbledon final and obviously, winning an Olympics final has given me even more experience," Murray said.

"I felt a lot better going to the final of the Olympics than I did going to the Wimbledon final. So, I'm still learning and improving with playing those big matches."

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