• ATP Tour

Murray toppled by Raonic in Japan

ESPN staff
October 6, 2012
Milos Raonic was too strong for Andy Murray © PA Photos
Enlarge

Andy Murray's bid to defend his Japan Open title ended at the semi-final stage with a three-set loss to Milos Raonic.

Murray has designs on overtaking Roger Federer as world No. 1 and came into the event on a high having won the US Open last month. However he has surrendered ranking points after falling at the semi-final stage of a tournament he won 12 months ago.

Murray beat Raonic on his way to US Open glory in New York, but he found the Canadian too strong on this occasion.

It was ultimately a close-run thing. Raonic blew Murray away in the first set - powering down five aces and breaking serve twice, the first of which came in the opening game to love.

Despite Raonic having a power advantage, the pair are fairly evenly matched and Murray got a foothold in the contest in the second set which he took on a tiebreak.

After taking the breaker to level the match, the Scot converted his first break of the match and powered into a 4-1 lead. Murray, as in his previous match, broke smashed a racket in frustration and his mood was not improved when Raonic broke back.

But at 6-5 ahead, Murray had two match points. He failed to capitalise and it was Raonic who gained control in the tiebreak to close out the match 6-3 6-7 7-6.

Raonic will face Kei Nishikori in the final after the home favourite thrilled the crowd in Tokyo with a 6-2 6-2 win over Marcos Baghdatis.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices