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Defending champion Murray awaits Federer

Andy Murray is the defending Shanghai Masters champion © PA Photos

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Andy Murray recovered from an impotent start to beat Radek Stepanek on Friday and set up a potential semi-final clash with Roger Federer at the Shanghai Masters.

Murray, who has won the competition on both occasions entered, lacked intensity in the first set but grew into the contest to overcome his Czech rival. The British No. 1 eventually triumphed 4-6 6-2 6-3 after two hours and 20 minutes on court.

Stepanek, at 41st in the ATP Tour standings, was the lowest-ranked player left in the quarter-final field. He also trailed Murray 4-1 in their head-to-head record, and Murray carried a perfect 10-0 Shanghai record into the match.

However, the veteran Czech did have one or two reasons to feel confident, not least because his one win over the world No. 3 came in their last meeting on a hard court. Stepanek also boasts a strong Masters 1000 record in quarter-finals, winning six of nine heading into Friday's encounter.

In the first set that quality was given a platform by Murray, who lacked intensity and dropped far too many shots short of the baseline. Stepanek took advantage in game five, moving to 0-40 on the Murray serve, and he converted his third break chance when the Brit sent an easy forehand into the net.

That proved enough to claim the first set, but there was still much to do for Stepanek - playing in his first Masters 1000 quarter-final since 2009.

Murray showed signs of life by forcing his opponent to deuce in game four of the second set, and he carved out his first break chance of the match in game six. The break was gifted to him by Stepanek, who threw in a double-fault to fall behind 4-2.

That advantage was almost wiped out instantly as Stepanek earned two break-back points in the next game, but a quite beautiful forehand slice winner by Murray helped him out of danger. A further break of serve wrapped up the set and allowed the Brit to serve first in the decider.

It should have proved crucial, with Murray storming to a 0-40 lead in Stepanek's first service game, but he let the chance slip by and then saw his own delivery broken by an inspired Stepanek.

Trailing 2-1 in the decider Murray began to lambast the level of his play - succeeding with only five of nine net approaches - but he managed to get back on level terms as the scores advanced to 4-3. The decisive move was then made as Murray again moved to 0-40 on the Stepanek serve, and once again it was a double-fault that cost the Czech to allow Murray to serve out for the match.

Murray now awaits the winner of Federer against Marin Cilic in the semi-finals.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.