• Rogers Cup

Murray books place in final with classy win over Nadal

Andy Murray guaranteed himself the world No. 4 spot with victory over Rafael Nadal © Getty Images

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Andy Murray preserved his status as the world No. 4 after knocking out Rafael Nadal to secure a place in the final of the Rogers Cup.

The British No. 1, searching for his first title of 2010, produced moments of magic to slowly break down his opponent and earn a 6-3 6-4 victory to set up a clash with Roger Federer.

"I played very aggressive," he said. "I dictated a lot of the points and didn't make many mistakes. It was a really good match."

Neither player looked in any real danger of losing their own service, until Murray was forced to save two break points with the score at 3-3. At 15-40 down, Murray showed his resilience to withstand the Spaniard's advances and survived the game - which lasted just shy of nine minutes.

After managing to avoid being broken, Murray then turned the tables on the world No. 1 to make the crucial breakthrough in game eight to go 5-3 up. A stunning forehand in the next was the perfect way to close out the opening set.

Murray maintained his level to earn an early break in the second. Nadal saved one break point in typically bullish manner but the Scot made sure when another presented itself to move 2-1 in front.

Full of purpose and intent, Murray oozed positivity and confidence. His serving was fluent and he was able to keep good length on his groundstrokes to neutralise the threat of Nadal's own power play.

But if Murray thought Nadal would go into his shell and gift wrap him the victory, he was very much mistaken. The Wimbledon champion refused to go away and his determination helped him break back to draw level at 3-3.

Some of the tennis on show was mesmeric with both players going for their shots. Murray's aggression from the baseline finally created a further opportunity to break and this time it was the telling blow.

Murray then served out the set, without any dramas, to take the match and book a spot in Sunday's showpiece - which will be his sixth appearance in a Masters final.

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