Murray Stuns Nadal To Book US Open Final Against Federer

Monday, September 8, 2008 at 9:13 am

NEW YORK: Britain’s Andy Murray advanced to his first Grand Slam final by stunning world number one Rafael Nadal on Sunday in a US Open semi-final, booking a date with reigning champion Roger Federer on Monday.

The 21-year-old Scotsman defeated the reigning Wimbledon, French Open and Olympic champion 6-2, 7-6 97/5), 4-6, 6-4 in a match that began Saturday but was halted by rain in the third set.

That storm pushed the showdown with 12-time Grand Slam champion Federer to Monday, the first time since 1987 that bad weather has postponed the year’s last Grand Slam tournament to an extra day.

Murray became only the third British man to reach a Slam final in the 40-year Open era, after Greg Rusedski in the 1997 US Open and John Lloyd at the 1977 Australian Open, and twill be the first to win a title by beating Federer.

“He’s probably the greatest player ever,” Murray said of Federer. “To get the chance to play against him in a Slam final is an honor. I’ve played well against him in the past. Hopefully I can do the same again.”

Murray slept on a 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 2-3 lead but was down a break in the third set with Nadal serving when play resumed at Arthur Ashe Stadium after a delay of about 26 hours from Saturday’s stoppage at adjacent Louis Armstrong Stadium.

“I’m very relieved to come back,” Murray said. “Obviously tough to sleep on it but I’m very glad I came through in the end.”