Tennis: Murray Powers His Way Into Masters Final

Andy Murray booked his place in the Cincinnati Masters final with a commanding win over big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic.

The British No1 beat his experienced opponent 6-4 6-4 and will now face a tough encounter in the final against the ever-impressive Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic.

Karlovic, 29, was the man responsible for Roger Federer's premature exit earlier in the tournament but had no answer for the 21-year-old Scot, who played with verve and confidence despite the oppressive temperature in Cincinnati.

Murray, who has never won a Masters title, started confidently against Karlovic's formidable service game but proceeded to lose on his own serve in the second game of the match.

He immediately broke back, allowing his opponent no time to consolidate his lead before stringing together some fine points on his way to a second consecutive break and a 4-3 lead.

The pair then traded games before Murray, who came into the match having beaten Karlovic on two previous occasions, served out for the opening set.

The British No1's return game was growing in stature by the minute and he put his 6ft 10in rival through the wringer with a series of break points in the opening game of the second set.

Karlovic manfully saved a handful of them before finally handing Murray the game with a misjudged volley. Murray did not initially take advantage and allowed Karlovic to move back level with a break of his own before eventually triumphing for the fourth time against serve.

That put Murray 5-4 up with the chance to serve for victory. He did so with some panache, losing just one point on the way, and will now be facing up to the prospect of what is sure to be a sterner test in the final against world No1-elect Nadal or Djokovic.