Andy Murray: Scot's power proves too much as David Goffin is swept aside in Shanghai

The Briton broke the 11th seed four times during the match, with the Belgian struggling to get to grips with Murray's first serve

Friday 14 October 2016 10:23 EDT
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Andy Murray's fine form continues
Andy Murray's fine form continues (Getty)

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Andy Murray produced another impressive display to reach the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters following a 6-2 6-2 win over Belgium's David Goffin.

The 29-year-old broke the 11th seed four times during the match, with the Belgian struggling to get to grips with Murray's first serve. The Scot won 90 per cent of points when his first serve landed.

Murray showed his superiority by winning five straight games on his way to victory and will face either Jack Sock of the United States or France's Gilles Simon for a place in Sunday's final.

Both men settled into the match and Murray sealed his first two games with aces. He had two opportunities to break in the fourth game but the Belgian held on for 2-2.

But Murray took the initiative in Goffin's next service game after working his way to two break points through a fantastic forehand cross-court winner, and Goffin's double-fault gave Murray a 4-2 lead.

Goffin immediately earned two break points of his own in the next game, but Murray fought back with an ace before the 25-year-old inexplicably netted a easy forehand. Murray offered another break point following a double-fault but pulled it back to gain the three-game advantage.

Murray clinched the first set on his third break point after Goffin hit a forehand long as the world number two continued his impressive form in Asia.

In game 10, it took over 15 minutes for the Belgian to stop the rot and win his first game in six to level the second set at 1-1 before Murray pushed for victory.

He ensured the second set followed suit after another break of the Goffin serve to go 4-2 ahead, which was followed by a comfortable hold.


David Goffin struggled to match Murray for intensity and power 

 David Goffin struggled to match Murray for intensity and power 
 (Getty)

There was time for one more break for Murray as he sealed his ninth win in a row without dropping a set and continue his devastating recent form.

Speaking afterwards to Sky Sports, Andy Murray said: "I thought it was a very good match.

"There were many long games on his serve that could have gone either way. He had a few chances on my serve, so it was a tough match.

"It was a pretty long one for that scoreline but I struck the ball well and created a lot of chances on my return game.

"I felt I was controlling a lot of the rallies on my forehand. It was a good win against Goffin, who has been playing very well and had some good wins here."

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