World-beating shot that proves Andy Murray is the wizard of Oz

Published on Thursday 28 January 2010 21:34

WITH their hero one set down and looking a bit lacklustre, Andy Murray's fans could have been forgiven for thinking yesterday's Australian Open semi-final was going to be yet another famous Scottish sporting anti-climax.

• Andy Murray showed athleticism and skill to reach the Australian Open final. Picture: Getty

But then it all changed.

In one incredible rally that observers believe could propel the Scot to his first Grand Slam title, Murray demonstrated his athleticism, determination and courage to win a point that probably no other tennis player in the world could have. The point broke the serve of his Croatian opponent, Marin Cilic but, more importantly, it infused the 22-year-old with adrenaline and vigour.

From that moment on, there was only one winner.

Watch Andy's amazing shot here

The crucial rally took place in the fifth game of the second set. Cilic's shot caught the net and dropped just on to Murray's side. Showing great speed, he retrieved the ball with a backhand. Cilic responded with a fantastic lob to the baseline, which most players would have failed to reach. But Murray spun around, sprinted to the back of the court and drove the ball past the stunned 14th seed.

The Scot celebrated with a trademark roaring battle-cry, while the play brought the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena to a lengthy standing ovation.

Afterwards, both players admitted this point turned the match. Murray said: "I just managed to chase it down. Honestly, I actually practise this shot quite a lot in training… and it was a very good shot and I managed to turn it around from there."

Cilic said: "When he broke me in the second set for 3-2, he passed me when I lobbed him.

"I mean, his physical ability's really on top of the game. I think he got a little bit of the momentum going and it wasn't easy after to get back into it."

However, the drama was not over after the second-set rally. Murray played a second astonishing shot in the fourth set, which had his mother laughing in glee.

He stretched out and returned a shot from Cilic, bending it around the outside of the net so that it skimmed past the umpire's chair, before landing neatly in the opposite court.

The fifth-seeded Scot went on to reach his second Grand Slam final with a 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-2 victory in a shade over three hours.

Murray, who knocked out defending champion Rafael Nadal, in the quarter-final, admits he is in top form. He said: "This is the best I've played at a slam."

In Sunday's final, he will play the winner of today's semi-final between Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Murray lost to Federer in the US Open final in 2008 and admits he would like to meet the world No1 again.

After yesterday's win, Murraymania broke out in Dunblane, his home town, where fans are preparing parties to support their champion as he battles it out in the final. And among the many messages of support, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I hope he wins this major tournament. It would be great news. He is a great tennis player and a great guy."

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