Murray routs Nalbandian to reach semi-finals

The Scot, the defending champion and fourth seed, saw off the former Wimbledon finalist in style, winning 6-2, 6-2 in one hour and nine minutes.

Murray won five games in a row at the end of the first set and the start of the second as he refused to let the Argentinian find any rhythm. Nalbandian had no answer to his opponent's impressive serving as Murray made 67 per cent of his first serves and faced just one break point, which he saved.

The world No 4 hailed his performance as the best he has played since reaching the final of the Australian Open in January. "That's the best I've played in a long time, maybe since Australia," Murray said. "I served very well, dictated a lot of the points from the start and also when I was on the move I kept good length on my defence. Everything was good today." The Scot admitted playing without a coach has meant his approach has had to be a little different. Murray, who parted company with Miles Maclagan after two-and-a-half years working together last month, added: "Certain things you do differently when you're on your own, you're a bit more responsible, a bit more independent."

Murray will now face Rafael Nadal in the last four after the world No 1 beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Nalbandian came into the match in impressive form, having won his last 11 matches following his triumph over fifth seed Robin Soderling. But Murray, who must reach the final of the event to preserve his world No 4 ranking, asserted his authority early on.

Nalbandian double-faulted to hand Murray another break at 5-2, leaving the 23-year-old to see out the set. He broke Nalbandian in the first game of the second set and sealed his fifth straight game to take a 2-0 lead. A further break followed before Murray rounded off the victory in emphatic fashion with an ace.