Tennis: Murray sets up showdown with Nadal

Murray crushed in-form David Nalbandian last night to book his place in the 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.

Nalbandian came into the match in impressive form, having won his last 11 matches following his triumph over fifth seed Robin Soderling, but was broken twice in each set as Murray claimed a convincing win.

The Scot admitted playing without a coach has meant his approach has had to be a little different to normal.

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."

Nadal, the top seed and world No,1, had things rather less his own way, coming from a set down to defeat Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. In the third quarter-final, Roger Federer gained revenge over his Wimbledon conqueror Tomas Berdych by battling from 5-2 down in the third set to edge a thriller against the Czech.

The world No.3, ousted by Berdych in the last eight at SW19 and also in the third round of the Miami Masters earlier this year, was made to work hard by the seventh seed but eventually prevailed 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/5).

Federer will face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals after the Serbian eased past Jeremy Chardy in the late match. Djokovic was hugely impressive in beating his French opponent 6-2, 6-3.