Andy Murray eases into Surbiton semi-final with straight-sets victory

Andy Murray defeated Brandon Nakashima in straight sets to book a semi-final spot at Surbiton. The three-times grand slam winner dispatched the 20-year-old American 6-4, 7-6 (1), to extend his unblemished record at the Surbiton Trophy.

Murray eased past Nakashima with precious few concerns, the 35-year-old inching ever closer to a first singles title on grass in six years.

“The conditions were tricky, it was a bit blustery,” said Murray on court straight after his victory. “And there was some old-school grass-court tennis out here.

“I enjoy it here, but it is different to Wimbledon and Queen’s, in terms of the way the court plays. It’s a lot quicker here and there’s not many opportunities to break serve. I had to stay strong at the end of the second set.”

Fifth seed Nakashima became the latest opponent to fall to Murray this week without taking a set off the former world No 1. Murray has opted to feature at Surbiton in order to sharpen up his grass-court game ahead of another attempt at Wimbledon.

The British player’s injury battles of the last few years continue to take a toll, but Murray is determined to arrive at SW19 in top form and shape in the coming weeks.

He had few concerns in dismissing Nakashima, adding to his victories over Gijs Brouwer and Jurij Rodionov in Surrey this week.