Preview: Andy Murray v Gilles Simon
By Jamie Bye
Andy Murray will face Frenchman Gilles Simon in the semi-final of the Shanghai Masters, after easing past Belgium’s David Goffin 6-2 6-2 the quarter final.
Murray said to BBC sport: “I struck the ball really well and created a lot of chances on my return game.”
Simon also won his quarter final today in a 3rd set tie break against Americas Jack Sock which he won 4-6 6-4 7-6.
Murray will be the more confident of the pair going into Saturday’s match having dispatched his seemingly more difficult opponent in much quicker time than the Frenchman. The effects of a three set match could go against Simon, with the semi just one day away, fatigue may well play a part.
Murray is the younger and presumably fresher man after powering through his quarter final in just 90 minutes and this will just add to his confidence as his form of late has been highly impressive.
The Scotsman is looking for back to back titles after winning the China Open last week. This run of good form dates all the way back to this summer and his gold medal win at the Rio Olympics, as well as his Wimbledon victory. Murray will look to convincingly win this semi-final, where the odds look like he will face fierce rival Novak Djokovic in the final. At stake is the Serbian’s place at the top of the world rankings. This must be a huge motivation for Murray after his recent run of form.
In contrast the 31 year-old Frenchman has never won a major and is currently ranked number 32 in the world, with just 12 titles in a 14 year career and also hasn’t won on tour since the Marseille title last year.