Dolgopolov gives British No.1 a fright
Andy Murray secured his place in the Australian Open semi-finals with a dogged win over unseeded Alexandr Dolgopolov.
Murray eventually come through 7-5 6-3 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 but the Ukrainian ensured the world No.5 didn't have things his own way.
Dolgopolov had caused a shock in the previous round by deposing of fourth seed Robin Soderling.
And the man from Kiev proved he was to be taken seriously as he went toe-to-toe with Murray in the first set.
The opening seven games of the match saw four breaks of serve, with Dolgopolov refusing to be overawed by the occasion.
Murray had led 4-1 before Dolgopolov fought back to level the match, with the Ukrainian finding his range from the back of the court.
The set looked to be heading towards a tie-break before Murray finally managed to break Dolgopolov's resistance after an epic 12th game.
Buoyed by his success, Murray went on to break the 22-year-old early in the second set to establish a 3-1 lead.
Dolgopolov did have two break chances in the fifth game, but he was guilty of letting Murray off the hook - particularly with one extravagant backhand smash that was hammered into the tramlines.
Murray eventually come through 7-5 6-3 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 but the Ukrainian ensured the world No.5 didn't have things his own way.
Dolgopolov had caused a shock in the previous round by deposing of fourth seed Robin Soderling.
And the man from Kiev proved he was to be taken seriously as he went toe-to-toe with Murray in the first set.
The opening seven games of the match saw four breaks of serve, with Dolgopolov refusing to be overawed by the occasion.
Murray had led 4-1 before Dolgopolov fought back to level the match, with the Ukrainian finding his range from the back of the court.
The set looked to be heading towards a tie-break before Murray finally managed to break Dolgopolov's resistance after an epic 12th game.
Buoyed by his success, Murray went on to break the 22-year-old early in the second set to establish a 3-1 lead.
Dolgopolov did have two break chances in the fifth game, but he was guilty of letting Murray off the hook - particularly with one extravagant backhand smash that was hammered into the tramlines.
Survived
And Murray, who dropped just two points off his own serve in the set, made Dolgopolov pay as he went on to move 2-0 up in the match.
The Scot again broke early in the third set, but this time Dolgopolov was able to find a second wind to level.
Dolgopolov survived break chances in the 11th game, with Murray left frustrated at the missed chances.
And Dolgopolov took full advantage as he secured the set in convincing fashion on the tie-break.
Murray, though, regained his composure in the fourth set to break early once again - and this time he extended his advantage as Dolgopolov dropped his serve for a second time.
Dolgopolov responded with a break of his own, however he just could get a second to level the match, with Murray holding on to seal the win.
Murray will now face the winner of the clash between Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer.
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