The British number one seemed to be cruising when he took the first set, but Wawrinka stormed back in the second before Murray ground out a 6-2 0-6 6-4 victory.

However, the Scot will need to play better if he is to upset defending champion Djokovic, who has beaten his good friend five times in succession - with Murray winning only 10 games in their last three meetings.

Wawrinka was certainly not on top form at the start of the match and quickly found himself two breaks down as Murray established a 3-0 lead.

Murray swiftly made it 4-0 and the reason for the ninth seed's poor start became clearer when he received lengthy treatment to his right knee. Wawrinka was fit enough to resume and finally broke his duck in the fifth game, although not without a struggle as Murray's faultless retrieving clearly rattled him.

The Swiss at least made Murray serve out the set, but that proved no problem for the 21-year-old.

But Murray suddenly struggled with the wind and Wawrinka's powerful groundstrokes and attacking game were suddenly working well and he replicated what his opponent had achieved in the opening set by clinching a double break.

Murray was left wondering where it had all gone wrong and a lacklustre game allowed Wawrinka to wrap up a love set.

The Swiss made it seven games in a row at the start of the decider, although Murray at least made him work hard for it. The British number one still looked out of sorts mentally and needed to save two break points before finally ending his losing run.

By now, both men were playing steadily and the match was nip and tuck. But the errors returned to Wawrinka's game in the crucial seventh game and Murray moved a break ahead. That proved to be the fillip the Scot needed and he served out the match to love.



Copyright PA Sport 2008, All Rights Reserved