Murray Tops Nishikori In Rio, Will Play For Gold

Andy Murray imposed his will on Kei Nishikori at the Rio Olympics on Saturday, winning their semi-final clash 6-1, 6-4 in 80 minutes. The Brit, who took gold at the London Olympics in 2012, will look to defend his title against Rafael Nadal or Juan Martin del Potro on Sunday.

Murray was nearly untouchable on serve, landing 76 per cent of first serves and never facing break point. He dominated backhand exchanges from the baseline and won nine of 13 net approaches. Outmatched from the first ball, Nishikori was able to win only 39 total points to Murray’s 61. The Japanese star went for broke on his forehand and saved Murray’s first two match points, but succumbed shortly thereafter.

Murray won gold on the grass of Wimbledon over Roger Federer in 2012 and could face fellow former champion Nadal, who was victorious in Beijing in 2008 over Fernando Gonzalez.