Murray claims place in Miami Open final and sets up possible Djokovic clash

Andy Murray beat Tomas Berdych in two sets, 6-4 6-4, to reach the Miami Open final. Victory levelled Murray's head-to-head record against Berdych at 6-6 and clinched a decider against either John Isner or world number one Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic beat Murray in the semi-final at Indian Wells last week and the British number one admitted he would need to improve significantly to compete if they meet again on Sunday.

The first three games went against the serve before Murray found his rhythm and began to dominate. He ended the first set having hit 77 per cent of his first serves.

A crushing return took him 0-30 up as Berdych served to begin the second set, and the Czech then dumped an easy volley into the net and double-faulted to gift Murray a break.

Berdych showed signs of fighting back, but Murray was rarely troubled.

“I did most things well, there’s not a lot I could complain about,” Murray said afterwards.

Asked what he would have to do in a possible match against Djokovic, he said: “Play better than I did last week, that would be a good start! . . . And just hopefully play a cleaner match. But I’ve played well this week, much better than I did at Indian Wells.”