SCOTTISH tennis ace Andy Murray last night scaled new heights in his short career with a sensational victory over world No1 Rafael Nadal to reach the US Open final.
Click here to view a slideshow of Murray's victory Click here to watch video coverage of the US OpenThe sixth seed crushed his Spanish opponent in four sets at Flushing Meadows in New York, becoming first the British player to reach a Grand Slam final in 11 years. Displaying his now trademark bicep-flexing pose to highlight his new pumped-up physique, the delighted Scot threw his sweat bands to the cheering crowds of the packed stadium.
The semi-final was rained off on Saturday by Tropical Storm Hanna, but play resumed last night on the main show court, Arthur Ashe Stadium. It ended in a 6-2, 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 victory for the Scot, who had lost to Nadal on all their five of their previous meetings.
The 21-year-old will now take on Roger Federer today. If he wins he will be the first British man to take the title since Fred Perry in 1936 and the victory would rank as one of the great achievements in the history of Scottish sport.
After the match, Murray, who attributes his toned torso to his two physical trainers Matt Little and Jez Green, said: "It's awesome to beat him – a great feeling. He's beaten me five times in a row, so that was tough, and to do it in a semi meant it was really difficult. With the rain delay yesterday, and it was windy today, there were a lot of different things, but I'm happy I came through in the end."
And on his chances against Federer tonight, Murray said: "He has won here the last five times so to beat him in a final is tough. He has got an unbelievable record. I'm going to have to play great if I want to have a chance of winning."
Murray's latest win is likely to catapult him into the very elite of international sporting superstardom along with the likes of footballers David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton.
Public relations guru Max Clifford estimates his win over Nadal could net Murray around £20 million with that rising to a possible £50 million if he wins today. Bookmakers William Hill has given Murray a 6/4 chance, but defending champion Roger Federer is 1/2 favourite.
Back in his home town of Dunblane, Murray's grandmother, Shirley Erskine, last night said: "I am just so proud of him, I thought it was absolutely amazing. Nadal came out and just played superb tennis, but Andy stayed with him and made it through. He has worked so hard this year and trained so hard and he really gave it his all and got a just reward.
"He is in with the big boys now, but he has nothing to fear because he has beaten Federer before. If he goes out and plays as he did against Nadal he will be fine. I spoke to him this afternoon and he sounded very relaxed. I'm just thrilled.
"It is quite fantastic here in Dunblane – everyone is getting behind him. Everyone was going to go and watch the game – even people who never watch tennis."
Murray is one of only three British men to have featured in the US Open semi-finals in the past 11 years. In 1997, Greg Rusedski went on to reach the final, where he was beaten by Australian Pat Rafter.
And four years ago, Tim Henman reached the final four only to be beaten by Federer in straight sets.
Murray, who will rise to fourth in the next ATP rankings, matches Tim Henman's achievements of 2002 when he reached ATP ranking of world No4.
Murray has been enjoying his best summer to date this year, reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon and winning his first Masters Series title in Cincinnati.
But he had a disappointing performance at this year's Olympic Games in Beijing, where he crashed out in the first round of the singles to Lu Yen-Hsun of Taiwan.
And he and his brother Jamie were beaten 6-1, 6-3 in a dismal game against the French pairing Arnaud Clement and Michael Llodra in the men's doubles.
Follow Andy's progress with scotsman.com - visit www.scotsman.com/tennis tonight for updates from Murray vs Federer.
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