ANDY MURRAY is just two matches from US Open glory and I'm still backing the Scot to grab his maiden Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.
The British No.1 is facing the two biggest challenges of his career in the next three days but he has no reason to believe he won't be champion on Monday.
With few surprises in the men's draw the semi-final line-up is the one I predicted in my pre-tournament preview with No.2 seed Rafael Nadal and Murray battling for the right to face either world No.1 Novak Djokovic or No.3 Roger Federer.
It's a huge ask for 24-year-old Murray but I predicted him to win in New York safe in the knowledge he would have to beat the best deep in the event.
He has been impressive throughout – his brilliant best was evident in seeing off big-serving American John Isner in four sets yesterday. Nadal, meanwhile, was equally brilliant against Andy Roddick.
Murray trails the Spaniard 12-4 in previous meetings but dumped Nadal in their only US Open meeting – at the same stage in 2008.
Nadal is the 2-5 favourite with Bodog, Bet365, Skybet, William Hill and others. Murray is 2-1 at Victor Chandler, Paddy Power, Boylesports, Ladbrokes and others.
I can't see Murray winning in straight sets so 3-1 (7-1, Skybet, Betfred) for the Scot or 3-2
(7-1, Sportingbet) are the offers to consider.
The second semi-final will be just as close to call with Djokovic (4-7, Bet365, Boylesports, Victor Chandler) the favourite against Federer (13-8, Betfred, Stan James).
Five-time US Open champ Federer and Djokovic have also being a class above the opposition en route to the last four and I can see this one going five sets.
Recommendations
Murray 3, Nadal 1
(7-1, Skybet, Betfred)
Djokovic v Federer, 5 sets
(11-4, Skybet)
