ndy Murray cruised into the final of the Nottingham Open with a straight-sets victory over Nuno Borges.
After victory in Surbiton a week ago, the 36-year-old’s winning run now stands at nine matches, as he eased to a 6-3 6-2 semi-final win to set up the chance of another grass-court title. He will face Frenchman Arthur Cazaux in the final.
Murray broke Borges’ serve at the first time of asking at the start of the match as he quickly established a 3-0 lead and that proved good enough, with the British star rock solid on his own serve as he dropped just three points behind it in taking the first set.
The pair exchanged breaks early in the second before Murray edged ahead again, Borges failing to take two break points when presented with the opportunity to get it swiftly back on serve.
Another chance did not materialise for the 26-year-old, Murray breaking again to lead 5-2 and, while he had to once more save two break points, a forehand into the net from Borges confirmed victory.
The possibility that Murray is seeded at Wimbledon continues to grow, though he will need another strong week at Queen’s. He will face Alex De Minaur in the opening round, looking for revenge after the Australian beat him 6-1 6-3 in Monte Carlo earlier this season.
Murray will also play doubles at Queen’s, teaming up with British number one Cameron Norrie.
There is an all-British final on Sunday in the women’s side of the draw in Nottingham, the first time that has happened in a WTA event since 1977. Katie Boulter beat Heather Watson in straight sets to book her place in the final, the third British opponent she has beaten this week, and she will face Jodie Burrage after the 24-year-old earned an impressive win over Alize Cornet.
“I was not expecting this coming into this week but I’m very, very happy with my performance,” Burrage said.
“Alize is not an easy opponent to put away, as it showed at the end. It’s going to be an amazing day on Sunday and I’m really looking forward to it – what an amazing tournament for us.”
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