Andy Murray overcame an injury scare to book his place in the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters with a 6-4 6-4 success over Bernard Tomic.
The top seed, who is playing in his first tournament since claiming gold at the Olympics, did not have it all his own way against the Australian, as he had to receive treatment on a back injury early in the first set.
The British number one also looked heavy legged at times following his exploits in Rio de Janeiro, but he held his nerve to secure his 21st straight victory, a run that stretches back to the French Open, when he was defeated by Novak Djokovic in the final.
The 29-year-old acknowledges that he was always going to be tired following his Olympic exploits, and he believes the conditions at the Lindner Family Tennis Center have helped him reach the semi-finals.
“I knew that coming straight from the Olympics I was going to be tired. But I’ve still managed to win,” Murray said. “Conditions help a bit.
There are not a lot of long rallies. I have a few days off when this week is done and then I’ll prepare for the US Open.”
The world number two will now face number four seed Milos Raonic in the semi-finals, in what will be a repeat of the 2016 Wimbledon final.
Murray is available at 1.33 to secure glory in the match, while Raonic is on offer 3.10 to claim revenge following his defeat at The All England Club.
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