New York - Andy Murray's successful run to the semi-finals of the US Open has London bookmakers tipping him for an outside hope at the title. The 21-year-old is 3/1 to beat world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in their final-four weekend clash and progress to the final at Flushing Meadows.
"Murray's in with a chance on his favourite surface against Nadal who has looked far from all-conquering in reaching the last four," said a spokesman for betting house Ladbrokes.
"But the Spaniard, who so often produces it when it matters most, will be favourite to make the final." Murray is 1/ 4 to claim a major title before his 30th birthday.
World No. 1 Nadal is 10/11 for the trophy while Roger Federer stands 2/1 to win his fifth in a row at Flushing Meadows.
The Scot is two wins away from becoming the first British man in 72 years to win the New York crown. "I don't want to lose in the semi- finals. When I watched the opening of the tournament on the first night session and you see all the winners of the U.S. Open, you realise that winning is what really, really counts," said Murray.
Murray is the third British man to reach the last four in four decades after Greg Rusedski (1997 runner-up and Tim Henman (2004 semi- finalist).
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NOTEBOOK: Coach Mac goes with his strengths for Davis Cup =
New York - The US will rely on its battle-tested group of veterans as Andy Roddick, James Blake and the Bryan brothers contest the a Davis Cup semi-final against Spain from September 19-21.
The clash will bring back memories of the 2004 final won by the Spaniards in front of 25,000 fans at Valencia, the largest crowd ever in the sport.
The Madrid tie will be played in a bull ring - appropriate with the home side being led by raging bull Rafael Nadal, the Paris, Wimbledon and Olympic champ on this season.
In the long-odds chance threat the US might beat the Spaniards on slow clay, the winner would travel to either Russia or Argentina for the Davis Cup final, November 21-23.
McEnroe, also temporarily coaching Roddick,has gone with his strengths, picking the same lineup for the 11th straight tie dating to a 2005 playoff against Belgium.
"I want to go with the best guys, I want to go with the guys that I think give us the best chance to win," said McEnroe. "If I thought that someone else gave us a better chance to win I would go with somebody else.
"I still thoroughly believe that Roddick and Blake give us the best chance. Obviously the fact that they have experience is part of that, not only in Davis Cup, but in big matches overall."
