Andy Murray has set up a semi-final clash with Roger Federer at the Qatar Open in Doha.
In Thursday’s quarter-final, Murray defeated Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-4 6-2 in 1 hour 16 minutes.
Stakhovsky, who Murray will likely meet again at Great Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Ukraine in March, is ranked No.91 in the world.
Defending the title he won in 2008, the 21 year-old started the week with comprehensive victories in the opening two rounds, beating Spaniard Albert Montanes 6-2 6-4 and German Philipp Petzschner 6-2 6-4.
On Friday, Murray will once again face Federer, the reigning US Open champion. In their six previous meetings, not including last week’s exhibition match in Abu Dhabi, the British No.1 holds the edge 4-2 after back-to-back wins in Madrid and Shanghai at the end of 2008.
In the top half of the draw, Gael Monfils will play American Andy Roddick after the Frenchman beat world No.1 Rafael Nadal in straight sets.