Confident Murray reaches semi-final

Andy Murray spoke of his increasing confidence under new coach Brad Gilbert after reaching the semi-finals of the Legg Mason Classic in Washington with a straight-sets victory over Mardy Fish.

Britain’s number one defeated his American opponent 6-2 6-4 to reach the last four of his first tournament since Gilbert was appointed as the man to succeed Mark Petchey.

Murray said: “Brad and I spoke at the end of the match. He was disappointed, thought I got tentative at the end. I still thought I was playing good tennis.

“I don’t think I am a better tennis player yet. But technically, I’m getting there. My game isn’t that much better yet but I’m gaining confidence.”

Murray is pleased with his improvement during the week in Washington, adding: “I didn’t play too well on hard courts at the start of the year. I got five good days of practice in and was maybe rusty in my first game but I’ve been getting better.

“Today was my best. I think the second set was the best six games I’ve played.”

The 19-year-old Scot will face British number two Tim Henman or Russian Dmitry Tursunov in the next round.

“I know how Tim plays very well,” Murray said. “Brad can watch and tell me how to get to Tim’s weakness.

“It’s difficult for me because he’s the one I looked up to growing up. I have so much respect for him. It’s hard for him, me being a young Brit as well.”