News Digest

Andy Murray reaches Australian Open final after beating Tomas Berdych

Andy Murray fought off a resilient Tomas Berdych to reach his first grand slam final for 18 months at the Australian Open after a four-set win in Melbourne. Berdych took the opening set on a tie-break before Murray, 27, took the next three sets to prevail 6-7 (6-8,) 6-0, 6-3, 7-5 and reach an eighth career major final. World number one Novak Djokovic or defending champion Stanislas Wawrinka await in the final on Sunday 1 February, Murray’s first undergoing back surgery in September 2013 and winning Wimbledon.

A lot of people criticised me for working with Amelie Mauresmo and I think so far this week we have showed women can be very good coaches as well.

Andy Murray

Meanwhile, Serena Williams will face Maria Sharapova in the women’s final after the pair won their semi-finals in straight sets in their semi-finals. World number two Sharapova won an all-Russian contest against Ekaterina Makarova 6-3 6-2. Williams, the top seed, converted her ninth match point to beat fellow American Madison Keys 7-6 (7-5) 6-2.