Tomas Berdych outlasted Andy Murray in a marathon battle of missed opportunities yesterday to earn a 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 trip into the semi-finals of the Paris Masters.
The frustrated Murray ended with a forehand wide on a second match point for fifth seed Berdych, who qualified into the field for the year-end World Tour Finals starting a week from tomorrow in London.
The quarter-final struggle lasted for nearly three-and-a-quarter hours, with Murray missing on 15 of 17 break point chances and Berdych managing to break twice from 14 opportunities.
Murray will now head home to London to prepare for the eight-man season wrap-up without having ever reached a semi-final at the Bercy arena.
Berdych stands 3-1 over Murray in their series, winning their last three dating to 2006 and including a victory last year at Roland Garros.
Berdych, the 2005 winner in Paris, will play Roger Federer in today’s semi-finals.
The Swiss master beat Argentine Juan Monaco 6-3, 7-5, yesterday.
Off court, top seed Novak Djokovic pulled out to hand Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga a walkover into the last four due to a shoulder injury.
The Serb world no.1 said his shoulder had worsened after his 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over compatriot Viktor Troicki on Thursday.
“Sadly I have to inform you that I have withdrawn from the tournament,” Djokovic announced on his official website.
“I have pushed myself to the limit by playing, and after the match on Thursday my shoulder got worse.
“For this reason, I have to put my health first and withdraw even though my urges as a professional player are making me want to play until the last drop of energy.
“I am very sorry for all of you who bought tickets and wanted to come and watch me play. My season has been long and tiring, I played all of my matches at my highest level, and now my body is aching for recovery.
“Hoping for your understanding and support.”
ATP officials said yesterday that Djokovic flew directly to his Monte Carlo base to begin treatment by the same specialists who somehow got him fit for a Paris start after re-injuring the shoulder in last weekend’s Basel semi-final loss to Kei Nishikori.
With players for the World Tour Finals due in on Thursday, the time-table gives Djokovic at least five treatment days.