Andy books final ticket in Vienna
ANDY MURRAY is through to the final of the Erste Bank Open after David Ferrer pulled out of their last- four meeting due to injury.
Top seed Murray, who has the chance to become world No. 1 before the end of the year, was given a walkover because of a leg problem suffered by defending champion Ferrer ahead of yesterday’s semi- final match in Vienna.
The Scot will face Jo- Wilfried Tsonga in today’s final after the Frenchman saved a match point to come through in three sets against Croatian Ivo Karlovic.
Murray said: “I knew that David had an injury at the beginning of the week.
“He played a very long match yesterday, so that was unfortunate for him. He’s one of the more robust players and doesn’t often have too many niggles. He must have been in quite a bit of pain.
“It’s unfortunate for him but I’ll try to get ready for the final and use today as a rest day. It will be a hard match but I’m motivated to finish the season strong. Being in another final after a tough week is good.”
BRITISH No. 3 Dan Evans had to pull out of the Paris Masters qualifiers after his racket bag did not make it to the French capital.
The 26- year- old was due to play Czech Republic’s Lukas Rosol in the first round of qualification yesterday but his luggage was lost on his flight from Birmingham to Paris, meaning he had to withdraw.
Evans said on Twitter: “I had to pull out of Paris as my racquet bag never made it to Paris from Birmingham, so, basically, I had a day trip to Paris.”
Evans’ travel woe means world No. 2 Andy Murray is the only British representative in the final tour nament of the regular season, with Kyle Edmund not playing due to a hip injury.
Currently at 60 in the world, Evans is guaranteed his highest ever year- end ranking, despite his absence in Paris.
WORLD No. 1 Angelique Kerber moved one win away from capping a stunning season with the WTA Finals trophy by securing her place in today’s title match.
The Australian Open and US Open champion defeated Agnieszka Radwanska 6- 2 6- 1 in Singapore, a clinical victory over last year’s champion at the endof-term showpiece tournament.
German left- hander Kerber began the year without a Grand Slam title and at No. 10 in the world. Sh e has brilliantly transformed her career in just 10 months, with a Wimbledon final appearance also figuring in a stunning run of results.
Today the 28- year- old will tackle Dominika Cibulkova, who beat Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 1-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 in the semi-final.