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Murray’s stock goes up

— Photo: AP

LOOKING UP: Andy Murray’s run to the semifinals has caught the eye of bookmakers, who give him an outside chance to take the title.

New York: Andy Murray’s successful run to the semifinals of the U.S. Open has London bookmakers tipping him for an outside hope at the title.

The 21-year-old is 3/1 to beat World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in their final-four weekend clash and progress to the final at Flushing Meadows.

“Murray’s in with a chance on his favourite surface against Nadal who has looked far from all-conquering in reaching the last four,” said a spokesman for betting house Ladbrokes. “But the Spaniard, who so often produces it when it matters most, will be favourite to make the final.”

Murray is 1/4 to claim a Major title before his 30th birthday. World No. 1 Nadal is 10/11 for the trophy, while Roger Federer stands 2/1 to win his fifth in a row at Flushing Meadows.

The Scot is two wins away from becoming the first British man in 72 years to win the New York crown. “I don’t want to lose in the semifinals. When I watched the opening of the tournament on the first night session and you see all the winners of the U.S. Open, you realise that winning is what really, really counts,” said Murray.

Murray is the third British man to reach the last four in four decades after Greg Rusedski (1997 runner-up and Tim Henman (2004 semifinalist).

Late start

Soon after Rafael Nadal and Mardy Fish started playing, they heard “After Midnight” by Eric Clapton come wafting over the speakers at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

It was time for another episode of the late show at the U.S. Open. Top-seeded Nadal wound up winning, ending the match at 2:10 a.m. local time on Thursday. Most of the upper deck was empty by then and television showed many fans asleep.

“Well, it was not usual. Not the best conditions to play a tennis match. But sometimes the schedules are tough,” Nadal said. “Sometimes it’s difficult but nothing can be done, no? So, just accept it.”

This is one of the things that we players discuss all the time. There should be a limit on when to start. But we know that the TV rules in this,” said the Spaniard.

Nadal and Fish started at 11:30 p.m. It could’ve been even later had not Serena Williams beaten sister Venus in straight sets.

Jamie heading home

Jamie Murray gave it a good run at this U.S. Open, reaching the final of the mixed doubles tournament before losing on Thursday to Cara Black of Zimbabwe and Leander Paes of India.

Now that he’s done, he’s eager to get back to Scotland, even though brother Andy would be playing in the men’s semifinals.

“I’m ready to go home,” Jamie Murray said.

Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal are set to play in the semifinals. If Murray wins, he’ll play for the title on Sunday.

By then, Jamie will be gone — he’s not inclined to change his schedule. While he has watched his younger brother a bit, Jamie hasn’t seen every match.

“It’s quite tiring” (to watch), he said. — Agencies

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