Nadal crushes Murray in straight sets

By Martyn Herman

LONDON (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal rampaged around Centre Court on Wednesday, trampling British hope Andy Murray 6-3 6-2 6-4 to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals.

The Spanish world number two produced what he described as his best display at the All England Club to leave Murray battered and bruised and the crowd shaking their heads in disbelief at some of his play.

On Monday Murray had produced a memorable Houdini escape act to beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet after trailing by two sets and a break but there was never any glimpse of a comeback here.

"This was my best match here for sure," the 22-year-old Majorcan powerhouse said. "I tried to play aggressive all the time and hit big power on my forehand.

"I'm happy to be in the semi-final and also to beat such a tough player."

Barring a huge semi-final shock against either Frenchman Arnaud Clement or Rainer Schuettler of Germany, Nadal looks a certainty for a third consecutive final here against Roger Federer, should the Swiss five-times champion beat Marat Safin.

After taking Wimbledon king Federer to five sets last year, Nadal thinks he is better equipped now to win his first grand slam other than the four French Opens he has bagged.

"I think I am doing a lot of things better than last year. Slicing better, the position on court, this is better," he said.