Andy Murray grinds past David Ferrer into Australian Open final

Andy Murray ground down David Ferrer 4-6, 7-6, 6-1, 7-6 on Friday to reach his second consecutive Australian Open final, raising British hopes of ending a 75-year drought for a men's singles grand slam champion.

Murray, runner-up to Roger Federer last year, was rocked by the seventh-seeded Spaniard's relentless baseline play as he lost the opening set on a chilly night at Rod Laver Arena.

Ferrer had a point to move two sets clear before Murray levelled the match with a dominant tiebreak and Murray mowed through the third set as his opponent lost his rhythm.

In Image: Britain's Andy Murray, right, and Spain's David Ferrer walk at the net after Murray won their men's semifinal

Text: Agencies

Images: AP