Murray by way of to Surbiton closing after routine win over Thompson
It was the Australia who got here out on high of their solely earlier encounter, six years in the past at Queen’s, however Murray continued his robust begin to the grass-court season to win 7-6 6-3 and attain his closing closing on house soil since 2016.
The two-time Wimbledon champion flew out of the blocks in extremely scorching circumstances, breaking early and taking a swift 3-0 lead within the opening set. Thompson bought it again on serve although and took it a tie-break, which Murray sealed with an ace.
The second set was a extra routine affair, Murray shifting 5-1 up and giving himself the respiratory room that meant a break from Thompson solely slighty delayed the top of the match, with the British quantity three getting the job executed on his third match factors.
Murray will face both Jurij Rodionov or Zizou Bergs in Sunday’s closing, earlier than turning his consideration to Nottingham subsequent week after taking a wildcard to play within the Challenger occasion.
“Nice to get through in straight sets today,” Murray mentioned.
“It was a very, very tight first set. I improved a bit in the second set, served well and starting the hitting the ball a bit better from the back of the court.”
On his general kind, he added: “The last couple of matches have been good. Jordan and Jason Kubler are very good grass-court players. Very experienced on the surface.
“To come through both of them is very positive and I get the opportunity to play in a final tomorrow, which will be great. It’s been a while since I’ve won a tournament on home soil. Hopefully I can do that tomorrow.”