Tomas Berdych stands in the way of Andy Murray reaching a second US Open final after the Czech bounced number one seed Roger Federer out of the competition.
Berdych repeated his 2010 Wimbledon win over Federer by overpowering the top seed 7-6 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the quarter-finals, while Murray hit back from a set and 5-1 down to beat Marin Cilic 3-6 7-6 6-2 6-0.
Third seed Murray admitted after mounting a stirring fightback to defeat the Croatian: “I can’t afford to start against Tomas like I did in this match again, that’s for sure.”
Murray and Berdych have met on six previous occasions, with the Czech holding a 4-2 winning record, but the pair have never met at a Grand Slam and Murray is 2/5 with bookmaker to reach the final.
Murray is still hunting a first-ever Grand Slam title, having lost in four finals to date, including the 2008 finale at Flushing Meadows, when he was beaten in straight sets by Federer.