Masters Cup result:

Red Group:

A Murray (GB) v R Federer (Swi)

4-6 7-6 (7-3) 7-5

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on the action

By Sarah Holt

THIRD SET:

1525: That wraps up the Masters Cup coverage for now. Can it get any better at the weekend? I'd say it's quite an ask. Djokovic and Simon open play at 0900 GMT with Murray and Davydenko on court at about 11am. Piers will be on hand to guide you through. Bye!

1524: "Most would have expected Murray to coast through this match to save energy, but not Murray. He fought all the way, and is now rewarded by being tournament favourite."
Swarvsta on 606

1514: Murray is pretty pleased with himself as he battles to his fourth win over Federer in six attempts. The 21-year-old Scot didn't even have to win that match because he was already through to the semi-finals.

Federer, on the other hand, did need to win. The defeat means Gilles Simon, a replacement for the injured Rafael Nadal, goes through to the last four. Federer's dream of winning a fifth Masters Cup is over.

Murray is the only player through to the semi-finals with a 100% record. That means if he wins the whole thing he gets a cash bonus to boost his prize money to $1.34m. Murray is also the winner of the Red Group, which means he meets Gold Group runner-up Nikolay Davydenko on Saturday. Novak Djokovic will play Simon in the other semi.

Murray 4-6 7-6 7-5 Federer
A double fault and a Federer mis-hit brings up an eighth match point for Murray at 15-40. The Swiss world number two doesn't look up for the fight this time - and he goes long. Murray wins the match and Federer is out of the Master Cup.

1510: "Oh me oh my... what a match... It really could go either way."
Fjsm33 on 606

Murray 4-6 7-6 6-5 Federer
After such a manic game, Murray holds to 15. Both players head back to their seats for a well-earned sit-down and the DJ in Shanghai judges the mood perfectly by playing some soothing music.

Murray 4-6 7-6 5-5 Federer
Hmm this game is a bit tricky to describe. The short version is that both players conjured some amazing shots and showed some mighty mental strength. Murray carved out seven match points but Federer saved ALL of them and then held to keep his Masters Cup alive. The long version is below.

Murray gets his first match point when the world number two loops a forehand wide. But the Scot is just long with his sliced forehand at 30-40 and Murray nets for deuce. Federer grimaces - he means business - and after a brilliant rally he brings up advantage with a drop shot. But we go back to deuce as Federer nets. A clever passing shot brings up advantage again for Fed but Murray fires down a backhand return. Deuce number three. Fed goes long to hand Murray a third match point. The Swiss saves deuce with a forehand but then goes wide for Murray's fourth match point. Murray nets and that brings up our friend deuce. Murray gathers a fifth match point but his lob goes long - and he bangs the side of his head in frustration. A net cord helps Murray to a sixth match point but Fed remarkably saves it again with an ace. The world number two moves to advantage with a low shot over the net but Murray saves deuce once more. Federer drops a forehand right on the baseline for advantage but goes long again. A mis-hit from Federer brings up a seventh match point for Murray. An ace - what else? - saves it for Federer and one more brings up advantage. Murray goes long - and Federer holds. The Swiss pumps both fists in celebration.

Murray 4-6 7-6 5-4 Federer
A respite for all of us there as Murray holds to 15. I'll say no more.

Murray 4-6 7-6 4-4 Federer
Judy Murray is on her feet as junior Murray passes Federer to bring up deuce. Murray brings up the break point with an unreturnable backhand but the world number four nets to level the scores once more. The see-saw swings again for Murray as he carves another break chance with a backhand winner only to push the ball long. Federer misses his stroke to bring up a third break point and then muddles an easy smash. The crowd whistle - and Murray breaks back.

Murray 4-6 7-6 3-4 Federer
Federer leaves Murray's return which lands long at 15-30. A big backhand from the Scot moves him to 40-30 but he slides to deuce as he misjudges another return. A rasping forehand from Federer dips right into the corner and it's another break point for the Swiss. Murray nets Fed's return and that's the break. Injury, what injury?

Murray 4-6 7-6 3-3 Federer
Murray keeps the crowd entertained by playing keepy-uppy with a ball during a break in play. To be fair there is a little lull in this game. Federer finishes it in style, sending down two aces to get right back in the match - and keep his hopes of reaching the semis alive.

1425: "Fair play to roj-in all likelihood his last match of the season and he won't quit even if he's in extreme pain. I respect that."
Dan in Oxford via text

Murray 4-6 7-6 3-2 Federer
Federer is gamely ploughing on, landing a drop shot at 30-30 but Murray runs hard to push the ball over the line, just stopping before he slams into the net. Federer drifts a backhand down the line for deuce. Murray nets to hand Federer a break chance - the crowd sense something here. They were right too - a lashing forehand winner and the third set is back on serve.

Murray 4-6 7-6 3-1 Federer
Federer is really struggling with his movement and slides to 15-30. "We can only imagine the pain and anxiety out there," says a concerned5 Live commentator Jonathan Overend. The Swiss world number two recovers - a little - to save the game with a neat drop-shot. Less cow bells now - do the crowd think Federer is mincemeat?

1414: Federer is back on his stomach, with the trainer on to give him another quick massage around his left hip.

"I know Federer has a professional reputation to protect because he's never quit before - but this is crazy to carry on in these circumstances."
Times correspondent Neil Harman on 5 Live Sports Extra

Murray 4-6 7-6 3-0 Federer
Murray faces a break point down as Federer sends down a smash. The world number four recovers with a decent serve for deuce. Murray sends an ailing Federer rushing around the court but he nets and another big serve from Muzza sees him hold.

Murray 4-6 7-6 2-0 Federer
Murray returns a Fed smash to bring up a break point at 30-40. Federer dumps the ball into the net and that's the break for Murray. Things look pretty bad for the world number two, as he sits down on the line judge's chair. His girlfriend Mirka bites her nails on the sidelines. Is the game up for Fed?

Murray 4-6 7-6 1-0 Federer
A pair of aces help Murray to a 40-0 lead as he opens the decisive set. Federer drives the ball into the net to see the Scot hold and Fed walks gingerly back to his chair.

SECOND SET:

1402: Federer is back up after his mini massage and here comes the third set.

1359: Breaking news from Shanghai. Federer has a little word with Murray as he calls for the trainer. The 27-year-old lies face down on the towel as the ATP trainer gets to work kneading Federer's left glute.Everyone's in the wars now, as Murray, sporting a cut little finger on his right hand, puts an ice pack on his left hand.

1357: The two players have popped off for a simultaneous "comfort break". Murray is the first to return with a water bottle in each hand. He glugs down a bottle and sits down. Without sounding like I'm stating the obvious, this match could go either way. You know what I'm saying, right?

1356: "Great recovery in the tie break from Murray. Let's hope the "wobble" has been and gone and he takes it in the 3rd."
Alex_tree on 606

Murray 4-6 7-6 (7-3) Federer
Murray holds both his serves to move 2-1 ahead in the breaker and soon gets the mini-break as Fed wobbles off-balance and sends a forehand wide at 3-1. The players zig-zag across the court, trying to break the other one but Federer has the last say, answering a lob with a backhand overhead at 3-2. The Swiss recovers the mini-break at 3-3.

Murray appears to have cut his right-hand but he feels no pain as Federer glides a backhand long at 5-3 in Murray's favour. A shake of the fist from Murray as he dinks over a volley for a 6-3 lead and a set point. And that's it. Federer goes long, as Murray wins the breaker 7-3, takes the set and squares the match.

Murray 4-6 6-6 Federer
Murray skips a low volley over the net at 40-15. A wild forehand from Federer goes long and we are bound for the tie-break.

"This is the 16th set they have played and only one of those has gone to a tie-break. That was in Dubai earlier this year and Federer won that won 8-6."
Times correspondent Neil Harman on 5 Live Sports Extra

Murray 4-6 5-6 Federer
Time to take a breather as Federer holds to love and he is just one game away from the set and the match - and a place in the semi-finals.

Murray 4-6 5-5 Federer
Hmmm, Murray is well and truly stuck in a rut now while Federer has turned things around. Two mistakes from the Scot take him to 0-30 as he serves for the set and a slice volley at the net takes Federer to three break points.

The Swiss waves goodbye to one of them as his forehand return is comfortably beyond the baseline. He soon says cheerio to all three, as Murray swivels to send a forehand straight down the line for deuce.

Murray slams away a ball as Federer conjures another super shot to take advantage - and a fourth break point of the game. A double fault from the world number four sees Federer get back on serve. The Scot kicks away another ball and complains to the umpire about the crowd. Some Federer fans are applauding when Murray misses his serves. That's a fair complaint from Muzza.

Murray 4-6 5-4 Federer
Murray has reverted to grumpy mode. He's just not happy, even with a break in the bank. I like a good sulk as much as the next person but he's already into the last four with a holiday/winter training coming up in Miami so it's surely not that bad? Federer is much happier as he holds and returns to his seat, accompanied by a faint ringing of cowbells.

Murray 4-6 5-3 Federer
Federer saves two set points - he saves the second one in style too as he jumps up to land an overhead at deuce. The Swiss gets a chance to rescue one break as Murray nets but a groan, swiftly followed by an ace brings up deuce again. More cross words with himself from Murray as he pumps a return wide and the Scot hangs his head as he does exactly the same thing. That's one break back for Fed.

Murray 4-6 5-2 Federer
Federer probably won't mind me saying he's all over the shop at the minute. He serves up a double fault, misses a forehand volley, kicks a ball away in frustration, and then punts another one up to the ceiling. Another double fault and another missed volley hands Murray the double break. It's not the first time we've seen Federer get mired in a bad patch but he does need to win this match if he is to reach the semi-finals.

Murray 4-6 4-2 Federer
Murray almost comes a cropper when he gets tangled with an advertising board at the back of the court but it's merely a blip as he holds to 15. After nailing pretty much everything in the first set, Federer can't buy a decent return at the minute.

1316: From our friends at the ATP, an explanation of the group situation and why Federer will definitely qualify if he beats Murray.

"If Federer wins, Simon would be out as Federer would have the best set won-loss percentage, and Simon has lost to Murray so it would be: 1. Federer 2. Murray 3. Simon.

"If three players are tied, the tie is broken first by the set percentage, then if two players are tied it will be the winner of the match between those two."

Murray 4-6 3-2 Federer
Murray gives himself a little telling off as he goes long at 30-15. He responds by lashing down a service return at 30-30. Uh-oh, Federer looks glum as he nets a backhand to bring up the break point for Murray. Not so gloomy now - as an ace and a couple of good serves sees the Swiss stay in touch.

Murray 4-6 3-1 Federer
Federer nets a backhand and it's easy as you like for Murray as he holds to love.

1309: "Nice one Duncan (see 1251.) What are the lotto numbers not going to be this week?"
Pete in London via text
Fear not Duncan, I'll take some of the flak for putting up your post in the first place.

Murray 4-6 2-1 Federer
Tournament director Brad Drewett - the favourite to become the new ATP chief executive - pops into the 5 Live commentary box and he reckons this is the "best tennis of the week". Murray has a few nibbles at Federer but the world number two holds to 30.

Murray 4-6 2-0 Federer
A super backhand winner from Murray, an ace and a looping forehand are all part of the action as Murray holds, backing up that break nicely.

Murray 4-6 1-0 Federer
Murray cranks the pressure up on the Swiss from the "S" of the Second Set - sorry, what I mean is he's not messing about here. It's his turn to draw out the errors and Federer obliges, scooping his forehand wide at 0-40. The Swiss plops another forehand beyond the baseline to hand his British rival an easy break.

FIRST SET:

1257: "Murray will have to improve his game here - Federer seems to have taken his game up a notch."
Jazza0707 on 606

Murray 4-6 Federer Federer is trying to dictate to Murray again. He draws Murray into the net and passes the world number four at 0-30. An angled forehand return takes him to 0-40 - and that's three set-points for the defending champ. Murray succumbs to his Achilles heel again - a misjudged drop shot which goes nowhere, and certainly not over that net - and that's game and set to Fed.

1251: "I think Murray will win first set on tie breaker, lose next then win last comfortably!"
Duncan from London via text

Murray 4-5 Federer
The crowd dig deep in their bags for their cow bells - and no, I'm not joking - to celebrate Federer holding to love. I'm guessing it's something to do with Switzerland and cows and not some new-rave musical reference.

Murray 4-4 Federer
Federer, a four-time Masters Cup winner, cuts off Murray's attempted pass at the net and moves to 30-30 when the Scot wildly loops his return wide. A clean cross-court winner from Fed brings up another break-point chance. Murray snuffs it out with a big second serve. Federer goes on the run to pick up a delicate drop shot for advantage but Murray saves again as the Swiss goes long. And it's more of the same from Fed as the Scot holds. Fascinating stuff this.

Murray 3-4 Federer
BBC 5 Live commentator Vassos Alexander reports an alarming number of fans sporting tattoos of Roger Federer's face in Shanghai. He thinks they are temporary - which is a relief. Roger is a style icon of sorts but not sure I'd want his face permanently adorning my cheek.

Anyway, Murray takes Federer to deuce as the Swiss misses a couple of straightforward volleys. But the Scot shakes his head at his coaching staff as he fails to make the pressure pay and Federer holds.

Murray 3-3 Federer
Mum Judy Murray looks absorbed, but not quite pensive, as Federer lures her son into a handful of errors to bring up the break point at 30-40. Murray calms the nerves with and ace and another couple of big serves get him out of danger.

Murray 2-3 Federer
Murray sets about trying to retrieve the break. He may be through to the semis but he's not about to lie down here. A lovely lob from Murray and a netted forehand from the Swiss brings up a break point, but Federer recovers deuce with an ace. A flicked forehand from Murray brings up advantage and after a long rally, Fed nets and we're back on serve again.

"Try telling anyone in this arena that this is a nothing match for Murray. It's just not."
BBC 5 Live commentator Jonathan Overend

Murray 1-3 Federer
A change of pace sees Federer really take this to Murray, leaving him marooned on the baseline in a defensive position. Federer moves into the net ready to pounce and Murray nets at 0-30. A lob from Murray goes wide and it's three break points to Federer. The Swiss only needs one of them as Murray pumps his forehand long. Federer breaks to love and that was very easy indeed.

Murray 1-2 Federer
Murray takes a couple of points off Federer with some swinging shots but Federer pops up for an overhead to hold. Right, if these three games are anything to go we should be in for a bit of thriller. I am satisfied so far.

"Federer said he thought this match was going to be "full on" and the evidence we've seen in the first seven minutes suggests he might be right."
Times correspondent Neil Harman on 5 Live Sports Extra

Murray 1-1 Federer
A straightforward service game from Murray. Hardly a bead of sweat from the ice-cool Scot as he holds to love.

Murray 0-1 Federer
Federer serves to open the match and wins the first point to huge cheers - surely the crowd can't keep that up all the way through? Murray gets Federer on the run and nicks a point at 30-15. The Scot dashes into the net to lash down a forehand at 30-30 but a couple of netted backhands sees Federer hold.

1210: While Simon dithers about packing his bags or not, there is one player who is shipping out for good. Giant Swede Jonas Bjorkman has officially retired after threatening to for the last few seasons.

The 36-year-old, who has won nine Grand Slam doubles titles, has bowed out after his doubles campaign came to an end in Shanghai. His biggest regret after all those years on the circuit?

"Obviously losing to Greg Rusedski in the (1997 US Open) semi-final was a tough loss," he says. Oh.

1202: Here come Murray and Federer. Bit of a big boxing-style build-up for Murray - he looks less than pleased as he enters through the dry ice. The announcer welcomes "top seed, defending champion, and from Switzerland Rogggggerrrrrr Federer .." and Fed scratches his nose in response as he strolls onto centre stage.

1200: "Stuck in the office, wishing I could see this one. Promises to be a classic. Fed needs this title or he's further behind Rafa than ever."
Steve in Grimsby via text

1156: Gilles Simon has done all he can to make it through to the semi-finals after he dismissed Radek Stepanek 6-1 6-4 in the early match at the Qi Zhong stadium. The Frenchman offered up a wry smile when he left the court - he will only make it through to the last four if Murray defeats Federer.

1154: "It's a tough one - hard to see Murray being as motivated as Federer but he has found Murray a handful at times."
Jonhan on 606

1150: Hello again. Here's something to brighten up your Friday lunchtime - it's Murray v Federer Part VI.

The Scot, who was beaten by Federer in the final of the US Open in September, has a 3-2 lead in head-to-head meetings.

Murray goes into the match having already secured a semi-final place and with the chance to end the defending champion's hopes in the group stage.

I've got a sneaky feeling Federer is going to be pretty strong today but Murray is the in-form player. So who do you think will win? Do text me on 81111 or get involved via 606.
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