World number one Roger Federer brought Andy Murray's unbeaten run to an end with a superb display in the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters.

In a battle between the world's top two, Murray saw his eight-match winning streak end in a 6-2 7-6 (10-8) defeat.

It was only Federer's third win in nine meetings with Murray, stopping a run of four straight losses to the Scot.

Novak Djokovic will face the Swiss in Sunday's final after beating Rafael Nadal 6-1 6-4 in their semi-final.

Federer gained the first-set advantage when he broke Murray in the fourth game courtesy of one of the Scot's many unforced errors.

The world number one held his serve in the next game and claimed the set in the eighth game when he broke Murray again.

This time the crucial point was won when Federer asked for computer technology to decide whether his fluked return was in after the shot had been called out. It ruled in the Swiss player's favour.

Luck favoured Federer, but he also played some delightful shots during the match. Murray improved in the second set although he needed two big serves to avoid being broken in the eighth game.

The set went to a tie-break, and after an early mini-break Murray bounced back and earned two set points - but he could not convert either.

I deserved it and went after my shots. I was not scare or worried to go after them and so I am very happy Roger Federer

With the scores 9-8 in Federer's favour, the Scot double faulted - his third of the match - to hand his opponent victory.

"If you let Roger play well, then he's very, very difficult to beat," said Murray.

"The first set I was leaving the ball short and giving him a lot of second serves to look at and not making a whole a lot of returns, so I couldn't to put any pressure on him.

"He was going for his shots because I was leaving the ball in the middle of the court.

"I was happy that I managed to up my game in the second set."

Federer, 28, was delighted to have got back to winning ways against the man closing fastest on his world number one ranking.

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"Matches against Andy have been similar when I win the first set and then lose my edge in the second set and it is hard to get back into the match," said the Swiss.

"Today I was able to close him out even though it was very tight to the end. I deserved it and went after my shots. I was not scare or worried to go after them and so I am very happy. It all paid off.

"I was able to raise my game and I hope I can go all the way tomorrow. It is great to have Rafa back from injury.

"He is such a wonderful character for the game. It is nice to see him back and healthy. Whoever I play in the final it will be tough."

But Nadal, playing only his second tournament back after spending two months out of the game with tendonitis in both knees, found Djokovic in inspired form.

The 22-year-old, who finished as runner-up to Murray in last year's event, hit 13 winners as he seized the initiative in the opening set.

Djokovic has now won 5 of his 19 matches against Nadal

He secured an early break in the fifth game of the second when a Nadal backhand strayed into the net and pressed home his advantage for victory.

"This has been one of the best matches in the season so far," said Djokovic.

"I was trying to be in control of the match from the first point, be very aggressive and take the chances on each shot or ball that I had."

Despite his defeat Nadal was pleased with how his comeback is progressing.

"These two weeks, winning three matches here and two matches in Montreal, winning five matches and playing seven matches in total, it's enough matches I think," he said.

"It's another step. Physically and mentally it's difficult for me to be ready. But I think this match is going to be a good experience for me right now to try to make this step in the US Open."

The fourth Grand Slam event of the season starts on 31 August at Flushing Meadows.

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