Djokovic ousts Murray in straight sets

The world number one edged a high-quality opening set – making the decisive breakthrough in the 12th game – but the Brit fought back to sneak a break ahead in the next.

The Serb responded with a break of his own before coasting to victory as a weary Murray started to rack up the unforced errors.

Defeat was hardly surprising given Murray’s hectic schedule of late and can draw solace from an impressive display in which he matched his rival for most of the match.

"The first set was very close," Djokovic told Sky Sports. "I had some a few break point opportunities and held my service games pretty well, then I got a crucial break at the end of the first. He was a break up in the second, but then he hit some double faults and allowed me back in. After that, I started swinging through and felt much better.

"I knew he had played seven weeks in a row, trying to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. He won three titles and played some great tennis. I knew if I could win the first set, I felt I had a little edge over him physically and could take my opportunities when presented."

Djokovic will take on either Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori or Spanish fourth seed David Ferrer in the last four.