Magical Murray sees off injured Nadal at Australian Open

 ANDY Murray ground Rafael Nadal into submission to reach the last four of the Australian Open - the wounded Spaniard, outclassed by the sublime Scot, threw in the towel in Melbourne.  

FIGHTING FIT: ANdy Murray proves too strong for Rafael Nadal in Melbourne to reach the last four (Getty Images)

The British number one recovered from a sluggish start to fight fire with fire and overpower the mighty Majorcan before Nadal, notably struggling with his troublesome knees, called it a day at 6-3, 7-6 (2), 3-0.

Nadal called the trainer to the court at 15-15 in the second game of the third set, pointing to the knees that caused him so much grief last season.

"I can't push off," he complained, as Murray looked on anxiously from across the net.

 At 2-0 down in the third set Nadal briefly threatened to roar back. He threw caution to the wind and set up break points against the Scot but there was to be no comeback from the wounded animal.

But Nadal's withdrawal should not detract from a consummate performance from the British number one and world number five.

Murray has not dropped a set in his last five matches and will now play Croatia's Marin Cilic, who has come through three five-setters in the last eight days.

"I'm just gutted for him," said Murray.

"I've known Rafa since I was 13 or 14 and I've always looked up to him.  He is my favourite player to watch because of his energy and what he brings to the court. 

"I came through a few tough moments at the start of the match but I kept going for my shots and I played really well tonight.

"When the big points came I didn't want to play long points, because that is where he is strong.  I been practicing my serve and volley a lot in the off season and it came off.  Maybe I'll do it more often now."

"If I keep playing like I did tonight I've got a good chance. Nerves will obviously play big a part, trying to reach a Grand Slam final.  But I lost to him in New York last year, so it's going to be tough."

Cilic, who edged Andy Roddick 7-6, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6, 6-3 in his quarter-final, won their last Grand Slam encounter, as Murray went down tamely in straight sets at last year's US Open.