Britain's number one Andy Murray registered nine aces as he took the first set, a forewarning of things to come. The initial assault continued, however, even more so, intensifying with each set as Murray swept Juan Carlos Ferrero off the court to reach the semi finals, something not achieved by a British player since Tim Henman in 2001.

With his decisive victory, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2, Murray ensured further drama for himself and British fans, facing a semi-final with either Andy Roddick or Lleyton Hewitt.

This was a considerably easier encounter than the epic late win against (the self-proclaimed Swiss who loses) Stanislas Wawrinka in the previous round.

Murray began the third and winning set indiscriminately and with flying confidence, with a superb baseline game, holding his opening service game to love, and finishing up the proceedings with an ace.

It was a ruthless spanking administered to the former French Open champion which will give Murray the confidence for his heavy clash in the semis. Given the sheer difference in class on the afternoon, it was actually surprising that Ferrero managed to push the first set to the wire.

The Spaniard saved a break point in the third game and two more in his next service game before finally losing his nerve to the relentless Scotsman, who was tossing his opponent from one end to the other at the base line.

So often in the past British supporters had to suffer the bitter taste of defeat and disappointment, but at least for now Murray looks en route to become the first British man to win the title since Fred Perry in 1936, and become the first Scotman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title.