Andy Murray is through to the next round of the Australian Open
Andy Murray is through to the next round of the Australian Open REUTERS

Andy Murray is through to the semi-final of the Australian Open after he defeated Kei Nishikori in straight sets to set up a potentially mouth-watering semi-final against Novak Djokovic, should the World number one beat David Ferrer.

The Scot was relatively untroubled throughout, completing a 6-3 6-3 6-1 victory and ensuring he made his third consecutive Australian Open semi-final.

Murray's opponent was the first player from Japan to reach the last eight of Melbourne in 80-years but sadly the world number four was far to good for the 24<sup>th seed.

Despite Murray's dominance throughout, he only managed to register 44% of his first serves in against the 22-year-old Japanese starlet, and he admitted his malaise was only halted by his superior returning.

"It was tough. I didn't serve well but the returning was good," Murray said.

Djokovic and Ferrer meet on Wednesday and the victor will play Murray on Rod Laver Arena at 0830GMT on Friday.

Japan