Analysis: Neil Harman

Andy Murray recovered from losing the opening set of an epic match to record a thrilling victory over Roger Federer and in doing so knock the Swiss out of the Masters Cup.

The British No 1 lost the opening set 6-4, but recovered well to take a second set tie-break before sealing a thrilling third set 7-5. Murray's victory knocks the defending champion out of the tournament and sends the world No 4 into the semi-finals with a 100 per cent record.

Murray remains the only man in the Masters Cup field who can win the $1,340,000 (about £920,000) prize on offer for anyone who takes the title undefeated.

"It was awesome," Murray said. "To beat Federer in the Masters Cup when he needs to win to stay in is great, with a scoreline like that as well, and to stay mentally tough. It was awesome to get through in the end.

"I'm obviously going to be a bit tired tomorrow but a win over Roger Federer means almost as much as winning the Masters Cup to me. He's the best player of all time and still playing great."

Murray will now face Nikolay Davydenko in the last four on Saturday, while Gilles Simon will play Novak Djokovic, although the Scot says he isn't worried. "I'm not really too bothered who I play against," he added.

Federer took the early initiative in the match, breaking Murray in the fourth game of the match when the Scot went long with a forehand. However, the British No 1 responded immediately and held his own serve to level the match at 3-3 with some glorious tennis.

Federer made the decisive breakthrough in the tenth game, firing a backhand winner cross-court before Murray misjudged a drop shot to hand the Swiss the opening set.

Murray responded well at the start of the second set racing into a 5-2 lead, before the Swiss won four consecutive games to lead 6-5. Murray held his nerve to reach the tie-break which he eventually won 7-3.

As the final set got under way Federer stopped twice for treatment on his lower back - an area he had suffered problems with in the build-up to the tournament.

Murray took advantage breaking serve early in the deciding set as Federer struggled with his movement. But the Swiss continued to play magnificent tennis, despite his injury, to recover his form and move into a 4-3 lead. However, Murray got back on level terms when Federer missed a regulation smash and despite failing to convert seven match points in an epic tenth game, the Scot sealed the match two games later.