Rusedski triumphs over Safin

Rusedski aims for the semis in Milan

Game-by-game coverage of Greg Rusedski's superb straight sets victory over Marat Safin in the quarter-finals of the Milan ATP indoor tournament.

Second set

Rusedski triumphs in the tie-break to take the match as his serving and volleying remain rock-solid.
Rusedski 6-0 7-6 Safin

Another lucky net-cord saves Safin's bacon at deuce - and he just holds on to take the set to a tie-break.
Rusedski 6-6 6-0 Safin

The pressure goes straight back on Safin as Rusedki drops just one point in winning his serve.
Rusedski 6-5 6-0 Safin

Safin strikes back to save the match but Rusedski looks good.
Rusedski 5-5 6-0 Safin

Three straight games for Rusedski as he stays very positive and makes his shots.
Rusedski 5-4 6-0 Safin

Rusedski gets the crucial break back with a fine display of volleying.
Rusedski 4-4 6-0 Safin

Rusedski hangs in there with a good service game - one backhand volley is a corker.
Rusedski 3-4 6-0 Safin

Safin's groundstrokes are finding their target and he moves towards the set.
Rusedski 2-4 6-0 Safin

Rusedski holds on despite a break point on his serve.
Rusedski 2-3 6-0 Safin

A lucky net-cord for Safin helps him hold his serve in a difficult game.
Rusedski 1-3 6-0 Safin

Safin is back in the match after finally coming to grips with Rusedski's serve and breaking him at the first opportunity.
Rusedski 1-2 6-0 Safin

Safin finally gets on the scoreboard but need two deuces to get there, plus a netted backhand from Rusedski.
Rusedski 1-1 6-0 Safin

Safin at last wins a point against the Rusedski serve - but only one, as Rusedski's kicking serve proves too good.
Rusedski 1-0 6-0 Safin

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First set

A double-fault from Safin gifts Rusedski the set - and the Russian's body language suggests he does not want to be out there.
Rusedski 6-0 Safin

Safin still has no answer to Rusedski's howitzer serves as the Brit takes another game to love.
Rusedski 5-0 Safin

With confidence high and Safin shell-shocked, Rusedski breaks again, much to his delight.
Rusedski 4-0 Safin

Rusedski's serving is unstoppable as he extends his lead without conceding a point.
Rusedski 3-0 Safin

Safin is slow to hit his stride and is broken straight away.
Rusedski 2-0 Safin

Rusedski holds his serve comfortably in the opening game.
Rusedski 1-0 Safin