Weary Murray battles past Ginepri

Murray will move inside the world's top 20 in next week's rankings

Andy Murray continued his superb run of form on American hardcourts with a three-set win over Robby Ginepri at the Cincinnati Masters on Thursday.

The 19-year-old followed up his defeat of Roger Federer with a 7-6 (7-3) 2-6 6-4 victory against American Ginepri.

In soaring temperatures, a tired Murray looked to be struggling going into the final set but the teenager came back from a break down for a stunning win.

The Scot will now play Andy Roddick after his win over Juan Ignacio Chela.

Having reached the final in Washington two weeks ago and the semis in Toronto last week, fatigue was always likely to be a factor for Murray but he started in fine form.

I showed good heart to get through, but I shouldn't be tired after two or three games Andy Murray

Murray broke Ginepri immediately and his greater variation from the baseline suggested he could be in for a straightforward afternoon.

But the American, who has been short of form this year, levelled at 3-3 and went on to earn two set points.

He looked to have sealed the set before Murray successfully challenged a line call and it proved a big moment, as the Scot raced through the ensuing tie-break with some great play.

However, Murray looked like paying for his successful last couple of weeks when, visibly tiring in his 13th match in 16 days, he dropped serve twice in losing the second set and slipped a break down in the decider.

But the British number one is made of sterner stuff these days, possibly because of the influence of new coach Brad Gilbert.

Murray found a second wind and stormed back from 2-4 with four straight games as Ginepri's game folded under the pressure.

"That's the toughest match I've played," said Murray afterwards. "I felt ill after the first two games, which shows that physically there is still a lot to be done.

"I showed good heart to get through, but I shouldn't be tired after two or three games.

"I've played a lot recently and I'm not used to it. I've had three (days) in a row here and it was tough mentally against Roger Federer and again today.

"My legs started to go a bit and there's not many who can do that, maybe only the Rafael Nadals of this world.

"It's good for me physically because I'm not used to playing so many matches. Hopefully I'll play late tomorrow when the weather's a bit cooler."