Semi-Final: Murray v Raonic - Part 1 Tennis: World Tour Finals

Good afternoon. Andy Murray is on a mission at the ATP World Tour Finals

to finish the year as the world number one. He's made 22 match

winning streak. Today he takes on the big man from Canada Milos

Raonic. Raonic boasts a massive serve but no one returns serve

better than the world number one. We are in for a real treat this

afternoon as this is a repeat of the Wimbledon final. COMMENTATOR: Murray

makes the semifinal unbeaten. That is magnificent. And he's taken a

giant step towards a second Wimbledon title here. He's there,

straight sets against. It's Murray's time in the sunshine of Centre

Court, once again. STUDIO: Another wonderful day for British tennis and

indeed for Andy's mum Judy! Was this final bit easier than the first

Wimbledon final that he won? It was in the sense you know what's going

to happen and you can prepare emotionally a bit for it. I think

Milos is different and I think he went into it in a really good frame

of mind. I say he's on a mission and he wants to finish as wild number

one. You've only got one son who is going to finish as world number one

because Jamie is in the top doubles team as well. How proud IU of Jamie

as well? It's been a remarkable year for Jamie. He got off to a flying

start at the Australian Open winning his first Grand Slam title. He made

two finals before and not quite got there. Doubles doesn't get so much

coverage in the media and on TV so he flows flies under the radar

compared to Andy. He has grown up and invested in himself, added a

travelling coach, added a sports psychologist and he's really getting

the benefits of it now. Andy is on his way to court, you tweeted a

lovely photo about Jamie and Bruno, "Rude to point", saying they are

world number one. You get nervous because you know how much it means

to Jamie to be world number one and how much it means to Andy. He's

obviously number one at the moment but everything is riding on what

happened this weekend. There's an awful lot on his shoulders and a lot

at stake. He's always been good at rising to the occasion. Usually if

he puts his mind to something he can find a way through it. It's a tough

one this afternoon. I know he's up for it and how much he wants to hang

onto this number one spot. It is difficult to make that transition

and play so well in the big occasion. Andy does it better than

anyone else. This is Milos Raonic. Ladies and gentlemen, making his

eighth appearance in the Berkeley 's ATP World Tour Finals, winner of 43

titles including 14 ATP Tour Masters 1000s and three grandstand singles

crowns, 2016 Wimbledon champion and world number one from Great Britain,

Andy Murray! STUDIO: Will never get tired of

hearing that announcement. Wimbledon champion, world number one from

Great Britain, Andy Murray. Everyone rising to your younger boy again.

It's been a wonderful journey over the past year but particularly the

last six months. He's finished this year very strong. I think he

last six months. He's finished this long way behind Novak after the

French Open final. He was about 7000 points adrift. That's the equivalent

of three Grand Slams and a Masters Series. It's a mountain to climb. He

has just got stronger and stronger. It's been his most consistent

season. You need 12 months of consistently high performance is to

the top of the rankings and he managed to make it. Absolutely. We

talk about Milos Raonic. He's such dangerous player. Andy seems to

enjoy playing the big serves. It's quite a good matchup in that respect

that Milos can readily crackdown be 140 mile an hour service but Andy

loves the challenge of trying to return those Serbs and his return is

probably the strongest part of his game -- to return those serves. He's

played him 11 times. Five times this year! It's funny how some players

you meet all the time. Whereas Wawrinka he's only met twice in

three or for years. Milos is so dangerous, isn't he? Apart from the

big serve he's such a big hitter as well. He's got a really big

forehand. He runs around his forehand to hit the backhand. He

gets incredibly good angles. He comes forward a lot and he's a big

presence at the net. Say challenge, quickly, verbally, please. Any

questions? Heads? It is tales. Milos? Heads. Tails. Serve? I think

she has been a bit dwarfed by those two there! It is the big men out on

court today, the world number one and at the moment Milos Raonic is in

at number three. The battle between him and Kei Nishikori for the number

three spot. The tee semifinal played today, we have Murray against Raonic

tonight. Just talking about the boys and how

they grew up, I think it was so evident at the Australian Open when

Jamie, although he had won the mixed doubles at Wimbledon, trying to win

his first Grand Slam men's doubles, that Andy stayed up until the early

hours of the morning, even though he had the singles afterwards. Just the

joy of what this meant to Jamie to win the Grand Slam. It was a huge

thing. It was very late at night, Andy had the singles final the

following day but he was watching it in bed at the hotel. As it got close

to the end he sent me a text and said "Mum, Jamie is going win, I'm

going to run to the courts". He was there in time to see the end of it.

Jamie was very emotional and said in his speech, shouldn't you be in

bed?! Andy almost says he feels Moffat Jamie more than his own

matches -- more for Jamie. Andy is a real geek for tennis and he knows

exactly what's happening with Jamie and what they need to do each week.

He knows what's going on in his own world as well but he's on top of

what Jamie is doing. I think he knows what's going on in James

Ward-Prowse macro world... He seems to follow them all. In the press

conference Andy was asked to comment about Jamie becoming world number

one. We are probably each other's biggest fans. It was really special

to watch what he has achieved. Neither of us ever would have

expected this when we were growing up. Need to try and enjoy it. You've

got to enjoy it and embrace it. It will probably never, ever happen

again. They should make a movie. Because it is an incredible story,

coming up from Dunblane, to brothers, having to travel the

world, going over to Spain, it's been incredible. It has, we've

learned everything as we've gone along. There's no track record of

success in tennis in Scotland, nobody to learn from. It was very

much learning from one stage to the next. I don't think any of us would

ever, ever have imagined they would end up where they have done. Andy is

right, they are each other's biggest fans and biggest critics. And also

maybe they are biggest rivals. We are pretty close, really, at most

things. Jamie is a really good golfer. He was better at that,

football probably, probably me. And then squash and table tennis, more

of the racket sports, was pretty close between the to of us. That's

my recollection of it, he might say something a bit different! That's

what I remember. Is he right? Yes. Jamie was a really good golfer. When

they were young they used to make lists of all the sports they did

from chess, Monopoly, golf, tennis, squash, Jamie Teck, and the tick,

who was better at which, and add them up at the end! Jamie told a

wonderful story about the boxing belt. The ones they made themselves

with the glitter and the stickers and everything. Jamie made him where

the woman's Belt! Where they always competitive? You used to have

competitive games within the house. The weather in this country isn't

great but they were always competitive from a very young age.

They were. As they got a bit older, still as young kids, they were very

good at creating their own games, their own rules and scoring systems.

Andy was always good at changing the rules when he was losing! Talking of

Andy, I bumped into him earlier today along with one of his coaches

Jamie Delgado and Ivan Lendl. They seem such a close team. Yes, it's

been very important, all through the journey, to have the right people

around you at the right times. When you understand you're pretty much on

the road for 11 months of the year, it's important that those people

around you and also that they are your friends as well as being people

who work with you and work for you. It's important you feel comfortable

enough to talk to them about anything that is worrying you, but

also people to have fun with. Because you're away from your

friends and family so much of the year. I find Ivan Lendl very scary!

Let's find out what he had to say. You had a group named after you at

the O2 this year. Is it the best thing that's been named after you?

Are there any streets named after you? I did think so but there has

been a racehorse, a dog, German Shepherd. There have been quite a

few. Can you give us the idea of the role you play during the morning. I

pick up the balls during practice. But you speak occasionally? Before

the match are you all in the locker room? We chat whenever it is

appropriate, sometimes before the match or sometimes earlier in the

day, it depends. Andy sets his own goals. I just tried to help him to

get them. I walked past him yesterday, he won against Wawrinka

and Andy played so well, I said that was impressive Ivan, wasn't it? He

said, he'll have to do more than that to impress me. He's a hard task

master. He's never happy, it's not a bad thing. The good thing about that

is he's always looking for the things you can do better. I remember

Andy playing David Ferrer in the final of Miami one year, the heat

and humidity was incredible. Andy won 7-6 in the third, it was an

absolute battle. Neither of them were playing that well and Andy

managed to find a way to win when he was exhausted. Ivan said, that was

rubbish! I said he found a way to win, he said, I don't care, it was

rubbish! You have to do a lot to keep him happy! That's why Andy is

on a 22 match winning streak! Everyone talks about Ivan's sense of

humour. Andy enjoys it, how do you find it? He is actually a very funny

guy. Before he started working with Andy I'd never met him. I couldn't

imagine him smiling, ever. But he's really funny. When I changed my hair

colour he said, what happened to your hair? Did you have an accident?

I said, I paid for that and he said, really?! LAUGHTER I hope you gave

him something back! With love you to get in touch with us here in the

team. There are many ways, we'll show you on the screen. Sean said,

how competitive have Andy and Jamie been about the number one status?

Actually not at all. You never ever hear them comparing what they have

done with each other, never. I think that goes back to a long time ago.

We were in a minibus coming back from a junior tournament and Andy

had just beaten Jamie and he was goading Jamie about it. At one point

Jamie turned around and hit him with his this on the knuckle and he broke

a nail and he still got a dodgy nail. I said, that's the message,

never shout of in front of your brother -- never show. I wasn't

expecting that answer! It is time to join Tim Henman and Andrew Castle.

COMMENTATOR: Thank you very much indeed. Andy Murray serving to Milos

Raonic. He's got a lot of records at stake here. Novak Djokovic refusing

to go away. 11 finals in 12 events since May for Andy. Looking for a

fifth straight tour final. Amazing stuff.

Raonic has been leaping around like this, more animated than I can ever

remember seeing him at the start of a match, for the past ten or 15

minutes or so. He's a big guy. Earlier on a match

you want to make sure your feet are moving. Probably a bit nervous as

well. First-time semifinalist in the World Tour Finals.

Game, Murray. First game. The coaching bench for Andy Murray,

extremely well-known. A coaching bench that Milos Raonic has put

together is fantastic as well. Obviously he has got a former world

number one, someone who has had to move around the back of the court

pretty well. Ricardo Piatti with one of the most experienced coaches on

the ATP Tour. Hold your own deal and see where they go. Take a look at

this delivery coming up. Fabulous serve.

That's what he's about! 136 miles an hour to open up. Riccardo Piatti and

Ivan Lieber was saying he can regularly hit 150 miles an hour in

practice. That's where Murray is so good. Even

when he's far behind the baseline he takes the pace of the first passing

shot, rolls it out the opponent's feet so the opponent has to volley

up. There he is again. Exactly what Tim

Henman was talking about. Making Raonic play a difficult ball. Raonic

has never beaten a world number one. He's had six goes, five times it was

Djokovic and once Nadal. This one will be no picnic, either. He

serving great but he's at 30-30 on his first service game.

If this is going to be his last match of the year, he is absolutely

going to go for it. Game, Raonic. Look at the animation

on Raonic. Excellent approach. If he is going to make an impact against

Murray he's got to be proactive, he's not just going to be able to

stay on the baseline and out rally Murray. When he does come forward,

if Murray hit some good shots, it's important he doesn't get

discouraged. He has made some great passing shots. For Raonic to lose

those points. But that is the right tactic.

The shop Murray used very well against Wawrinka yesterday. Wawrinka

and Raonic not the best movers at the back of the court.

It's the third time they've played in London. The Wimbledon final at FW

19, they had Barons Court and the Queen 's final. Just missed a ball

on an overall. Which was probably the difference between a win and a

loss. Game, Murray. Murray leads to- one.

You can churn out numbers all day long. 45 wins from 48 matches since

the French Open for Andy Murray. Everyone has their disciples, Novak

Djokovic has got his fans, we're all fans really of these top players.

People had said he hasn't beaten anybody in the top ten. In that

wonderful run he has had. You can only beat who's in front of you.

That argument has gone, quite right. You reflect again, another number,

the number of ranking points between Djokovic and Murray after the French

Open was 8000. For Murray to have close that gap between June and

November emphasises how well he has played. The matches he lost, he did

beat Nishikori at the Olympic Games. Players he's lost to work Del Potro

at the Davis Cup, that was his last loss, Nishikori and Cilic. That was

that the Cincinnati open. That is the form of the world number one.

Raonic started the year in unbelievable form. On his first nine

matches, one Brisbane, almost beat Murray at the semifinal of the

Australian Open. We've got some proper quality this weekend at the

O2, that's for sure. Mr Raonic is challenging the call on

the left far sideline. The ball was called out. It's a horrible mess,

first point of a game against a big server like this, Murray just

looking to establish a foothold -- it's a horrible miss. This is the

foundation the return will look for a against the monster serve.

What a shot that was from Raonic. Murray played a good slice down the

line. He really got across to it, got underneath the ball and created

a fantastic angle. That second point was critical in

this game. Raonic handling that last forehand well to get back to 15-15.

If he's going to escape from the game. His legs, this is where the

power comes from in his serve. No wonder he hits it hard.

Solid start for Murray on serve. Played ten, 110, yet to drop a

point. Our first 30- all opportunity for

the Canadian player. It's easy for Murray to feel

pressure on his serve, not because round itch is amazing at returns,

but because if you do drop serve, that can be the set over.

We have to like the tactic that he has brought to this court, the

excitement, the enthusiasm and energy we talked about, leaping

around, sending a positive message about himself and his chances and

anything that land short will certainly get the treatment.

Round itch may have lost seven times in a row to marry but with that body

language, sending the signal he believes he can win.

We talked a lot about Raonic's serve but he is showing he has more game

than just a serve. Anything anywhere coming within

range of this, he will just smack it. Hasn't taken a backward step

yet. Riccardo Piatti there, brilliant coach. Break point.

Now that was a heavy, heavy second serve. A big part of Murray's

improvement this year, heavier service. That was gutsy, 102 mph.

Could have double fault in there and lost the game but he went for it.

Same again. This is strong. Advantage, Murray.

Average second service speed 90 mph. That is why that extra 5% when a

break went down was courageous. The ATP Tour and everyone who

follows and loves tennis would love to see a Murray- Djokovic contest

for world number one. That is tomorrow evening at 6pm. It is still

likely to come down to that final, Novak Djokovic plane came Nishikori

later, but this much, I'm most impressed with Raonic so far. Marie

had to play his best. It started off in impressive form, five points in,

Murray coming through that great service game and Raonic really

making his intentions clear. He was looking to be proactive. We know

what he can do on serve but a couple of those baseline exchanges moving

well, pushing Murray around, looking to get forward. A long way to go.

Some of the improvement in Andy Murray's second serve comes don't to

confidence, winning a load of matches, might have moved it to the

left, as he has a quick look at his notes. Somebody took a photograph

and put it online. There you go, and a little bit of coloured water, we

will call that, for Judy. Spent some time with Sue Barker in our studio

here and now watching and made friends and family. Up and away in

the gods, looking down. Three - two. Come through a seven minute service

game and then enforce wings of the rack serving again. -- in four

swings of the racket, you are serving again.

Raonic, the first Canadian to play a Grand Slam final. David Hegarty, the

new president this year of the International tennis Federation. He

will be at the Davis Cup next week as a representative ink ratio. Del

Potro and chill itch, the two best-known players in that time.

Leon Smith taking the Great Britain team to play in the Davis Cup first

round in every after the Australian Open in Ottawa, playing Canada,

playing Raonic again, probably. Change of Court on the left service

centreline. The ball was called out. It stands. Second serve.

Mr Murray has two challenges remaining.

Game, Murray. New balls, please. Talking about the Davis Cup which

Great Britain won last year behind a fabulous effort from Andy Murray,

Leon Smith has some other people to choose from these days. Kyle Edmund

has had an exceptional year, ranking in the 40s now, one of the most

improved players on tour, and Dan Evans, who got a match point against

Stan Wawrinka at the US Open. A brilliant match, and that does not

happen often in one tournament, so good consistency from him as well.

There are reasons to be optimistic. Yes, and we shouldn't forget to

focus on the women's side, with what Johanna Konta achieved, Heather

Watson, Naomi Brodie. Good to see Laura Robson worker way back up into

the top 100. And news from a long way away, the ITF futures circuit,

which is kind of the first rung. Marcus Williams has just one in

Kuwait, 18 points, not a whole load when they are playing for hundreds

here but that is a good effort. There isn't really an off-season

when you are right the way he is. I watched Margin Call last night. A

very good film. Kevin Spacey. World number one versus the world number

four. Just one break point. Settle please, behind the players. Thank

you. Oh, no! No! When Murray gets those

opportunities to look at second service, he has to do more with the

return. That was his frustration in the middle of the court.

And this will be the first game returning for Murray's serve, so

that is when he likes to take out a new racket. They raced ) everyday.

Probably six of them, maybe eight. Normally six 483- set match. Very

tie-break sets with the ball change, that will see you through to the

finish line. In the old days of satellite circuits, you could play

for tournaments. It has been known for layers of my era to go through

five weeks with no restraining. -- no new strings.

Murray just adding a little bit of hype on a backhand in that rally,

and Raonic taking advantage of that. Looks very sharp today, doesn't he?

Murray not being affected by what was said there. Djokovic the other

night had a time violation, that got under his skin. But he is

concentrating well here. Certainly not the time to lose

concentration. Still a bit rattled by that time violation. He needs to

knuckle down and get down to the basics of finding the target.

What the return. The ball was called in. It right back about as quickly

as it was served inside the baseline. Murray faces at second

break point, he had to come up with a gutsy second serve last time.

His first advance to the net. 37 minutes played a break point down.

Didn't want to let Raonic have a big swing at any of those shots in the

rally. When Murray was break point down he

was much more proactive, came into the net, he feels he had the

opportunity to come forward there. A little tense, he tried to get in.

The ball was called out. A forcing play, wasn't it? Credit to Raonic

for the tactics that he has brought out. He is a threat at the best of

times but... He stuck to his gameplay. No more challenges for

Murray, who is known as a bit of a wasteful challenger at times. He

doesn't have any close calls. He will get another one if they go to a

tie-break. Break point, though. Oh, dear, Raonic wants stop one

back. And it's a little bit pokey at the

net. That one was a bit safe as well. You felt on that approach shot

from Raonic he had to move his feet up to the ball a little bit more.

Murray still had to get past the big man at the net.

Third break point of this game, fourth off the set. Advantage,

Raonic. Felt like Raonic could pull the

trigger at any moment on those ground strokes. He held back. You

could feel the tension from both players in those rallies, Murray

trying to keep the ball out of the middle of the court, Raonic waiting

for the right time to pull the trigger.

Three break points saved. Damien might come in for a little bit of

grief now for giving him a time violation at the second point. The

bottom line is, that was a bit cold. If he could win a couple of points

in the next game, Raonic will field the disappointment of missing his

opportunities. Yes, he did well to create those opportunities that

never really made anything happen on the bright points themselves, and

Murray will be relieved to get through that game.

Raonic is 25 years old and the first player from his country to reach the

singles semifinals here. He came over to Canada as a three-year-old

with his parents who were in search of better jobs and a more secure

lifestyle in Canada than they enjoyed in Montenegro. Tennis

facilities were much better as well, although he had to get up early in

the morning. They didn't have a lot of money so had to take the courts

when they were available and at the right price, cheaper. His continued

improvement sees him in with a shout here but to win here he'll have to

beat the world's top two, back to back. Murray has to do just as well

as Novak Djokovic to retain his world number one spot. Later on

Novak is in action. So we won't know anything for sure about the year-end

world number one ranking until after tonight's match.

For the most part there is a positivity to it that in the first

part of his career was missing. He used to fall apart, his game would

if that started happening. The other day against Nishikori he came

through that three hour 20 minute match. Talking through every single

point. It's just a constant dialogue

really, it's not conducive to the positive mindset. I think where he

has improved, after years and years, is not letting it spill-over into

next point. Raonic only dropped five points on

his serve in five service games. Not the same story for Murray.

A couple of big misses therefore Murray. Raonic asking the question

again, more break points and this time two in a row.

And there is the breakthrough. The pressure tells a third game. Raonic

was looking to climb on the second serve this time. Murray can't find

his way out of it. Well played from Raonic who has to serve it out.

Murray has defined a big effort here from somewhere. The last 15 minutes

or so, Raonic has been good for this lead. He's been getting stuck into

Murray 's service game. Only winning 54% of points when his first serve

goes then compare to 79 on the second serve. It'll be interesting

to see Raonic's approach in the next game. That's what has nominated the

five service games he's had so far, again, it's important that he

focuses on that process and doesn't suddenly start thinking about the

position he's in. Raonic is trying to finish eight

career-best -- as a career-best three in the world. Just that one

title this year for Milos Raonic. This would be the biggest win of his

career, of course. A breakthrough year, a first Grand Slam final, and

he can take a step toward Sunday evening's final here, with a hold of

serve. This serve moves awfully quickly.

Absolutely textbook so far from Raonic. Two first serves.

This is beautiful tennis from Raonic. It really is. Comfortable

from the back of the court. Massive at the service line, the man who

beat Federer at Wimbledon this year. Three set points.

It's a lovely change of direction, a slightly higher forehand down the

line from Murray. Raonic will be looking for a first serve, here. Two

set points have gone begging. Gets the job done, just approaching

an hour. Murray will have to fight back from a set down. This was

supposed to be a celebration of Andy and Jamie Murray this weekend but it

is not panning out just at the moment, Sue. STUDIO: We remember he

dropped the opening set final in Queen's as well. Although Raonic is

playing incredibly well, Murray hates to lose. He certainly won't go

down without a fight. We've been following the world rankings, that's

what it's all about in this season-ending championships. Murray

ahead of Djokovic, that's what he needs to do if he's to stay as world

number one. Milos Raonic, there's 400 points for a semifinal win and

he has moved this week ahead of Wawrinka. He wants to finish as

world number three. Kei Nishikori will be playing Djokovic in the

other semifinal tonight. He also has a of finishing as number three.

We've taken of the 275 points Murray will have deducted because of the

Davis Cup final. It's very tight at the top, it's all about Murray and

Djokovic but Marin Cilic has moved up to number six so he will end the

season high of number six as he heads off to the Davis Cup. So, we

look ahead to the final. Murray or Raonic, Djokovic or no security. --

or Nishikori. Please get in touch with us on social media if you want

to. There are many ways you can get in touch. We'll put them on the

screen now. Tell us what you think about Murray's match and how good

Raonic is playing. He has a real battle on his hands because he knows

Djokovic is in the driving seat with Kei Nishikori having played two very

long 3-set matches. That's the semifinal tonight, but Murray needs

to keep his hopes alive. Can he find a way into this match against

Raonic? Back to Tim and Andy. COMMENTATOR: We've seen a run of

seven straight loss sets since that Queen's final for Raonic. He's

snapped back and got a set lead. 15 straight wins in the City of London

for Andy Murray. That record is under threat. 22 wins in a row as

well. He'll be thinking about nothing apart from trying to get the

ball back into play and break the Raonic serve. A new match from this

point of view as far as Murray is concerned. He's got to win the next

two set to get to tomorrow night's final.

I don't think there has to be a dramatic change of plan for Murray,

he just had to stop playing better, he's also got to hope his opponent's

levels drop. Raonic very impressive in the first set, only lost seven

points on serve. That's where Murray can be more

aggressive. Raonic did well to chip it back in. Six feet inside the

baseline with a short forehand. He hit the forehand crosscourt and run

backwards, gave Raonic an opportunity to establish himself in

the point. A lovely touch, isn't it? It looked

like it was going to be a drive again, Murray slightly off the

playing surface, coming underneath the ball, plenty of slice under it.

He's got a whole corporation down there, a whole company to pay. The

boss. You don't want too many of these at

30-30, do you? Raonic the one showing good

defensive skills, there. Murray hitting a good approach shot but

Raonic using a long reach to flick that back down at Murray's feet.

It's only the first game of the second set but in the context of

this match, very, very important game to win. Huge contrast in

points. Do you think Novak Djokovic might be

watching this with a bit of interest? Maybe following it on the

app. I wouldn't be surprised if he knows the score, I wouldn't

necessarily say he's sitting watching it. Raonic, first shot

after the serve... He's getting his forehand into play, that's what

that's telling you. So he's serving intelligently, getting a decent

percentage of first serves in. He is moving his feet well to get his

forehand to play on the first shot. We'll see if he can follow that

pattern. I was just thinking, has Murray ever

played a match where he hasn't had a break point opportunity? There was a

match against Federer, here in 2014 where he got pretty duffed. Very

rare, though. That was just one of those operations back then. It was

just one of those days where Roger was incredible indoors. Even then

Murray came back to play an exhibition set against Novak when

Federer couldn't take the court after his semifinal win over

Wawrinka. See the tension coming out, one hour

ten minutes in. How badly do you think he wants it?

Credit where credit 's due, Raonic in a tricky spot, there. Second

serve at deuce, still had the courage to move forward.

Concentration from Raonic is difficult now. Here's the point Tim

Henman was talking about. Raonic just rushing a little bit. He needs

one of these massive first serves, get the ball up in the air, use your

height. It's all gone a little low. Big miss. He didn't move his seat

for the second forehand. Wanting to go for it but wasn't in the right

position. -- didn't move his feet. Murray 17 points on serve in the

first set. He's trying to win six in this game. -- Murray won seven

points on serve in the first set. Sprayed the forehand on the first

break point. Must have been 15, 20 feet out, backhand, middle of the

net! Two of the worst shots he's probably hit in the last six months.

You can't challenge a let. Certainly was a deep second serve.

If Murray has challenged. We've just seen in our studio right on the back

edge of the line. It really does look like work today,

doesn't it, for Murray? And Raonic, to his eternal credit,

comes out of the game despite playing poorly a couple of times

himself. Nine minutes, that one. Two break points save and his only lost

serve twice. All week. If he keeps that record going, that's the best.

He has served 44 aces, which is also an event high. They were very

strange misses. UMPIRE: Mr Murray is challenging the

ball. The ball was called out. Mr Murray has two challenges

remaining. A bit early in the set to bother

with those stats. On a number of occasions, Raonic has

done that very well. He has stayed in the point. He has been very

patient. He has got the opportunity, he looked to be aggressive. Murray,

the one coming up with the unforced error.

Well, a drop shot volley combination against somebody 6-foot five, to

stave off a break point, this is living dangerously now for Murray.

Over the past few weeks, his one four tournament in a row. He is

going to have to fight hard here. He is.

And it's another mistake. A deep return from Raonic. Another break of

serve. 5-5 in the first set. Here's a set and a break up in the match

and he is the one maintaining his composure. That positive body

language is poured out onto this court. He is being rewarded for

excellent play. Very, very impressed. I have not seen Raonic

act like this on a court many times and you wonder how much more Murray

has got. With Kei Nishikori early in the week, has got enough to come

back? Yes, I think he has, but we have said so many times this year,

and in Murray's career, he has found a way to get through that and win.

He has done that this week against Nishikori and you just wonder

whether this is one match too far. He was a set and match down and now

he's got to draw on those positives, those memories to keep the belief he

can turn it around the but, at this moment in time, would Raonic playing

this quality of ten edge, Raonic is in the driving seat. -- with Raonic

playing this quality of tennis, Raonic is in the driving seat. Gerry

Armstrong in the background. Jimmy Carr.

People still piling back into their seats. This is the first changeover

where they have actually sat down after the set change, said people

have gone out and come back in a game. Chris, alongside his wife

Adele. Long-suffering, I should say! Fantastic staging of this event, the

music and the lighting. UMPIRE: Is it quickly, please. The

players are you. -- sit quickly on please. Here's a big fellow to get

that far down, isn't he? He is doing well not to spill those pints.

Four straight points. There is the answer. Raonic is clearly into

charitable giving, one has to say, because those first two points,

forehand Mrs, perhaps the other quick look at the winning line. And

got a little bit scared. -- misses. That is a luck that you could

trademark, isn't it? -- luck. It's a response you have come to expect.

Talk about Murray having to draw on those memories of set and a break

down and coming back. Raonic will be thinking about that, as well.

The other close matches they played, the semifinal of the Australian Open

this year. 2-1. Raonic was up. He won his first nine matches of the

year. Murray picked him off. It is the beauty of a scoring system

in tennis. There is Raonic up a set and a break thinking his writing

control of this match. Six points later, Murray has changed the

momentum. Eight straight points for Andy

Murray as he fights his way back into the semifinal. Of the World

Tour Finals. I have to say I didn't expect that. God goods odds on eight

straight points on the last change of ends. A good response and it's

what we've come to expect. He is so resilient. He finds himself in a

whole, down a set in the break against one of the best service in

the game, and... In the space of a couple of minutes, you feel like

he's got the opportunity of regaining the momentum in this set.

The first two points of this next game, really important because

Raonic has had what he came out here for. It's been taken away from him

in the last six minutes or so. His start to the game, where he had the

break, was poor. Murray did the right thing, knocking him back into

play. That takes some skill. Raonic on his big wraparound forehand.

Looked like they have scratched Henman off the front of those

T-shirts and put on Murray. Wonderful arena as here. -- out

here. Once it got into private and commercial hands, it became the most

successful venue in Great Britain. It stages tennis magnificently.

Nothing wrong with the approach shot. Deep into the corner. Murray

able to flip that wrist and use his left hand to drag the ball across

the court. Flicked across the top of the net, as well.

He is reeling them in now, isn't he? It is a different type of hitting

from Murray. In the first set, much more passive on the baseline

exchanges. When he beat Stan Wawrinka, he was really crushing his

two-handed backhand crosscourt. You can hear by the sound of it, he is

stepping up the pace. It's gone from a plastic cup to a

wine glass, Andrew. Yes, can't be easy. Watching a loved one play

sport. I know, watching your kid do anything.

He has won 12 of the last 15 points. Since losing his serve.

UMPIRE: Mr Murray is challenging the ball on the right centre service

line. The ball was called in. Murray is going to like the look of this.

Second serve. Second service. Such a good addition to the game,

Hawk-Eye. Oh, what a half-volley that was!

Flicked back crosscourt asks a very severe question. That was handled

magnificently by Raonic. Djokovic had a similar one in early on this

week in the tie-break against the same manner. I wonder if he learned

the lesson here? Seriously, for a guy six and a half feet tall, not

known for his great touch, that really was superb.

Good effort. Got it in the right place. Raonic did all he could, but

there's no way Murray should've missed the backhand down the line.

He would make that 99 out of 100. Murray is just on this opponent now,

he really is. Every short ball, we hardly saw him come in in the first

set. Didn't get a look in on Raonic's serve in the first set. A

lot of long games. What a lovely piece of tennis that

was. Not the result a British crowd would want but that was quality.

Season-ending championships, two groups of four. Just eight players

in the competition. The two top players of each group advancing to

the semifinals. This is the first of those two. Later on, Nishikori

versus Djokovic. BBC Radio five Live sports extra for that.

UMPIRE: Mr Murray is challenging the call on the near left sideline. The

ball was called out. Mr Murray has one challenge

remaining. Fine margins. Didn't find a touch on

this one coming up. Just on the baseline, that one. Murray made him

play a difficult ball and those are the hands who are more likely to see

from Raonic. Jane, Murray. -- game, Murray.

Murray leads 4-3. He's a player who will make you play a difficult ball.

He was like that from the word go. You played him quite early, didn't

you? Yes I did. For me who was someone trying to come to the net a

lot he was difficult play against. Because he didn't always try and win

the point with the first passing shot. That something he's done well

against Raonic. He had a lot of good approach shots, where Murray hasn't

been able to stand in and hit a passing shot winner, so he's been

able to roll the ball low. How old was he when you played him in a

tournament? The first time I played him was in Basel. I would say that

was 2006, maybe. He must have known then about the physical side of the

game and how he was going to approach things. His physical work

is what has taken him to the very top. Absolutely. One of the areas

that the perception that he struggled with was, was his fitness.

Because he was so young, he hadn't had the opportunity to do enough of

a strength and conditioning work. He was still maturing. When he had

problems with cramp and struggled in five sets in slams people thought he

was doing the work but that wasn't true. It takes years to do that work

which is why you're unlikely to see a 17 or 18-year-old Grand Slam

champion on the men's side, for a long time to come.

Perfect service game. He's still only lost his serve three times this

week. Victories over Gael Monfils and

Dominic Thiem. He lost a Novak Djokovic. Murray won his.

Undefeated, three in a row. I really think Murray is one of the

best volley is in the game in the singles game. For me it's a tactic

he could use a little bit more. Doesn't need to start serving and

volleying but could look to attack from the baseline when he gets those

opportunities. He's number one in the world right

now, but there's an element I feel he could improve on.

He's already lost his serve in this set. Managed to break back.

A breaking backhand down the line and it gets the big man moving, he

can't handle it. A holed from 30-30. Just beginning to get into that

phase of the match, approaching to hours, where the body changes, the

mind changes a little bit. The patterns are set on court. It's

really a contest between the two. Murray has been made to work hard in

this tournament. We talked about the Nishikori match, three hours and 20

minutes, the longest match in history at this event. You wonder

how much Murray has left in the tank. Raonic had the thigh problem

that he had to pull out in the semifinals in Paris against Murray.

How many days did he miss on the practice court and in the gym coming

into this tournament, how much has he got left in the tank? Because

this is a physically demanding match. Certainly covering a lot of

ground out there. The court is quite quick this year, players saying the

conditions are quite speedy. It is felt warmer. It felt slightly warmer

earlier on in the week than now, in here. That makes the ball quite

lively because the air in the ball warms up. Ideal playing conditions

and both players fully played in. Djokovic Nishikori later. Murray

reading his notes which he keeps well hidden. Just little reminders

of what his thoughts were and perhaps his coach's thoughts were

going out there. The ideal tactics. Remember to move your feet, get it

to his backhand if you can. Don't be afraid to come in. Work. This could

be your last match of the year. It's probably a reminder to get some

milk on the way home! Probably the best return in the

game, he can't afford to miss those second serves.

Ouch! Brilliant rally! Just under 70 metres of running, there. For

Murray. For Raonic just under 60. Well of course the camera largely

spends its time on Murray, he serve expressive today. But Raonic,

fabulous hold of serve. To be drawn into the net, to play it with

control and then to continue to win the point... And his movement for a

big guy at the back of the court, he's really been able to stay in the

rallies and trade with Murray. Raonic just having a little look

back at the line for the first serves. You'd have to stop

straightaway if you're going to challenge.

You have to do trust your technique to hit that ball. Solid.

Not the most orthodox of follow-through is.

No challenge from Raonic who had a pretty good view as it went by at

128 miles an hour. Just caught the outside edge.

That was fortunate because he had just a little bit off backspin on

it. Normally the backspin will act on the top of the and take it down.

-- on the top of the net, and take it down.

Kevin Spacey and Annabel Croft. Game point again, Murray. It's a big

fight at the moment, isn't it? As much with himself as with his

opponent. Trying to find the energy reserves that will get him through

this set. APPLAUSE

That was a right old scrap but Murray comes through it. When you

start talking about energy levels, you start realising this is the 11th

month and they've been out there since just after Christmas,

preparing for the Australian Open. It is a long season, you've got to

know how to do the year schedule correctly. Murray this year has won

by a margin more matches than any other player. He's won 76 matches.

Raonic has won 52 and he's number five in the list. Djokovic has one

64. A dozen more matches for Murray at this stage is remarkable. Eight

titles for Murray, Djokovic seven. Raonic just one. He's putting the

miles in after the Davis Cup as well, and he became a dad on top of

everything. What a year. And don't forget the Olympic Games! Amazing.

He must be enjoying his tennis. This man is trying to get to world number

three. Has his performance surprised you today? It has. We all know about

his serve but the way he's been able to stay in the rallies from the back

of the court, his movement, his variation, how he's looked to come

forward, he's played a fantastic match. It is emphasised by the

second set, 11 games indoors with one of the biggest server in the

game. 67 minutes. You knows there's got to be long rallies, long games.

Raonic needs to do a good job here of staying in this second set.

Trying to force the tie-break. Prior to this match Murray had won

21 of the 30 sets they'd played. But Raonic had 14-macro of the seven

tie-breaks. -- Raonic had won four of the seven tie-breaks.

Notably Murray won two of his tie-breaks in the Wimbledon final,

which isn't a bad place to win them. Six games all, tie-break. Both

players receive one additional challenge.

I think Raonic changed his mind there, he's coming down the line so

many times very effectively. Suddenly decided to go crosscourt,

made the unforced error. You don't want to be making unforced errors at

this stage of the set. It's another poor decision there

from Raonic. Behind the baseline in the middle of the court, trying to

hit and of backhand over the high part of the net. Two unforced

errors. Mr Murray challenging the call on the left service centreline.

The ball was called in. No problem with the serve down the middle. It's

a line cleaner. Mr Murray has one challenge remaining.

You're joking! That takes some racket skills. The control of the

racket head here, just brings the racket head back towards his shins.

This was gorgeous. Meant to hit eight clean winner, fair enough. You

can't teach this. That's one of the shots of the week. Mr Murray

challenging the call on the left service line, the ball was called

in. Mr Murray has no more challenges.

He'll get another challenge when they change ends, if they change

ends again. After 12 points, I think. Is that right? Tell me the

rules! I think they just get an extra one in the tie-break. I think

if they play along set they get an extra challenge later on in a long

set. We're supposed to know! Laidlaw desperately trying to hang

on. He currently holds the world one ranking.

Two or three of these balls strop little bit short. You have to credit

him for taking it on. His forehand deep into the corner set that up.

Back on serve. Three points from a place in the final. And he is

serving the next two of those. Did well to hold his nerve here. Top

of the net. It was point over from there.

Just pure instinct from Andy Murray. Seized his opportunity to move

forward. Executed the forehand volley perfectly.

I think by the sounds of this crowd they want some more tennis.

Andy Murray makes it one set all. We are in for another long one year. He

was set and a break down as he was in the at Queen's but his back on

level terms. Still looking for a place in the World Tour Finals. What

a fighter he is, Andy Murray and we have never set to look forward to.

The tennis has been of the highest quality. Great drama here and we

were due to close over programme at 4:30pm but for now we are staying

with the tennis. We're not going anywhere right now. We will stay

with the tennis here on BBC Two. Some of the numbers from the set.

One hour and 20 minutes. A set and a break down but with a lot of spirit

and a lot of instinct, that five all point was absolutely crucial. He

just played the point. The point is all about the matchplay. He knew

there were couple of moments before when Milos Raonic could set forward.

He got the return back in play and got the opportunity to move forward

and played such a good forehand volley to set up the set point. And

that after the disappointment of the net call Milos Raonic had benefited

from. He could have let it go. He looked so upset and so cross with

himself. He is hanging on. It is his will to win and some shots like that

got him back into the match. As soon as that set was Finis -- finished

Milos Raonic picked up a new shirt and his left the court and Andy

Murray decided not to sit on the court I himself. He has decided to

take a bathroom break. He has won in Beijing and Shanghai recently and in

Vienna and Paris as well. He has ascended to world the board. He has

a couple of matches left. He still can't get rid of Novak Djokovic at

the top of the ranking. Let's take a look at that 5-5 point. An

absolutely crucial moment. The second serve got him into the rally.

Milos Raonic dropped the ball short. Money came in and it's not an easy

volley. When the ball is dropping and it got a bit of slice on it you

have to play with a slice volley yourself and it's easy to drag it

into the net but he got underneath it and gave himself the set point.

There is nobody better out there at Follies at the at the moment. Andy's

volleys are excellent. Novak Djokovic is never particularly happy

volleying. Andy looks very natural. Certainly in the top 20 Andy Murray

is by far the best volley. He is nothing but trouble. Shouting over

to his bench a list rates how competitive the man is and you have

to have that. It is when it destroys your game it doesn't work. But for

the most part it has been very positive this week, the outcomes

have. He is not out of the woods yet. But with this momentum you

would think Andy Murray would be able to strike and go-ahead but we

will see. It seems like it has been a lengthy delay and it's not always

easy to come out and serve that first service game. Andy Murray

trying to become the fourth player since 2004 to finish the year as

world than the one. You know who the other three are. The great trio of

players we have enjoyed. Roger Federer then Rafael Nadal then Novak

Djokovic. Andy Murray is vying to be number one at the end of the year. A

true measure of greatness in tennis. Of court for three minutes and 40

seconds. A fresh shirt. That is a commendable response to

all the noise and excitement at the end of that tie-break and the

disappointment of not getting over the line. An advantage to serve

first. Only if you hold. And if you can hold your first couple of

service games to keep your nose in front you can build the pressure and

the opponent is always trying to play catch-up. That gets harder as

you go deeper into the set. Andy Murray has done such a good job to

get back on level terms but it's important he doesn't have a crop in

intensity or concentration and give Milos Raonic and opportunity on his

serve. Andy is having a bit of a chat with

his bench. Probably about that. It's all these little in that layers

have. -- players. Exactly the point Murray did not want to start with. A

weak first serve and rolled the forehand into the net.

Two good shots in that rally. A good return and he exploited the angle of

the backhand and out of nowhere Andy Murray is facing his first challenge

of this first set. -- third set. That big nasty noise means break

point on the sound system. You cannot miss it.

Along demanding match. He will have to deal with more disappointment if

he gets through this game with a hold. He's had his chances.

We are on BBC Two at the moment but in just under ten minutes we will be

changing to BBC One and continuing with this match. I am sure the match

will still be going in a few minutes time. Six and a half minute game.

Two break points. There has to be a chance that this natural subclass in

length the record match replayed on Wednesday. Three hours and 20

minutes that one. After so many good work and passes

that an example of when you would expect him to make.

It was a pretty good attempt at a pass. Scampering to his left.

Two minutes away from our channel change to BBC One so do stay with

this match. I am sure if you have been watching it you will want to

because it is of high quality and the longer the match goes on the

more it will add to the wear and tear on whether comes through for

tomorrow's final which is not that far away at 6pm. You would probably

say it's an advantage to play a daytime match, the other match

taking at -- taking place at eight this evening. Not a lot of time to

recover from either of the matches. Especially after a long hard season.

It has been agonising at times. Milos Raonic was two points from

victory in the second set tie-break and two break points in Marie's

opening service game. You sort of expect a person who has dodged a

bullet in the second set to come through here but Milos Raonic still

looks dangerous it was he believes he can win this match. He just seems

this is Andy Murray's time to somehow win because he has played so

many matches and on them. At this point we welcome viewers on

BBC One to this dramatic semifinal in the ATP World Tour Finals. Andy

Murray is the -- digging deep against the man month in from Canada

Milos Raonic. It is a repeat of the Wimbledon final. Andy is desperate

to hold onto it will on ranking and it's on serve in this third set and

two games to one in Milos Raonic's favour. If you're to continue

watching the tennis it's time to switch