DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -Nikolay Davydenko edged Andy Murray of Britain 7-5, 6-4 Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Murray, who upset top-ranked Roger Federer in the first round, was forced out of his defensive game by the fifth-ranked Davydenko's hard serves and quick moves on the baseline.
"I played well," said Davydenko, who trailed 3-0 in the second set. "If you are crazy, you can lose your match. ... If you are concentrated you can win every game."
Murray opened the tournament by extending Federer's losing streak to two matches. He improved his record to 2-1 against the 12-time Grand Slam champion.
"I'm not terribly disappointed with the week as a whole," Murray said.
Feliciano Lopez also advanced to the semifinals, beating fourth-seeded David Ferrer 6-4, 6-3.
Lopez used a powerful serve throughout the match, finishing Ferrer off with an ace.
"You give your best always," the 41st-ranked Lopez. "Right now, I'm so happy to be in semifinals."
Second-ranked Rafael Nadal plays Andy Roddick in another quarterfinal match later Thursday, while Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic faces Igor Andreev.
