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Top seed Dominic Thiem sent former world No. 1 Andy Murray back to the drawing board after winning their quarterfinal meeting Friday at the China Open, 6-2, 7-6 (3), in Beijing. The 26-year-old will continue his bid for a fourth season title when he takes on Karen Khachanov and can clinch his place at the ATP Finals by reaching the final.

Murray was forced to play from behind for the majority of the encounter after dropping serve to begin both sets. In the opener, Murray worked to match the Austrian's assertiveness and found some success, striking 17 winners to 13 unforced errors (Thiem enjoyed a 16 to seven ratio). Murray opted to take a more aggressive baseline position on return compared to his opponent, but Thiem’s ability to disguise his first serve propelled him throughout the match.

Thiem ends Murray’s Beijing bid; sets semifinal meeting with Khachanov

Thiem ends Murray’s Beijing bid; sets semifinal meeting with Khachanov

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The Brit was unable to get much going, creating just one break chance against the heavy-hitting, swift-moving Thiem—until the two-time French Open finalist served for the match at 5-4. Thiem suddenly tightened up, hitting three double faults to fall behind 15-40.

Murray seized the opportunity to draw even and was within two points of reaching a third set, before Thiem held to force a tiebreaker. From there, the world No. 5 re-established his powerful baseline bashing to finish off the three-time major champion in one hour and 55 minutes. Thiem ended with 35 winners—including 20 off the forehand wing—to 16 unforced errors.

In his head-to-head series with Khachanov, Thiem will look to break a 1-1 tie. Both of the pair’s prior matches have been lopsided affairs, with Khachanov winning, 6-4, 6-1, in the 2018 Paris-Bercy semifinals and Thiem returning to the French capital this year to dominate their Roland Garros quarterfinal, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2.

Earlier Friday, the fourth-seeded Khachanov rallied past No. 6 seed Fabio Fogniini, 3-6, 6-3, 6-1. Khachanov is looking to raise his first trophy since triumphing at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris-Bercy last November for the biggest title of his career.

Thiem ends Murray’s Beijing bid; sets semifinal meeting with Khachanov

Thiem ends Murray’s Beijing bid; sets semifinal meeting with Khachanov