Andy Murray has failed to reach the Cincinnati Masters finals after being defeated by the unlikely-sounding named Mardy Fish - an unseeded player from the US.

Murray was not happy with organisers for the midday start in sweltering temperatures - and it was his third day of playing in a row and under such conditions.

The match lasted almost three hours and temperatures on court reached 38C. Murray was visibly drained at points and admitted after the match that he almost threw in the towel.

Fish, a reformed fast-food addict who has lost almost 13kgs, also looked exhausted at times, but managed to pull through and defeat the Scotsman 6-7, 6-1, 7-6.

He will now play Andy Roddick in the semi finals today.