US Open 2012: Tomas Berdych is a top player, says Andy Murray

Andy Murray has described his US Open semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych as a “top, top player” after the British No1 sealed a four-set victory over Marin Cilic on Wednesday.

The Scot lost the first set and was trailing his Croatian opponent 5-1 in the second before mounting an impressive comeback and sealing a 3-6 7-6 (4) 6-2 6-0 victory in just over three hours.

The 25-year-old trails Berydch 4-2 on head-to-head, and Murray admits he will need to capitalise on the sixth seed’s mistakes if he is to make the final at Flushing Meadows.

“He’s a huge hitter. He normally dictates the outcome of the match if he plays great. He can beat everybody,” said Murray.

“Sometimes he can be a bit erratic and it’s important to capitalise on that when he gives you some mistakes. But he’s a top, top player and he’s been in the top 10 for a while now.”

Murray’s prospects of winning his first Grand Slam looked to be evaporating as Cilic served for a two-set lead, but the Brit was pleased by his response after a difficult start.

“He obviously started off well,” added Murray. “I was up 4-3 in the first set and played a bad game to get broken, and I struggled for a good 25-30 minutes after that and he was putting pressure on me.

“The court was quick and he was playing very aggressive. He got a bit nervous towards the end of the second set. I raised my level a bit and played more consistent.

“The third and fourth set, I played very well.”