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That's all from me, Ameé Ruszkai, for today. Be sure to stay tuned to the coverage over Saturday and Sunday for the two major finals, in what should be a wonderful weekend of tennis.

Murray advances to his fifth Australian Open final and will face Novak Djokovic in the show-piece on Sunday morning - for the Brits anyway.

And he gets it at the first time of asking, Murray wins 4-6, 7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 in a four-hour classic against Raonic.

Murray is supreme. 40-0 lead in a blink of an eye. This is it.

He follows that up with some more good play to take the game, but Murray leads 5-2 and will now serve for the set.

Raonic responds with an ace and net point of his own, giving him a 30-0 lead in the seventh game.

Two quick and well played points drive Raonic back and forward across the court, giving Murray at 40-15 lead. The Canadian sends another shot wide and Murray is 5-1 up.

Errors from both leave the game locked at 15-15 on Murray's serve.

Great defence from Raonic as Murray misses an easy volley into the net. The Canadian capitalises and takes the game! Murray still leads 4-1, but that will give Raonic something to cling on to.

Raonic somehow manages to stay in the game by saving another break point, this time rifling home a huge serve. Approaching eight minutes in game length.

A similar situation occurs when a rushing Raonic slices into the net but a set of lusty forehand blows make Murray miss down the line.

Raonic passes up an easy volley at the net to give Murray the chance to break for the third time. The Scot hits a really poor drop shot, and Raonic gobbles it up. Deuce again.

The pair exchange blows as Raonic looks to secure his first game of the set, only for Murray to bring it back to deuce.

Two huge serves force deuce once more. Hard-hitting plays seem to be the order of the day now for Raonic.

Raonic fights back to force Murray to slam into the net, but the Scot replies to earn two break points at 15-40.

Raonic now 0-30 down on serve, this is absolutely ruthless from the Scot. What a final set this could have been, had Raonic been fit.

Oh my! A spectacular lob from Murray leaves Raonic lost at the net. A second serve ace sends him 4-0 up - that's his third of the game.

Two quick points from Murray sees him race into a 30-0 lead, Raonic is really starting to struggle around the court.

An unforced error sees Raonic broken for the second time and Murray has a 3-0 lead in the fifth after just 15 minutes. The injury is playing a part, but Murray is phenomenal.

Murray on the offensive after a weak second serve from Raonic, pushing him further behind the baseline until a crushing forehand goes wide. Raonic saves the break point with some more impressive play at the net. A second smash restores deuce.

Just like that, two unforced errors and we're at deuce.

What a point! Raonic isn't going down without a fight! A lovely rally sees the Canadian come up with a massive forehand to beat Murray, following on from nice play at the net. Raonic leads 40-15.

Another ball clips the net and gives Murray the opening point in the third game, but another accurate ace from Raonic levels at 15-15.

Murray wins it with another unforced error from Raonic and a lovely forehand cross-court. 2-0 Murray.

A good start to the Scot's first service game, as Raonic sends a forehand wide and a favourable flick off the net gives him a 30-0 lead.

BREAK! Murray is ahead in the decider, and another double fault costs Raonic, who beats his racket off the net in anger - more because of the injury than anything else. 1-0 Murray leads.

Could this be the chance? Murray's dogged determination keeps him in the point after a powerful forehand from Raonic, before he sends the second into the net.

He gets a powerful second serve in this time and the pair exchange a backhand rally, only for Raonic to slice into the net. He responds with a lovely serve and half-volley up the court. 15-30.

Raonic starts the decider in the worst possible way, as the injured Canadian double faults.

We're going the distance! Murray's second serve is hit long by Raonic on the return. It's two sets all and we head to a fifth.

Advantage Murray. He's focused now and he's got a set point.

Precise second serve saves the second one as Raonic's return hits the net. Deuce.

Super drop shot from Murray saves one of them. 30-40

Murray crumbling... Raonic has two break points to stay in the fourth set.

Another error from the Canadian levels things up at 15-15, however.

Raonic isn't going down in this set without a fight. He wins the first point of the game with a fierce forehand. 0-15

The two are scrapping for this game now. Raonic finally clinches it but now Murray will serve for the set.

He hits the ball out though and now Raonic has the advantage.

Set point Murray, with him having gained advantage on deuce.

Double fault from Raonic gives Murray a chance of possibly ending the set early. He trails 40-30 in the game still though.

Raonic is 30-0 up, serving to stay in the set.

Great shot from Murray to send the ball back from where Raonic came to return, and he converts that advantage to win the game. 5-3

Another inaccurate lob from Murray means it's back to deuce. That shot really hasn't worked for him today.

Raonic hits the net this time and it's advantage Murray.

Wonderful point under pressure. Murray risks it by going to the net but it pays off and we're back to deuce.

And now it's advantage Raonic! Chance for him to break back.

Lapse from Murray means Raonic can take it to deuce...

Poor miss from Murray. Sets up the point brilliantly but hits the ball long. 40-30

Murray winning all the longer exchanges now. Raonic loops the ball out of play and it's 40-15.

As I say that, Raonic hits a super winner to keep the pressure on. 30-15

Very good spell for Murray this. Raonic hitting so many unforced errors. 30-0

He breaks! Murray deals with the body serve and then Raonic hits the ball into the net. He leads 4-3 in the fourth.

Three break points. Huge opportunity for the Brit here. Has to take it if he wants to win this match, one might say. 40-0

Chance for Murray to break here... He's 30-0 up on Raonic's serve...

Murray holds. 3-3

Wild shot from Raonic flies into the stands. 40-15 to Murray.

Splendid shot from Murray down the line. He leads 30-0.

Net cord sets up Murray to drive home the winner and take it to deuce, but he hits it long. 3-2 to Raonic. We're still on serve in the fourth.

Raonic struggling a bit in the fifth game of the set. He leads 40-30 though.

Murray takes that game and it's 2-2.

Murray's response is better though and Raonic 50th unforced error of the match makes it 40-15.

Raonic returns from the break in good stead as he opens the scoring on Murray's serve with a nice winner down the line. 0-15

Medical time out for Raonic. Seems to be a tactical one.

First point taken off the server sees Murray stab the pall past Raonic down the line at the net. It's worthless though as Raonic wins the game. 2-1

And a similarly flawless one from Murray makes it 1-1.

Raonic opens up the fourth set with a flawless service game. 1-0

A strange third set. The quality of serving was magnificent and then Raonic just nicked it on the tiebreak. Murray not down and out yet though - one of the best when going the distance.

And an ace down the centre gives Raonic the third set. He takes it 7-6(4) on the tiebreak. 

Set point Raonic. Murray keeps the point alive for much longer than one expected, but it's all in vain. 6-4.

Raonic then returns his serve into the net and he's narrowed the gap to 5-4.

He starts with an ace down the T. Great serve. 5-3.

Incredible precision. Raonic hits a splendid winner to make it 5-2. Murray has a mountain to climb here.

Smashed winner from Raonic makes it 4-2.

After a couple of let serves, Murray finally wins his second point of the tiebreak. Raonic with the advantage though. 3-2

Mini-break! 3-1 to Raonic. 

Raonic holds on his second point and it's 2-1 to the Canadian.

Raonic with an immediate mini-break, but Murray with an immediate mini-break back. 1-1

And we're off to a tiebreak!

Raonic hits an awkward shot at him though which Murray scoops out for 30-30, before the Canadian makes that 40-30. On the verge of a tiebreak.

Half chance for Murray now. He leads 30-15 - two points away from the set.

The Scot digs deep to win the game and now forces Raonic to serve to stay in the set. 6-5.

Well fought. Murray saves the break point and we're back to deuce.

Advantage and break point Raonic. Murray misses the line by some distance.

Raonic is pushing hard here. Murray goes 40-30 up, but Raonic presses him into hitting the ball into the net. Deuce.

Sublime spinning drop shot takes the ball away from the sprint of Raonic and levels the score at 30-30.

Second serve ace relieves some pressure on Murray. 15-30.

Half chance for Raonic as he makes it 30-0...

Raonic kicks off this game with a well fought point, controlling play from the baseline. 0-15

And he sees the game out with an ace. We're back level at 5-5.

Murray puts the pressure on slightly by winning a point, but's it's 40-15 to Raonic.

Raonic showing no signs of nerves in this game. 30-0 to the Canadian.

Murray wins the game at the net and now Raonic will serve to stay in the set. 5-4.

And game point Murray. A rally with Raonic ends in the latter hitting the ball into the net.

Half chance gone. Murray claws his way back to 30-30.

Half chance for Raonic? He leads 30-0 after an error from Murray.

Good movement from Raonic gives him the first point of the game, with him running Murray around the court. 0-15

Comfortable hold for Raonic and Murray is back on serve. The set is level at 4-4.

And he does exactly that. He leads again at 4-3.

Tougher game this for Murray, but he has a chance to close it out now, leading 40-30.

Double hit from Murray gives Raonic the first point of this game. 15-0

Raonic closes out another comfortable game with an ace. 3-3 in the third.

Very cool shot from Raonic, who deceives Murray with the direction. 30-15

Murray ends that continuous streak of serve points with a powerful backhand winner, leveling the score at 15-15 in this game.

Raonic hits the net before a second serve ace from Raonic continues this marvellous streak of serve points in the match. 3-2.

Murray comfortable on his serve again. He leads 30-0.

Another hold to love this time for Raonic. It's become increasingly difficult to pick a winner with both playing this well. 2-2.

Murray holds to love now and it's 2-1 in the third.

Again, Raonic can only find the net and he makes it 30-0 to Murray.

Some really good tennis on show now. A lively exchange between the two to open Murray's second service game ends in the Brit winning the point. 15-0

And he wraps that up swiftly. Confident start from both on serve and it's 1-1 in the third.

Good movement from the Canadian makes it 30-0, and then 40-0.

Raonic kicks off his first service game of the net and leads 15-0 as Murray hits the ball into the net. 

And Murray holds to love. 1-0 to him at the start of this third set.

Confidence continues to flow as the Brit smashes home an attempted lob from Raonic. 40-0

Good start to the third from Murray as he leads 30-0 in this first game.

Strange set that. Murray deserved to win it, but he just took a while to get that break. Pushed Raonic in every game but couldn't get that lead. No matter now, as he clinched the set, and he looks confident heading into number three.

Set Murray! Raonic comes to the net but can't hit the ball over and it's Murray who takes the set 7-5. All square now.

Fantastic exchange ends with Murray hitting another winner. Set point for the Brit...

Raonic called up for a double fault. He challenges and it's just out. Murray levels at 30-30.

Raonic takes the lead at 30-15.

Lively start to this game. 15-15

Murray holds to love as Raonic returns into the net. The Canadian is serving to stay in the set once more. 6-5 Murray.

And he consolidates that to make it 30-0 before Raonic's wayward effort takes it to 40-0.

Murray comes out on top after a splendid point at the net from both players. 15-0

Raonic holds! It's 5-5 in this second set.

Murray keeps his chances of breaking here alive but taking the game to deuce, but it's now advantage Raonic.

Spectacular forehand from Raonic! 40-30

Great movement and shot selection sees the Canadian level things up at 30-30.

Half chance for Murray here. He leads 15-30 as Raonic serves to stay in the set.

Murray holds. He finds the centre line for another ace and it's 5-4. Raonic is serving to stay in the set.

Murray leads now. Raonic hits the ball into the net and it's 40-30 to the Brit.

He's not ahead for long though as Murray drives home a winner to make it 30-30.

Superb return from Raonic. He's leading 30-15 now in what is by far the biggest threat he's posed to Murray's serve in this set.

Raonic wins the first point in this game, but Murray gets the second and it's 15-15.

This time it's returned into the net and Raonic holds serve in his most comfortable game yet. 4-4, still on serve.

Raonic's first serve is too powerful and Murray's return goes long. 40-15

First lob of the match to come off for Murray and it's well worth the wait. The Brit just scoops it up and over and it's 30-15.

Another good second serve and it's 30-0.

Good start for Raonic. 198 km/h second serve gives him a 15-0 lead in this game.

The Brit holds to love. It's 4-3 to him in this second set.

Back to another Murray service game now and he's 40-0 up. He looks the more likely to break in this set, pushing Raonic on his games but comfortably holding his own serve.

Lovely volley gives Raonic the game. 3-3

Murray doesn't seem to be accepting that the lob isn't coming off. Raonic returns the first and the second is long to give him the advantage once more.

We're back to deuce after Raonic's second double fault of the day.

The lob is not working. Murray guesses right as Raonic follows up his return, but the lob is too far and the Canadian smashes home. Advantage Raonic.

It's another chance that goes begging though. Murray hits his backhand into the net and we go to deuce.

And the chance appears! Murray has a break point. 30-40

A chance building for Murray? Raonic hits the net and it's 30-30.

Body serve working well again for the Canadian. Murray returns but Raonic steps in to drive home the winner. 30-15

Raonic at the net successfully again to make it 15-0, but Murray comes out on top in the next point to make it 15-15.

It's not for long though. Murray's strong serve is too much to return and it's 3-2 to the Brit - still on serve.

A poorly executed drop shot slices well wide and Raonic stays in the game for now. 40-30

He's on the verge of another comfortable win in his service game now, 40-15.

The Brit finds the backhand down the line for 30-15.

He gets off to a good start on Murray's serve too, but it's 15-15 now.

Raonic comes to the net to take the game. It's 2-2 in the second set.

A couple of strong first serves mean the Canadian has turned the game around into one he leads 40-15.

Raonic wins the replayed point. 15-15

Good start for Murray on Raonic's serve! He leads 15-0. Could have been 30-0, with the Canadian called out, but he challenged successfully. Point to be replayed.

And he takes the game - after a row with the umpire - as Raonic returns into the net. 2-1 Murray.

Another strong point in response though takes the Brit to 40-15

Raonic finds the line but Murray wants to challlenge. It's one of frustration as the call stands. 30-15

Murray looks like he'll comfortably hold again as he takes a 30-0 lead in this next game.

And Raonic holds, saving a break point again. 1-1 in this second set, Raonic having taken the first 6-4.

Fantastic point and Raonic has the advantage. Murray is again unsuccessful with the lob as the Canadian stretches to take the point.

Murray can't covert. Raonic takes it to deuce after a good serve.

Break point! Body serve is well returned by Murray and Raonic hits the ball well wide. 30-40

Murray gets back into it and it's 30-30 now. Couple more poor shots from Raonic.

Raonic off to a good start in this game and he leads 30-0.

Well, that game was a lot better than his opener in set one. Comfortably won by Murray and it's 1-0.

Another big first serve and another ace. 40-15

He makes amends and a little more though and is back ahead at 30-15

Murray kicks off set two - but Raonic gets the first point as the Brit's volley goes wayward. 0-15

Not a bad set from Murray in any way, shape or form - just the first game in which he was caught cold. Raonic looking very good. Still, when those points are a little longer, he's producing some errors.

First serve called out. Raonic challenges and it's clearly in. That's first set Raonic. 6-4

He can't convert the first. Murray returns well and keeps the ball in play before Raonic produces another error. 40-30

Another body serve gives him two set points though. 40-15

Double fault from Raonic lets Murray back in. That's his first of the match. 30-15

Murray steps in to return and sets the point up well, but the drop shot is poorly executed. 30-0

Good start as Raonic serves up another ace. 15-0

And Murray holds serve comfortably as Raonic hits the ball long. However, it's still 5-3 to the Canadian and now he serves for the set.

Well disguised drop shot is returned into the net by Raonic. 40-15

Wayward shot gives Raonic a point, however. 30-15

Murray gets off to a good start in this game and leads 30-0.

Game is concluded with an emphatic smash from Raonic and he leads 5-3. Murray is now serving to stay in the set.

A 233 km/h serve is returned. The line judge calls out, Murray challenges but the call stands. 40-30

However, he follows that up with another poor shot which again hits the net. 30-30

Another good serve - 230 km/h is something Murray can only return into the net. 30-15

Murray defends well for the second point and Raonic eventually produces an unforced error. 15-15

Another ace from Raonic hits off this next game. 15-0

Game Murray. He comes to the net and Raonic's attempted passing shot goes into the net. 4-3 to the Canadian.

Advantage Murray. Raonic's returns his first serve into the net.

Well saved. Murray produces an excellent second serve and his follow up shot is similarly precise. Deuce.

Break point Raonic. Murray loses another rally and it's a chance for the Canadian to establish a double break. 30-40

Raonic's forehand is looking very good today. Another powerful one puts him level on 30-30.

Another good hit from the Brit puts him back ahead. 30-15

Murray goes long this time. 15-15

Murray back on serve and he's 15-0 up after Raonic hits the ball long.

Another into the net means it's 4-2 to Raonic.

Murray gets his return over the net this time, but it's long and 40-0.

And that becomes 30-0 as Murray's return can only find the net.

Raonic having more success on the longer points that one might expect. Well placed and powerful forehand makes it 15-0.

He might be behind, but Murray closes the game out with a splendid point, racing onto a volley at the net to stab it past Raonic down the line. It's 3-2 to Raonic still.

Raonic again can only find the net. 40-0

Another ace from the Brit, that one 183 km/h, and it's 30-0

Sliced backhand falls into the net and Murray leads 15-0 in this game.

That hope is swiftly put to bed with a 225 km/h ace. 3-1 Raonic.

Raonic can't pull off the volley this time and Murray has hope in the game. 40-15

Murray returns well again, but it's not Raonic's shot which has him worried, more so the Canadian's general play. 40-0

Another lovely shot. Raonic's delicate volley at the net gives him a 30-0 lead in the game.

Back in play - Raonic's serve is returned well by Murray but the Canadian deals well with the point, smashing the Brit's attempted lob to make it 15-0.

The Brit's first ace of the day puts him on the verge of his first game, and then Raonic's return is into the net to give him it. He's on the scoreboard, but he's been broken already. 2-1 to Raonic as we sit down.

Good return from Raonic and Murray's next shot goes into the net. 30-15

Longer point this time brings an unforced error from Raonic and it's 30-0.

Murray kicks off his second service game with a strong serve. Raonic's return is out. 15-0

And he takes the game! It's 2-0 to Raonic now, with him having saved three break points there to hold serve.

More nice play from the Canadian gives him the advantage on deuce.

Another body serve and Raonic has saved all three break back points. Deuce. 40-40

Strong forehand puts Murray on the back foot and Raonic steps in to take the point. Last chance for the Brit now. 30-40

Raonic finally gets a first serve in and it's successful - right at the body of Murray. 15-40

Three break back points for Murray! Raonic misses the line after missing another first serve. 0-40

Good response this from Murray. Unforced error from Raonic means it's 0-30.

No first serve for Murray to worry about yet. Raonic misses the box and the Brit wins the point on his second serve. 0-15

Raonic converts! The Canadian takes just two minutes to break in the first game of the day, with a terrific forehand clinching that advantage. 1-0

Three break points for Raonic after a double fault from the Brit. Nightmare start. 0-40

Lovely volley gives him a half chance now. 0-30 on Murray's serve.

And it's Raonic who starts us off with the first point. A good return from the Canadian. 0-15

Here we go! It'll be Murray to start us off on serve.

With the weather forecast improving, the roof here on Rod Laver has now been opened.

Raonic comes out to a warm reception, but Murray out to a warmer one. Plenty of fans in the stands with Canadian and British flags.

The players are making their way down to the court now. Seems like play will be underway in around 15-20 minutes.

All in all, this promises to be a terrific match to end the day's play down under, as the world number one watches on as his final opponent is decided.

After losing his only other last four match back in 2014, falling 6-4 6-4 6-4 to Federer, Raonic will be keen to go one better this time though, having had a taste of what could have been.

For the Scot, it is his 17th Grand Slam semi-final - with him having won eight of these. Only once has he reached this stage at Melbourne Park, having done so five times prior to today, and not won - that being back in 2012 as Djokovic beat him in five sets before going on to claim the title.

Murray has the experience advantage in this match too, with him more than familiar with the situation as he bids to reach his fifth Australian Open final. Raonic, on the other hand, is in just his second Grand Slam semi-final and will be the first Canadian men's singles player to reach a major final if he emerges victorious.

There, he faced the bullish David Ferrer, who endured a very tough run to the last eight but passed with flying colours - the likes of John Isner and the retiring home favourite, Lleyton Hewitt, eliminated by the Spaniard. However, Murray was clinical in their match-up, winning in four sets to set up today's meeting with Raonic.

One of them came in his third round win over João Sousa, with him beating all of Alexander Zverev, Sam Groth and Bernard Tomic in straight sets to make the quarter-finals.

Still riding the confidence wave after leading Great Britain to Davis Cup glory at the back end of last year, the 28-year-old Scot has been playing some sublime tennis in Melbourne in the last two weeks - dropping just two sets so far.

However, he will be required to cause another upset in this match as it is certainly Murray who is the favourite to progress to the final, with the winner to play world number one Novak Djokovic after he beat Federer yesterday.

The Canadian didn't drop a set in the first three rounds, comfortably seeing off Lucas Pouille, Tommy Robredo and 21st seed Viktor Troicki respectively to make the fourth round. There, he caused something of an upset as he beat reigning French Open champion Stan Wawrinka in five sets before overcoming Gaël Monfils in four in the last eight.

These two are certainly familiar opponents. | Photo: Bleacher Report
These two are certainly familiar opponents. | Photo: Bleacher Report

The confidence he has taken from that win has been priceless in Melbourne, helping him overcome some tricky opponents en route to the last four.

Following his defeat to Murray in Madrid last year, the 25-year-old moved up to his career best ranking of fourth and has been making nothing but progress since. After overcoming a niggling foot injury that hindered him for a couple of months, he was victorious in September's St. Petersburg Open and kicked off 2016 with a title too - defeating reigning champion Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Brisbane International earlier this month.

Nonetheless, Raonic has certainly changed in the three and a half years since their only Grand Slam encounter, and his growth has been emphasised by his run to the last four here in Melbourne this month. The only other time he has reached this stage of a major tournament was back in 2014 at Wimbledon.

The only time they have met in a match the best of five sets, on the other hand, was back in the 2012 US Open; Murray the victor in straight sets with a comfortable 6-4 6-4 6-2 win.

On hard court, on which the latter two matches were played, the head-to-head is even too as both have won two each of the four encounters played on the surface. 

Raonic's last win, meanwhile, came in 2014 at Indian Wells, with Murray taking a set off of the Canadian but still falling to defeat. 

Murray has won their last two clashes, and in straight sets, albeit both were only the best of three. His latest win came in Madrid last year in the quarter-finals, the predecessor to a 6-3 7-5 victory at the World Tour Finals in 2014.

This is the seventh meeting between these two players, and their even head-to-head suggests it will be a well fought and entertaining match. Both have won three matches each in their previous encounters - their history nowhere near as one-sided as many might initially imagine.

Hello and welcome to VAVEL UK's live coverage of the 2016 Australian Open semi-final between Andy Murray and Milos Raonic. My name is Ameé Ruszkai and I'll be taking you through this morning's events as they unfold in the Rod Laver Arena. The match is set to start at 8:30AM GMT, or 7:30PM local time.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]