Three-time major winner Andy Murray has reached his first ATP semi-final since 2019, when David Goffin retired with a leg injury in his Sydney Tennis Classic match.
Murray won the first set 6-2 against Goffin in the quarter-finals on Thursday, before Belgium's world number 45 called an early end to the match.
The result prompted Murray to meet with world number 25 Reilly Opelka, who beat Brandon Nakashima 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 on Thursday.
This will be Murray's first semi-final in a top-level ATP event since winning in Antwerp in October 2019.
Murray's career was set for a limp end a few years ago, when he battled a serious hip injury that twice required surgery and made him contemplate retirement.
But the 34-year-old, who is now ranked 135, is feeling well and is aiming to develop a purple patch at the end of his career.
Murray has won 46 titles on the ATP tour and is aiming to reach 50.
The Sydney Tennis Classic could claim the No. 47 title after a stellar performance in the last four.
Murray couldn't help but grumble for the 31-year-old Goffin, who has struggled with his injury in recent days.
Murray said during his on-court interview, "He has missed the last eight months because of an injury. I believe he had elbow surgery and he had knee problems for the past three or four months."
"It sucks. As you get older, injuries and stuff can bring you down. Hope he's okay."
Murray needed more than three hours to dispose of Nikoloz Basilashvili the night before, but he found it too easy to go against a wayward Goffin, who made 19 unforced errors in the opening set.
Former world No 1 Murray converted two of his three break-point chances and was pleased with how he covered the court.
"The movement was what I was most pleased with," Murray said.
"I probably made a few more errors than I would have liked, but I thought I was progressing well, which was really positive.
“I finished after midnight yesterday and I ran a lot, so it was good to come out today and have a good run.
"Hopefully do the same again tomorrow."