Federer ready for 'confident' Murray

Roger Federer is expecting to face a more assured Andy Murray as he prepares to face the Scot for the first time since he became a major champion.

The world No. 1 eased past Marin Cilic in straight sets to set up a semi-final clash at the Shanghai Masters, where Murray is the two-time defending champion.

It will be the first time they they have met since Murray defeated Federer to win Olympic singles gold at London 2012 in August, and the world No. 3 subsequently went on to break his grand slam duck with victory at the US Open.

And Federer, who will enjoy a milestone 300th week at world No. 1 when the ATP rankings are released on Monday, believes Murray's win in New York will have taken the pressure off the British No. 1.

"I assume he's very confident right now and probably playing with a little bit less pressure," Federer said. "Then again, that can go either way. It's been a long year for all of us."

"I'm looking forward to the match. It's always great playing the best players. It's going to be a tough match, a good one. From my side, I haven't decided yet how I'm going to play."

Murray edges the head-to-head against the 17-time grand slam champion, having beaten him nine times in 17 previous encounters.

Date: 13th October 2012, Source: ESPN