It was the Australia who got here out on high of their solely earlier encounter, six years in the past at Queen’s, however Murray continued his sturdy begin to the grass-court season to win 7-6 6-3 and attain his ultimate ultimate on residence soil since 2016.
The 2-time Wimbledon champion flew out of the blocks in extremely scorching circumstances, breaking early and taking a swift 3-0 lead within the opening set. Thompson acquired it again on serve although and took it a tie-break, which Murray sealed with an ace.
The second set was a extra routine affair, Murray transferring 5-1 up and giving himself the respiration room that meant a break from Thompson solely slighty delayed the top of the match, with the British quantity three getting the job achieved on his third match factors.
Murray will face both Jurij Rodionov or Zizou Bergs in Sunday’s ultimate, earlier than turning his consideration to Nottingham subsequent week after taking a wildcard to play within the Challenger occasion.
“Good to get by way of in straight units immediately,” Murray mentioned.
“It was a really, very tight first set. I improved a bit within the second set, served nicely and beginning the hitting the ball a bit higher from the again of the courtroom.”
On his general type, he added: “The final couple of matches have been good. Jordan and Jason Kubler are superb grass-court gamers. Very skilled on the floor.
“To come back by way of each of them may be very constructive and I get the chance to play in a ultimate tomorrow, which will likely be nice. It’s been some time since I’ve received a event on residence soil. Hopefully I can try this tomorrow.”
