Cincinnati (Ohio), Aug 23 (DPA) Roger Federer snapped a four-match loss streak to Andy Murray in swashbuckling style Saturday, slamming the Scot 6-2, 7-6 (10-8) to reach the final of the Cincinnati Masters.

Federer, the top-seeded world number one, had lost to new number two Murray twice last autumn and at Doha and Indian Wells in the first quarter of 2009.

And he produced a game plan to make sure that scenario was not repeated.

'I stayed aggressive. I was always looking to make the plays, and I think in the end I deserved to win just because I wasn't scared to go after my shots.

'I served well today, it was just overall a very good performance.'

The Swiss, who last beat Murray in straight sets to win the 2008 US Open, will face the winner from second seed Rafael Nadal and number four Novak Djokovic.

'Both are quality players, both have incredible footwork and solid shots, forehand and backhand. That's why they're up there in the rankings.

'Rafa has caused more problems for me, but I also played him about, I don't know, 12 to 13 times on clay which didn't help in my head to head.

'Sure, I've had better matches with Rafa than with Novak in the past.'

Federer looked on imperious form as he won the first set with two breaks of the Murray serve. But the second set got tighter, with no break points out to the tiebreaker.

The Swiss got away to a 4-1 lead in the decider only to let Murray back in as the Scot levelled for 5-all with a passing shot.