Chardy's high-risk game only sparkled sporadically and Murray was largely untroubled as he won 6-4 6-1 6-2 to move into a last-four clash with the winner of tonight's meeting between Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Murray has yet to drop a set in Melbourne and never looked like doing so against the world number 36, whose main weapons - his serve and booming forehand - were never factors in the match.

"Today was the best I have played (in the tournament)," the Scot said.

"I struggled in the last few rounds a little bit and my last opponent (Gilles Simon) was struggling physically so it wasn't much of a match.

"Jeremy has beaten some great players so I had to come out sharp."

As for tonight's remaining semi-final, Murray revealed he would only give it brief consideration.

"I'll watch a little bit but not the whole match," he said. "I will get an early night and hope that Roger and Jo play for four or five hours!"

It was a much improved display from the US Open champion, who is seeking to become the first man in the Open era to follow up his maiden grand slam triumph by also winning the next major.