Andy Murray destroys Lucas Pouille to reach Rome final

The world No 3 could face Novak Djokovic on Sunday only a week after they contested the final of the Madrid Masters which the Serb won in three sets.

Murray has lost their previous six matches, but is not daunted by his prospects after making light work of Pouille a day before he turns 29.

The Briton broke four times to ease through to his second straight final on clay, a surface that he has improved immeasurably upon in winning two titles last season before extending his impressive form this year with a victory over Rafael Nadal in the last four of the Madrid event.

"It is the first time I've been on the tour that I've not been allowed to hit balls on court (before the match)," said Murray about a rain-hit semi-final in the Italian capital.

"It didn't feel too comfortable coming out on court, and then we had a rain break at 4-2. He made a few mistakes, and I served well to make it easy for myself.

"Lucas will soon be in the world's top 30. He is only 21 so he's going to be around for a long time.

"Regardless of who I play tomorrow, I know I'll be pushed extremely hard. It is great to get another big match in before the French Open starts."

Djokovic meets Japan's Kei Nishikori in the second semi-final in Rome later on Saturday.

British number one Murray is approaching peak form before he begins his latest bid to win the third leg of a possible career Grand Slam when the French Open - the season's second Slam - begins a week on Sunday in Paris.