Britain’s Andy Murray confident of landing maiden French Open title after dispatching Richard Gasquet at Roland Garros
Britain's Andy Murray believes a maiden French Open title is within reach after dispatching Richard Gasquet to reach the 19th grand slam semi-final of his career yesterday.
World No2 Murray battled back from a set and 3-1 down in the second-set tie-break to prevail 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 6-0, 6-2 and set-up a last-four tussle with Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka.
The 29-year-old, who entered the tournament having defeated top seed Novak Djokovic in Rome, has never won a set against Wawrinka on clay. Murray’s renaissance on clay in recent years, however, has left him confident of lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires.
“Last year was similar. I came in not having lost on the clay and played some really good tennis,” said Murray. “I believe I can win the event. Whether I do or not, we’ll have to wait and see,
“But I believe it’s possible and I’m only a couple of matches away now. I’ll just give everything I’ve got the next few days.”
World No1s Djokovic and Serena Williams both advanced to the quarter-finals after prevailing from their respective fourth-round rain-affected clashes. Williams dispatched Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-1, 6-1, while Djokovic beat Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-5.