Murray ready to keep crowd quiet as he attempts to extend run against French

Andy Murray is ready to disappoint the French crowd once again at Roland Garros as he prepares to take on local hero Richard Gasquet.
Britain's Andy MurrayBritain's Andy Murray
Britain's Andy Murray

Gasquet reached the quarter-finals for the first time at the 13th attempt with an upset win over fifth seed Kei Nishikori.

After four fourth-round defeats on his last five appearances at his home grand slam, it was a landmark achievement and one celebrated exuberantly by the crowd.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But history does not favour Gasquet going any further. One of those fourth-round defeats was against Murray, when the Scot came from a set down to win in 2012.

Murray has won all four of his previous slam matches against Gasquet, twice from two sets down, and he has won his last 25 matches against Frenchmen in the majors dating back to a 2008 loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Australia.

His only defeat by a Frenchman at Roland Garros came a decade ago against Gael Monfils when he was still a teenager.

Murray said: “I’m pumped to be in the quarters of a slam. Obviously the atmosphere will be tough but I don’t mind that.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve played a number of times against French players here in difficult atmospheres and I managed okay. So I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

For the first time in 16 years, no play was possible at the French Open yesterday because of rain.

Related topics: