Well then: A first ever victory for Murray against Ferrer on clay, a 15th in a row on the red stuff this year and continues his unbeaten streak since marriage. Murray has reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros twice before, in 2011 and 2014, both times to Rafael Nadal but he can take solace in the fact that he now faces Novak Djokovic. Well, sort of. They’ve only met twice before on clay, Djokovic prevailing both times, but the last was back in 2011. There will also not be a Spaniard in the semi-finals this year and I’m reliably informed the last time that happened was 8BC.
That’s all from me. As always, many thanks for reading and thanks for all your tweets and emails. See you next time!
Updated
Murray wins the fourth set and the match 7-6, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1
Fourth set: Murray* 6-1 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray wins 3-1 in sets): Murray is serving for the match now and he takes the all important first point with some strong defence. Let’s bear in mind that Murray’s two match points have been on Ferrer’s serve but he’s now two points away on his own after a dominant point. Three match points after Ferrer fires one into the net and that’s game, set and match after another impressive first serve. Murray marches on!
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Fourth set: Murray 5-1 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-1 in sets): Ferrer fires long before Murray follows suit for 15-15. Not to be outdone, Ferrer is too deep with another forehand and Murray needs just two points for a first ever clay court win over Ferrer. It’s Murray’s turn to go long though and we’re at 30-30. Another double fault, an 11th of the match, hands Murray his second match point but it’s deuce after the Scot sends one long. Ferrer has already proven he will go down swinging though and a blistering forehand, quickly followed by another, extends Murray’s wait.
Quite Roland, quite
5-0 La machine Murray ne s'arrête plus ! #RG15 pic.twitter.com/WftoZlR07h
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2015
Fourth set: Murray* 5-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-1 in sets): The crowd are continuing with their cries of ‘David, David’ but I don’t think it’s going to stop Murray who was eased into a 30-0 lead. Make that 40-0 as Ferrer plants a return into the net and while Ferrer raises a cheer with a forehand winner Murray cruises to within one game of the match.
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Fourth set: Murray 4-0 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-1 in sets): Now then, how will Ferrer respond to that from Murray? Hmmm … first point was polished enough but a drop shot on the second was far too heavy and Murray picks it of with glee for 15-15. Ferrer wins a lung-buster but seems more bothered by the photographers disrupting his serve, which, let’s be honest, has let him down all day. It’s 30-30 now and if Murray can close this out that is surely that? Well he’s earned himself a break point with a superb backhand across the court but it’s deuce after another Murray backhand goes wide. Murray has another break point though, forcing the mistake after some more ludicrous defence from the Scot and that’s the break with an overhead volley despite some excellent defence from Ferrer. A significant lead now.
Fourth set: Murray* 3-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-1 in sets): Oh my! He’s just done it again. Once more, miraculous defence from Murray before a carbon copy backhand across the court to which Ferrer has no answer. Perhaps getting a little excited though, Murray whacks one long but he soon finds his range to take a 30-15 lead. He’s talking to himself plenty as well, and not in a rude way. OK, perhaps one or two rude words after netting a regulation groundstroke – 30-30. Another brusing rally ends when Ferrer fires long and it’s an extended ‘Coooome Oooon’ from Murray who wraps up the game with an ace.
Fourth set: Murray* 2-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-1 in sets): Murray draws first blood as a backhand slice clings on to the baseline and it’s 0-30 when Ferrer is wide with a forehand. A chance for Murray to establish early dominance in the this set but Ferrer (finally) wins a remarkable point after Murray twice got balls back he had no right to. An untimely double fault from Ferrer hands Murray two break points however. And he only needs one … that was a glorious backhand winner from Murray after some miraculous defence. Ferrer laid siege but Murray returned everything before a wondrous passing shot seals the break.
Fourth set: Murray* 1-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-1 in sets): It’s 15-15 in the first game of the fourth set but Murray still cannot find that cruise control he was on not so long ago. A glorious backhand down the line suggests he’s not that far away though. It’s 40-15 after a powerful first serve but 40-30 after Ferrer finally puts the Scot away. An easy forehand brings an important hold for Murray though.
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Well, well, well: Ferrer looked down and out, even conceding a match point to Murray but The Gatekeeper does not go down without a fight and he is right back in it at two sets to one down. In response to my observation that Ferrer’s momentum had been checked, Frances Wynne has written in …
cue Andy losing 2 sets in a row
Hmm …
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Ferrer wins third set 7-5
Third set: Murray* 5-7 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): Ferrer is pumped. He’s showboating, doing keep-ups on the rim of his racket. And he opens up with a dominant point, finishing off with a powerful winner down the line. That’s wild from Murray, who is clearly rattled, and it’s 30-0. Ferrer requires just two more points for the set. Murray checks a backhand long and Ferrer has three-set points. The commentator is now claiming Ferrer is called Iron Man, I won’t be doing that but Ferrer whips a forehand to force a fourth set.
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Third set: Murray* 5-6 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): Murray’s response to forgoing that match point will be interesting, and indeed it’s Ferrer who takes a 0-30 lead. Ferrer has no intention of wrapping things up early here. That’s a let-off for Murray though – an average second serve offers Ferrer the chance to climb into a backhand but he plants in right into the net. An ace swiftly follows and it’s 30-30. Murray keeps asking for the same ball. Mind games. But it backfires and a double fault hands Ferrer a break point. And Ferrer takes it when Murray finds the net and threatens to bash the ground with his racket. He will be livid but Ferrer is serving for the third set.
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Third set: Murray* 5-5 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): That’s some point from Ferrer who is determined to go down swinging and the Spaniard makes it 30-0 but that’s quite brilliant from Murray, grinding his opponent into the red dirt. Murray is quick to apologise, outwardly anyway, after a lucky net cord but it’s 30-30 all. Ferrer then turns up the heat and a stunning rally is brought to an end when the Spaniard wrong-foots Murray with a backhand volley. Top tennis. It’s deuce though with yet another of Murray’s inside-out forehands – he clearly wants to wrap it up in this game – and he will get the chance when Ferrer whips one into the net. Ferrer saves this one though, making sure with a smash that Murray was able to reach but could not return. Advantage Ferrer now as Murray sends a forehand long and it’s game Ferrer with a wonderful volley low to his right.
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David Wall has written in and raises an important point, seeing as Murray looks like he will maintain his unbeaten streak since marriage:
Alex Ferguson used to encourage his young players to settle down and get married as soon as possible, and it seems he was right about the effect it can have on a sportsman’s career judging by the form of both Djokovic and Murray since each tied the knot. Perhaps that’s Nadal’s problem, he needs to find someone to make an honest man of him. But thinking of what has just happened on Chatrier, do you think there is a real prospect of Novak doing the Grand Slam this year (not counting chickens, or anything)?
I agree David, never count chickens.
Third set: Murray* 5-4 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): Wowsers! Murray had a word about the hindrance in the game before but clearly there was still a bit of frustration. Not any more after that forehand winner though, that was quite smashing. It’s 30-0 and in the blink of an eye it’s 40-0 with a seventh ace of the match and it’s a hold to love after Ferrer whips a return wide. Ferrer will serve to stay in the match.
Third set: Murray 4-4 *Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): A hideous shot from Ferrer there, a very poor smash, gives Murray a 0-30 lead. Ferrer’s momentum seems well and truly checked and he’s annoyed with the snappers again. We’ve just had a hindrance … Murray shouting ‘No’ … so it’s 15-30 and that’s delightful from Ferrer, a forehand drop shot handing Murray no chance. Ferrer’s grunting is getting louder and a big’un greets a forehand winner and a mesmerising rally ends when Murray is just long. Ferrer holds against the odds and we’re back level in the third set.
More from Mr Garros, who, I believe, is pointing out that il y a beaucoup des personnes watching this game in the crowd.
Il y en a du monde sur ce Lenglen pour soutenir Ferrer et Murray ! #RG15 pic.twitter.com/ypls0AwByQ
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2015
Third set: Murray* 4-3 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): The crowd are chanting ‘David, David … ’ and Ferrer is trotting whereas before he was plodding. He’s making Murray work for every point but the Scot is obliging and a sublime forehand volley keeps the Ferrer comeback at bay for now. It’s 30-0 when Ferrer finds the net and chastises himself for doing so and a long return from The Gatekeeper is greeted by another ‘Come on’ from Murray. And another as he wraps up the game. Ferrer’s momentum appears to be checked.
Third set: Murray 3-3 *Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): I fully expect an angry Murray to vent spleen all over the tennis balls in this game after that … but it seems I’m wrong. Ferrer has a spring in his step and Murray thwacks one of said balls into the net. A rare trip to the net from Murray yields a 15-15 scoreline however, all too easy for the Scot after an excellent approach shot, and it’s 15-30 when Ferrer fires long. Murray will be desperate to get that break back here and is fuming when he sends his return too deep. BOOM! That was a monstrous forehand from Ferrer who was waiting for it and lapped it up when it arrived for 40-30 and it’s game when Murray find the net.
Third set: Murray 3-2 *Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): A little anxiousness from Murray here? The early stages of aforementioned dramatic comeback? 0-30 as mistakes creep back in for Murray. Three break points for Ferrer after Murray sends a forehand long. Break point No1 is saved when Ferrer pushes his return wide. Break point No2 is taken however when a Murray drop shot clips the net. Was that a hint of complacency there perhaps?
Third set: Murray 3-1 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): If Ferrer has any designs on a dramatic comeback, now would be the time to start it. He continues to struggle with his serve however and Murray capitalises to level at 15-15. That’s easy pickings for Ferrer though after a shoddy drop shot from Murray but it’s 30-30 again after the Spaniard is punished by another inch perfect forehand from Muzza. Ferrer follows suit and then loses his temper with the photographers and has a word with the umpire about it this time – umps wasn’t particularly sympathetic there and Ferrer shows him what for with an ace. Ferrer off the mark in the third set.
Updated
Third set: Murray* 3-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): A timely fifth ace takes Murray to 30-0 and a comfortable winner makes it 40-0. The nerves shown by Murray towards the end of the first set have dissipated and the Scot is on cruise control. Ace. Game. 3-0.
Third set: Murray 2-0 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): It looks like Ferrer has adopted a more aggressive approach here, swinging from the hip somewhat. A forehand cannon makes it 15-0 and a power serve makes it 30-0. Murray still has some class left to ooze however and flicks a backhand across Ferrer for 15-30. Make that 30-40 after the pair of them find a corner each but it’s deuce after a wild forehand from The Gatekeeper. You get the feeling that this could be it for Ferrer if Murray can break here and he has a chance after the Spaniard shoves a forehand wide. And Murray seals the break – he is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel …
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Third set: Murray* 1-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 2-0 in sets): Oh dear! The broadcasters have decided to go over to Djokovic v Nadal with Djovokic on the cusp of victory. Never fear though, I do have a scoreboard and, when it needs to be, a pretty vivid imagination. It’s 15-15 at the moment. The first point hit a pigeon which means they each get a point, according to the rule book, but Murray makes it 30-15 with a quick game of rock, paper, scissors and 40-15 with an ace. It’s 40-30, a return ace* from Ferrer there and now it’s deuce after Ferrer wins a thumb war. Oh thank heavens, we’re back. Advantage Murray with a breathtaking forehand, right into the corner, and it’s game when Ferrer shanks the ball into the net. Quite the game that one.
*look it up
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Another tweet from Mr Roland Garros now … I think he can Roland, I think he can.
#Murray much more comfortable in the 2nd. Now leads #Ferrer 7-6(4) 6-2. Can the Brit claim his first win on clay over the Spaniard? #RG15
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2015
Murray wins second set 6-2
Second set: Murray 6-2 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Muzza has the bit between his teeth here and is cranking up the pressure. 0-15 becomes 0-30 after Murray climbs into another trademark backhand but Ferrer rallies, wrong-foots the Scot and keeps his head above water. Some response from Murray though! A filthy little drop shot, spinning away from Ferrer gives Murray two sets points but Ferrer counters with a lovely volley. Murray still has a set point though and he takes it with a blistering cross-court forehand. Murray leads by two sets to love and it’s looking ominous for Ferrer.
Second set: Murray* 5-2 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Woooosh. That’s another bad mistake from Ferrer. Murray was there for the taking after a fine backhand volley from Ferrer but when the court was gaping for another the Spaniard sends it far too long. 15-0 quickly becomes 30-0 and in turn 40-0 and game. The more of these kind of games the better for Murray who is holding his serve with far greater ease than his opponent. He is closing in on a two-set advantage.
Updated
Second set: Murray 4-2 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): We are now entering a critical part of this match. If Murray can keep his boot on Ferrer’s throat – metaphorically of course – then it may be curtains for the Spaniard. Resilience of his No1 party trick however and he races into a 40-0 lead. Murray pulls one back with a snazzy forehand however, and another with some superb defence – at one stage a good few metres behind the baseline. A strong serve from Ferrer forces the error however, and the Spaniard holds.
Second set: Murray* 4-1 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Ferrer looks a tad forlorn after sending a forehand long and when he repeats the trick it’s 40-15 to Murray. Service games are getting easier for the British No1 who appears to be racing towards the second set. Indeed, that’s a stunning backhand slice that Ferrer cannot live with. Murray is on the march
James Francis-McNulty has been in touch by the by …
The Gatekeeper, eh? Well if we’re doing a Ghostbusters meme, then we HAVE to call Andy The KeyMuzza.
No we don’t James, no we don’t.
Second set: Murray 3-1 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Murray’s tail remains up it seems while Ferrer’s is, erm, down. The Spaniard has served up two double faults in three pretty average points and it’s 0-40 – three break points to Murray now. The first goes by in the blink of a deft Ferrer volley. Two to go, but Murray is scrambling from the off and an emphatic smash leaves the Scot with one more break point. But he takes it when Ferrer sends a forehand into the net. That’s a real boost, bearing in mind what happened in his previous service game.
Second set: Murray* 2-1 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Ooooh, a nice little graphic there before the start of the game – both players have won 51 points hitherto. Make that 52-51 to Ferrer as Murray plants one into the net. 53-51 – a Ferrer smash flirts with the tramline but is good enough and it’s 0-30. Murray into the net – which he’s doing a little more often now – but his volley is poor, long and it’s three break points to Ferrer. Make that two after a lovely forehand from Murray. Just one remaining – an excellent point from Murray, pulling Ferrer all over the court, before wrong-footing The Gatekeeper with another sublime forehand. And another excellent point from Murray makes it deuce, or 54-54. Textbook from Murray – wide serve followed by bruising forehand down the line and a delightful drop shot sees the Scot hold. He’ll have enjoyed that.
Gros jeu de Murray qui sauve 3 balles de break et remporte son engagement. #RG15 pic.twitter.com/JNX2MNsw96
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2015
Updated
Second set: Murray 1-1 Ferrer* (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Umps is out again, certainly earning his corn today, but the long and short of it is Ferrer takes a 30-0 lead in his first service game of the second set. A double fault brings Murray back into things though – a running theme of this match – and another brings us to 30-30. Will Murray step on to the offensive here? Well, not really. Murray is furious with himself after letting that one go but he ought to applaud Ferrer. The Scot’s drop shot wasn’t up to it but Ferrer’s athleticism around the court is something to behold. So is that forehand of his. Game Ferrer – half a chance missed by Murray.
Second set: Murray* 1-0 Ferrer (*denotes server; Murray leads 1-0 in sets): Murray has a spring in his step after that tie-break and romps into a 30-0 lead but an absolute cannon from Ferrer makes it 30-15. He goes for another but it’s just out but Murray’s shoulders slump again when he finds the net with a backhand. This set is going to be just as attritional as the first it seems but as I say that, an ace hands Murray the game.
That set was an hour and eight minutes for the statisticians among you. Which incidentally is exactly how long the opener between Djokovic and Nadal was.
Murray wins the first set 7-6
First set tie-break: Murray* 6-3 Ferrer (*denotes server): Three becomes two after Murray ends a longish rally by sending a backhand long but he yields the first set with a fine backhand volley. That was (eventually) impressive from Murray. Having gone from serving for the set to serving to stay in the set he dug deep to take the first set on a tie-break. The more knowledgeable among you would have been expecting that though – six of the eight sets Murray has won against Ferrer at the majors have come in tie-breaks.
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First set tie-break: Murray 6-3 Ferrer* (*denotes server): Murray wastes his first set point, shunting one into the net, and he follows suit with the second. Three chances left …
First set tie-break: Murray* 6-1 Ferrer (*denotes server): Five set points for Murray now. He’s found some excellent first serves when he’s needed them the most...
First set tie-break: Murray 4-1 Ferrer* (*denotes server): Ferrer is losing it a bit now and is remonstrating with the photographers after shoving a forehand long. Murray in the ascendancy now.
First set tie-break: Murray* 3-0 Ferrer (*denotes server): That’s poor from Ferrer and Murray holds on to his mini-break. The simplest of volleys is shoved into the tramline – that was just overeagerness. Ferrer had earlier seen an attempted drop shot drop short.
First set tie-break: Murray 1-0 Ferrer* (*denotes server): Umps pops down again and it’s first blood Murray.
First set: Murray* 6-6 Ferrer (*denotes server): A crucial game for Murray and a good start – Ferrer can barely get his racket to a wide serve and a punishing forehand makes it 30-0. More of this aggression wouldn’t go amiss but a first double fault is particularly untimely. He’s already lost one service game from 30-0 up and after the umpire pops out of his chair to confirm Murray’s backhand was wide it’s 30-30. It’s set point for Ferrer after another unforced error … but another hefty serve, 203kmph no less, brings up to deuce. Wowsers, that’s the rally of the match so far. Some miraculous defending from Ferrer kept Murray honest but a forehand clips the baseline and it’s advantage the Scot. Deuce again though after another impressive Ferrer and it’s another set point to Ferrer after umps once again pops down for a quick look. Muzza won’t give it up without a fight though, forcing Ferrer too long and a shrewd second serve sees the Spaniard find the net. And it’s game Murray. He needed that. Another gruelling rally, finally ended by a cross-court forehand. Tie-break time.
First set: Murray 5-6 Ferrer* (*denotes server): This is more than a touch worrying for Murray. With the end of the first set in sight the wheels are coming off and unforced errors are creeping in. A fine body serve from Ferrer sets up a 30-15 lead and it’s game when the Spaniard’s serve skips of the line and Murray can only edge it behind. Ferrer is ahead and looking in good shape for the set.
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First set: Murray* 5-5 Ferrer (*denotes server): Murray is serving for the first set and Ferrer is going to make him work for it. Murray’s backhand is far too short and Ferrer punishes for 0-15. And a poor second serve leads to 0-30. It’s three break points as Murray nets a backhand; not helped by a net cord but Ferrer has dominated this game while Murray has been anxious. Another into the net from the Brit and we’re level again at 5-5.
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First set: Murray 5-4 Ferrer* (*denotes server): Murray’s serve has hardly been firing on all cylinders but Ferrer’s second hasn’t been firing on any cylinders. After I type that he’s just won his first point on a second serve, still one point in his fifth game is not many cylinders at all. He’s done it again … he’s mocking me now Ferrer makes a rare foray to the net and, erm, digs out a yorker that dribbles into the net. I don’t think we’ll see him at the net again for a while but The Gatekeeper holds serve after some tireless groundstrokes force Murray to net twice.
First set: Murray* 5-3 Ferrer (*denotes server): Five breaks in the opening seven games no less but Murray looks good for another hold here. He’s 30-0 after top-spinning an ace down the middle but Ferrer forces the error as Murray pushes an attempted backhand winner wide. It’s back to 30-30 and Murray is shouting some of the *bad words* but Ferrer’s forehand is long after another lengthy rally. And a timely ace hands Murray a crucial hold – he’s within a game of the opening set.
Elsewhere, Djokovic has drawn first blood against Nadal to take a lung-busting first set 7-5. Rest assured, it won’t be last blood …
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First set: Murray 4-3 Ferrer* (*denotes server): Murray comes out with guns ablaze and, eager to get his break back, romps into a 0-30 lead. A booming smash gets Ferrer on the board but another double fault from the Spaniard opens the door for Murray – and that’s a first ‘Come on!’ from the Scot and Ferrer finds the net. Yet another break and Murray is back in the ascendancy.
First set: Murray* 3-3 Ferrer (*denotes server): A straightforward start from Murray – booming forehand followed by the first ace of the match but The Gatekeeper fights back to 30-30 with a mind-boggling backhand that left Murray for dead. And we’re at deuce again after Murray shanks one into the net and Ferrer has a break point with a delicious drop shot. No drop shots from Murray just yet by the by – and having just said that he tries one but Ferrer reaches it and polishes of the point with a deft volley. That’s a break and we’re level again.
First set: Murray 3-2 Ferrer* (*denotes server): An impudent drop shot hands Ferrer a 30-0 lead, having bulldozed a forehand volley past Murray in the opening point. Murray gets one back, again climbing into a backhand, this time down the line, and makes it 30-30 with a forehand to the same blade? of clay. Murray scents blood here and powers his way to another break point but he didn’t reckon for Ferrer’s forehand there – deuce. And Ferrer holds with an inch-perfect inside-out backhand down the line. As an aside, the commentator has just confessed he likes to call Ferrer The Gatekeeper. I will occasionally be doing likewise …
First set: Murray* 3-1 Ferrer (*denotes server): A sumptuous backhand from Murray before a wild one from Ferrer hands the Brit a 30-15 lead – are we going to see a service game held? Perhaps not. Ferrer punishes Murray for a slightly underpowered backhand with one of his own down the line. A let off for Murray though as Ferrer wallops an easy forehand into the net but Murray follows suit for the first deuce of the match. And a second when Ferrer prevails in the sort of gruelling rally that we’re going to see plenty of in this contest. Yep, there’s another one of them – this time won by Murray after a climbing into a devastating backhand. Advantage Murray … and game when Ferrer sends a forehand long.
First set: Murray 2-1 Ferrer* (*denotes server): These two love a return, absolutely love one. Murray opens up with a brutal backhand and grinds his way to a 30-15 lead. Ferrer levels after forcing the error with some hefty groundstrokes but Murray has a breakpoint after Ferrer clips the top of the net and sees the ball come down on his side. A double-fault hands Murray the game. Three games, three breaks … settle in, this one may run and run.
Updated
First set: Murray* 1-1 Ferrer (*denotes server): How does Ferrer respond? Impressively. Murray whips a forehand for 15-0 but some fine returning from the Spaniard forces Murray to find the net three times in a row. Two break-back points for Ferrer – and he only needs one of them, Murray wild and long with a forehand and we’re back level.
First set: Murray 1-0 Ferrer* (*denotes server): A furious start from Murray sees the Scot collect the first two points. The host broadcaster was a bit late getting across so information is thin on the ground but Murray earns three break points with a blistering cross-court forehand. On the first he is too deep but Ferrer fires into the net on the next point. Some start from Murray.
Warm-ups have been completed. Ferrer to serve first – en garde.
A. Murray vs D. Ferrer pour une 16eme confrontation. #RG15 pic.twitter.com/0T6BbrHH3W
— Roland Garros (@rolandgarros) June 3, 2015
Here they come. The players are on their way on to court, Ferrer in his usual yellow and white ensemble, complete with headband; Murray in his grey and black number.
While we wait, you can feast your eyes all over Kevin Mitchell’s report from Serena Williams’ straight sets victory over Sara Errani should you please …
Not long to go now. Bacsinszky has wrapped things up against Van Uytvanck with a 6-4, 7-5 victory. Murray versus Ferrer is imminent.
We’ll be underway soon after Timea Bacsinszky’s last-four clash against Alison Van Uytvanck – easy for you to say – is over. Bacsinszky is currently one set up and the second is on serve, 4-3 to Van Uytvanck.
Preamble
Hello world! And welcome to Court Suzanne-Lenglen for Andy Murray’s quarter-final clash with David Ferrer. Tennis’ two titans may be slugging it out over on Philippe Chatrier but this one will be no snoozefest. It’s third seed versus seventh seed, Britain versus Spain, mano y mano, racketo y racketo … let’s get it on.
Firstly though, a little context. Murray’s best showing at the French Open – statistically his weakest Grand Slam – is the last four, achieved both in 2014 and 2011 but he will have to go some to beat Ferrer today. Indeed, Murray has lost all four previous meetings with Ferrer on clay and was quick to admit after his four-set victory over Jeremy Chardy that improvements had to be made.
The good news for the Muzza faithful is that he’s in the form of his life on the red stuff, winning 14 consecutive matches and my extensive research tells me he is contesting his 17th consecutive quarter-final match at the majors.
Ferrer, meanwhile, fell at this hurdle 12 months ago to clay court colossus Rafael Nadal but has a final appearance under his belt in 2013. Murray leads 9-6 in the head-to-head, winning the last two, both on hard courts.
The players will be out in due course but first, a song. The wind has been playing havoc at Roland Garros so …
Gerard will be here shortly.
