French Open 2012: Andy Murray v David Ferrer - in pictures

In order to claim a place in the semi-finals, Murray must beat an opponent he knows well and whose game is tailored to clay - David Ferrer of Spain Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

But it's a tricky start for the Scot, who is broken by Ferrer in the fourth game of the first set Photograph: Yoan Valat/EPA

Murray breaks back in the ninth game, but immediately falters in his next service game, allowing Ferrer to close out the set (6-4) in just over an hour Photograph: Paul Childs/Action Images

The second set stays with serve until the seventh game when Murray edges ahead. But once again Ferrer breaks back in the very next game. Murray ultimately clinches the set on a tie break 7-6 (7-3) Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Rain halts play early in the third set and Andy Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears, takes cover Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Murray has never beaten Ferrer on clay in three previous attempts and the signs are that Ferrer has the beating of him again this time Photograph: Yoan Valat/EPA

Murray may be the fourth seed, but Ferrer, the sixth seed, romps to victory in the third set 6-3 Photograph: Christophe Karaba/EPA

Murray breaks serve at the start of the fourth set giving him a flicker of hope, but he soon clocks up his 50th unforced error – a huge tally by his standards. Ferrer, meanwhile, is almost robotic in his play and is quickly back in command Photograph: Christophe Karaba/EPA

Murray is eventually dispatched 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-2. Ferrer will now play his compatriot Rafael Nadal in the semi-final, while Murray can now set his sights on Wimbledon Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images