Murray to face Monfils in French Open quarter-finals

By: 10 years ago

Britain’s Andy Murray returns the ball during the fourth round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco at the Roland Garros stadium, in Paris, France, Monday, June 2, 2014. AP

PARIS — British seventh seed Andy Murray defeated Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) on Monday to reach the French Open quarter-finals for the fourth time.

Wimbledon champion Murray, whose best run in Paris was a semi-final spot in 2011, will face French 23rd seed Gael Monfils for a place in the semi-finals.

Monday’s win took Murray’s career record over the 30-year-old Verdasco to 10-1.

“I’m looking forward to the next match, it should be a great atmosphere,” said Murray.

“I first played Gael when I was 10 and he was 11. He’s an unbelievable entertainer and fun to watch.

“He’s a great athlete and a nice guy. It should be a tough match but with some fun points because of the way we both play.”