Andy Murray Defeats Gael Monfils To Book French Open Semi-Final Place Against Rafael Nadal

Andy Murray is one step closer to winning his first French Open after beating Gael Monfils in the quarter finals. Murray, as usual, started well, looking like he would make easy work of Monfils, let his game slip and made much harder work than necessary, however, he found his rhythm and progressed winning 6-4 6-1 4-6 1-6 6-0 at 21:40 local time.

In Murray's way will be Rafael Nadal, who is known for his French Open heroics. Nadal come from behind to beat his fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer, 4-6 6-4 6-0 6-1. Both Murray and Nadal can expect a similar encounter between one another, meaning the winner will progress to the French Open final, but in a very tired state.

Murray understood that he needs to improve. He explained "I started well. When the wind calmed down he started playing so much better - some of the shots he chased down were incredible. I was just lucky in the end that he started the fifth set badly." He will have to learn his lesson against the far more ruthless Nadal.

Murray, 27, has won both the US Open and Wimbledon, but would evidently like to add a French Open and Australian Open title to his collection, to complete a sweep of the Grand Slams. Monfils was hoping to cause more misery for his opponent, but just didn't have what he needed. He explained, saying "It was getting a bit dark, we couldn't see all that well, but I I really wanted to finish tonight because I knew that he was not in great shape. I felt better. Maybe that's why I was a bit rushed in attacking him. I'm very frustrated."

Can Andy Murray win the French Open?