Murray sets up Nishikori clash
MARCHING ON: YOUNG RUSSIAN SIMPLY BLOWN AWAY
World No 1 pays an emotional tribute to terror victims.
Andy Murray racked up his 650th career win to reach the French Open quarterfinals yesterday before paying an unscripted, emotional tribute to the victims of the London and Manchester terror attacks.
World No 1 Murray, the runner-up in Paris to Novak Djokovic in 2016, brushed aside Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
In his seventh Paris quarterfinal, Murray will face Kei Nishikori, who beat Fernando Verdasco 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.
However, instead of discussing the match in the traditional oncourt TV interview, Murray took the microphone to remember the 29 people who died in the recent outrages in London and Manchester. “Obviously there was terrible tragedy in London and Manchester. Paris has had its problems too in recent years,” said Murray.
“I am sure everyone will join me ... we share our thoughts and prayers with everyone who has been affected.
“I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis. I am grateful I can still perform in front of everyone.”
Women’s title favourite and 2014 runner-up Simona Halep trounced Spain’s Carla Suarez-Navarro 6-1, 6-1 to make the last eight without breaking sweat.
Third seed Halep, who can become the new world No 1 if she wins the title, claimed her first win on clay in six attempts against the Spaniard.
“I played my best match of the tournament. I served well and opened up the court,” said Halep.
The 25-year-old Halep will tackle Ukraine’s fifth seed Elina Svitolina for a semifinal place.
The two met in the Rome final on the eve of Roland Garros when Halep was beaten and suffered an ankle injury which threatened her appearance in Paris.
“I still feel the ankle sometimes but I am able to run. I don’t think about it during the points,” added Halep.
Svitolina reached the quarter-finals for the second time, ending the dream run of world No 290 Petra Martic with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win.
However, Martic, bidding to become only the 10th qualifier to make the last eight in Paris threw away a golden chance for victory.
The 26-year-old led 5-2 in the final set before Svitolina rallied to race away with the last five games.
Argentina’s Paola Suarez was the last South American woman to reach a quarterfinal at a Slam at Wimbledon in 2004.
Before this year, Pliskova had never made it beyond the second round in Paris.
However, she has not yet had to face a player ranked in the top 65 in this tournament. –