Andy Murray says ‘hostile atmosphere’ drove him on to French Open win

Andy Murray will play David Ferrer in the next round.© SNS Group

Andy Murray says he enjoyed the ‘hostile atmosphere’ generated by the home crowd as he beat Richard Gasquet to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open.

The Scot recovered from a poor start to beat the 25-year-old 1-6 6-4 6-1 6-2 and set up a meeting with David Ferrer in the last eight.

Supporting their home favourite, Murray was booed on to the court and there were reminders throughout that the fans wanted home favourite Gasquet to progress.

However, the reaction helped to spur the world number four into action and after the match he admitted the noise had helped focus his mind.

"I wouldn't say it got too much," said Murray.

"It was almost like playing a football match. And I like football. I enjoyed myself on the court today.

"It's the most fun I've had on the court in a while, so I wasn't shying away from the fact that the crowd wanted me to lose.

"I've played Davis Cup a few times away from home but that was probably one of the most hostile atmospheres that I've played in."

Although not as dramatic as their Wimbledon clash in 2008, it was another comeback for Murray who extended his unbeaten Grand Slam record over the Frenchman.

Murray said: "I guess it plays on his mind. When I went a set behind it was obviously tough and he was playing the better tennis.

"But I knew if I hung in - he seemed a little bit like he didn't want to play that many long rallies.

"He was going for big shots early in the rallies, and once I managed to get into some longer rallies and see his game a bit better, then that was what changed the match."

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