Andy Murray vs Kei Nishikori, French Open live: World No 1 finds his rhythm to reach the semi-finals

Follow all the live action from Court Philippe Chatrier

(Getty)

Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori meet in the quarter-finals of the French Open with a place in the last four up for grabs.

The two go head to head on Court Philippe Chatrier with Murray looking to avenge last year’s US Open defeat at the hands of the Japanese.

• Andy Murray stamps his authority on the French Open with convincing win over Karen Khachanov
• Murray through to fourth round of French Open after dispatching Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets
• Murray considered Andre Agassi as his coach after splitting with Ivan Lendl

What time does it start?

The match will get under way around 3.00pm on Wednesday 7 June, assuming the quarter-final between Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Garcia runs on time.

Where can I watch it?

ITV 4 and Eurosport both offer coverage. Alternatively, follow our live blog on this very page.

Murray has rediscovered his form in Paris (Getty)

How did they reach the quarters?

Murray's route to quarter-finals:

First Round - def. Andrey Kuznetsov, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, 6-0.

Second Round - def. Martin Klizan, 6-7 (3), 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (3).

Third Round - def. Juan Martin del Potro (29), 7-6 (8), 7-5, 6-0.

Fourth Round - def. Karen Khachanov, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.

Murray celebrates victory over Khachanov (Getty)

Nishikori's route to last eight:

First Round - def. Thanasi Kokkinakis, 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

Second Round - def. Jeremy Chardy, 6-3, 6-0, 7-6 (5).

Third Round - def. Chung Hyeon, 7-5, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 0-6, 6-4.

Fourth Round - def. Fernando Verdasco, 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.

Nishikori beat Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round (Getty)

What have they been saying?

Murray on losing to Nishikori at last year's US Open:

"Obviously we played at the US Open and that was five sets, a match that got away from me a little bit, so I need to learn a bit from that.

"There's a good chance it's a long one. He returns well and he's very solid off both wings. He's always a tough guy to play against.

"I'm happy with where my game's at. Everything is going pretty well just now. I'm feeling good going into the middle part of the second week."

Rain has forced a number of delays at this year's competition (Getty)

Surprisingly, Nishikori struggled to even recall the match:

"I don't even know if I won or lost. I won?"

"I think physically, I'm OK," he added. "It's not easy. Long matches. I'm a little bit sore, but I'm sure it's going to be okay. I have one day rest [on Tuesday].

"I'll try to be physically ready for a long, tough match."

"He's [Murray] a great player. A very smart tennis player.

What are the odds?

Murray to win: 1/4

Nishikori to win: 3/1

[7 June 2017 13:13 · Samuel Lovett]

The live blog starts at 3.10pm. Tune in for game-by-game updates from Court Philippe Chatrier.

[7 June 2017 15:15 · Samuel Lovett]

Hello all and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's quarter-final clash between Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori!

We should be in store for a cracking showdown as the Scot looks to avenge his defeat against the Japanese at last year's US Open.

Murray has slowly rediscovered his form and is favourite today to reach the last four at Roland Garros.

[7 June 2017 15:17 · Samuel Lovett]

And here they come! The pair are met by a warm reception from the Roland Garros audience as they head out onto the court. No signs of rain, either. Phew.

[7 June 2017 15:25 · Samuel Lovett]

A quick warm-up follows and we're ready to go!

[7 June 2017 15:29 · Samuel Lovett]

Murray* 1-0 Nishikori (*denotes server):

The Scot fires down a wicked first serve which the Japanese only just manages to return but plays it short. Murray steps up calmly and drops his shot way out of reach for the first point. Nishikori sends a sublime forehand winner down the tramline to draw level but the world No 1 finds his rhythm to take the next two points. 40-15. A Nishikori drop-shot takes it to 40-30 before a quick-firing rally follows. It's the Japanese who blinks first, sending his forehand straight into the net.

[7 June 2017 15:34 · Samuel Lovett]

Murray 1-1 Nishikori* (*denotes server):

Nishikori over hits a rasping backhand to put Murray ahead on the first point. The Scots looks to make it 30-0 with a sliced shot from deep but he fails to clear the net. 15-15. A sumptuous rally follows, with both men sending thunderous shots all over the court, but Murray eventually manoeuvres his opponent out wide before landing the killer blow with his forehand. The Japanese hits back with two winning shots and takes the game after another failed Murray drop-shot.

[7 June 2017 15:40 · Samuel Lovett]

First set: Murray* 1-2 Nishikori (*denotes server):

Another unforced error from Murray as he hits the top of the net with his backhand on the first point. He makes up for it with an electrifying serve on the next point that the Japanese fails to return, finding the net. Two break-points follow but Nishikori gets caught out by Murray's curling second serve to take the game to 30-40. The Scot serves up another double-fault, though, and that's the game! Nishikori breaks Murray!

[7 June 2017 15:44 · Samuel Lovett]

First set: Murray 1-3 Nishikori* (*denotes server):

Murray makes a hash of his return on the first point, sending his shot high into the sky. An another impressive rally follows but a venomous backhand comes out of nowhere from the Japanese, catching Murray out who fails to position himself in time to land the return. Two forehands into the net later and that's it. A quick game for Nishikori who has hit the ground running here.

[7 June 2017 15:48 · Samuel Lovett]

First set: Murray* 2-3 Nishikori (*denotes server):

After taking the first point with ease, he's forced to really work for the second as Nishikori sends Murray running back and forth across the baseline with his thumping forehand. The Scot eventually finds the opportunity to pull off a sliced drop-shot which he executes to perfection. 30-0. He takes the next point too but the Japanese won't roll over. He rushes from his baseline after returning Murray's second serve and the world No 1 appears to panic, sending his shot straight into the net. The Scot eventually claims the game with a crisp forehand winner.

[7 June 2017 15:53 · Samuel Lovett]

First set: Murray 2-4 Nishikori* (*denotes server):

The Japanese starts the game with menace, impressing with the variety of his strokes. His backhand in particular is proving a bit too much to handle for Murray and Nishikori quickly pulls ahead to 30-0. An attempt at a backhand drop-shot fails to clear the net, though, and the Scot is back in it. A mishit forehand follows to make it 30-30 but Nishikori has the audacity to attempt a second sliced drop-shot which, fortunately, he lands. He finishes off the game with a whizzing forehand winner down the line.