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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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
Third set: Murray* 2-6, 6-1, 6-6 Nishikori (*denotes server):
Murray has struggled with his sliced back-hand at times today and yet another fluffed attempt lets him down now. It's Murray's time to buckle under the pressure this time as he finds the net after rushing to meet a thumping baseline forehand from his opponent. 0-30. The Scot claws a point back before Nishikori sends an absolute rocket of a backhand into the corner of the court which Murray reaches out for in desperation. It's not to be. 15-40. A superb rally from Nishikori ensues, who never takes his foot off the peddle with some monstrous returns, and it's not long before Murray overhits to concede the game. Tiebreak to come!
Third set tie-break: Murray 1-0 Nishikori* (*denotes server):
Murray takes the first point of the tiebreak after Nishikori sends a forehand long.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 2-0 Nishikori (*denotes server):
Another netted backhand from the world No 8 and Murray is ahead.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 3-0 Nishikori (*denotes server):
Nishikori sends another forehand return long. Oh dear...
Third set tie-break: Murray 4-0 Nishikori* (*denotes server):
He's really self-destructing here as he double-faults.
Third set tie-break: Murray 5-0 Nishikori* (*denotes server):
Nishikori pulls a backhand wide. This looks to be going one way and one way only...
Third set tie-break: Murray* 6-0 Nishikori (*denotes server):
Murray gets lucky after a looping return falls perfectly on the line towards the back of the court. Nishikori replies with a fierce smash but the Scot holds his nerve. The Japanese eventually nets.
Third set tie-break: Murray* 7-0 Nishikori (*denotes server):
And that's it! Nishikori's capitulation in the tie-break is polished off with, yep, you guessed it, another unforced error from the Japanese to hand Murray the third set!
Murray* 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/0), 0-1 Nishikori (*denotes server):
Nishikori takes the first point but Murray hits back with some turbo-charged play that has his opponent scrambling around in desperation. The Japanese meets his opponent's drop shot, volleys Murray's subsequent return from the net but is left caught on the spot as the Scot proceeds to smash home the winner. 15-15. But, then, a real twist as Nishikori finds his grove, taking the game to 40-30 before sealing the deal with another of his trademark backhand rockets that Murray can't return. Nishikori breaks Murray.
Murray 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/0), 1-1 Nishikori* (*denotes server):
Murray loses the first point and sends a mouthful of abuse to his coaching team. He's not best pleased. But another netted backhand from Nishikori and the Scot is back in it. He puts his foot down as he sends a fantastic return on to his opponent's backhand before taking the point with a cross-court forehand that Nishikori doesn't even get close to. The Japanese hits back with his own display of brilliance from the net but another error lets him down and the game moves to deuce. Nishikori takes advantage but two simple errors on the trot swings momentum in Murray's favour before the Japanese pulls wide a forehand shot to concede the game. Murray breaks Nishikori.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments