Andy Murray admits his clay court credentials may not be as strong as Rafael Nadal or Roger Federer, but the No7 seed believes he’ll be ready to take on Spaniard Fernando Verdasco in the fourth round on Monday.
Both Murray and Verdasco had to complete their third round matches over two days although the Scot had a tougher task against German Philipp Kohlschreiber, who had come back from 2-4 down in the fourth set to force a decider on Saturday night before darkness suspended play at 7-7 in the final set.
Playing his first five-setter since his back surgery last October, Murray admitted he was struggling physically and had started cramping before the match was stopped.
The pair endured a sleepless night before stepping on court on Sunday for the restart and it was Murray who prevailed 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 12-10, in what resembled a penalty shootout of a football match.
“It could have been one of my best wins if I managed to close out the fourth set, because he's a very, very tough player,” said of Kohlschreiber.
Verdasco had a simpler time on court against Richard Gasquet. Their match was halted with the Spaniard leading by two sets, and he picked up where he left off yesterday, to advance 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 over the No12 seed.
The last time the Spaniard played Murray, he led by two sets to love in the Wimbledon quarter-finals last year before the tables were turned. Murray came back and went on to win the tournament.
“Not many people think I play particularly well on clay, so I would say that would give him (Verdasco) an edge there. He's obviously had some good results on clay,” said Murray, who has won 28 career titles but none of which have come on clay.
“But he plays well on every surface. It will be a tough match, for sure. When he plays, he plays well. He's incredibly talented, very, very tough player. I need to play a good match and do everything I can to be fresh for tomorrow.
“I feel like I can play good clay court tennis. But to win this event, you need to play great clay court tennis. That's something I haven't done yet.”
Meanwhile, Verdasco was thrilled with his performance against Gasquet but stressed that his main focus was to recover in time for his match against Murray.
The Madrid native is hoping to make the quarter-finals in Paris for the first time and his level so far this fortnight has been reminiscent of the form that saw him reach the Australian Open semi-finals in 2009.
Reminded of his five-setter against Murray at Wimbledon, Verdasco insists playing on clay is a different ball game.
“Every match is different. You can't compare a match in Wimbledon when he was playing home on grass with a match here in Paris. And it doesn't mean I'm going to win. Maybe he's going to win in three sets. All I'm saying is it's a totally different match.
“Playing Murray is never easy. He has wonderful tennis, and he won Grand Slams already, so I think he deserves all my respect. It's not going to be an easy match.
“My objective right now is to rest and prepare the best I can to play this match against Murray.
“I will try and give my all.I have nothing to lose. He is a favourite because of his ranking. So I will try and play my best tennis, and I hope I'll be as regular as I was yesterday or today.”
