Saturday 7 November 2015 16:13, UK
Andy Murray scrapped past Frenchman Richard Gasquet to reach his first Paris Masters semi-final on Friday.
The British No 1 won 7-6 (9-7) 3-6 6-3 after outlasting the spirited challenge from Gasquet on his home soil in two hours and 38 minutes of gruelling action.
Murray will play David Ferrer for a place in the final on Saturday after the Spaniard beat John Isner 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 - watch it live on Sky Sports 4 HD from 1pm.
After his win, the British No 1 admitted to stiffness in his lower back, but was pleased to complete the set of reaching the semi-finals of all the Masters 1000 events following his triumph.
"I got the break back at the beginning of the third set but his shot making was exceptional at times," the world No 3 told Sky Sports 3 HD.
"He uses the angles maybe better than anyone on the Tour because of the amount of spin his generates. He puts you in positions on the court that not many players are able to. I just managed to fight through in the end.
"I started putting some returns in court, started making my first serves but struggled a little bit to push off. I got a little stiff in my lower back so I was smart with that in the end. Instead of going for my first serves I started slowing them down and dictate points that way.
"It's maybe normal after a couple of weeks break to feel a bit stiff and sore, but that's a good thing so that I can get that out of the system in time for the [ATP] World Tour Finals and Davis Cup. It shouldn't be a problem."
Playing in his sixth quarter-final at the indoor tournament, Murray struggled with his first serve but managed to break the 10th-seeded Gasquet three times to advance in the French capital.
Murray had won his two previous matches in less than one hour but he was made to work hard by Wimbledon semi-finalist Gasquet.
The Scot had started in superb fashion by breaking in Gasquet's first service game but was hauled back level at 4-4 and forced into a tie-break, which he dug out after saving one set point.
There were worrying signs for Murray in the second set as he visibly flagged and appeared to be limping as Gasquet seized control.
Gaining confidence as the set progressed, Gasquet produced a series of sweet passing shots as he broke Murray for a 4-2 lead and comfortably served out with an ace to force the tie into a decider.
With Murray producing a growing number of errors and looking increasingly irritated, Gasquet looked a strong bet to go on for victory after a stunning forehand return saw him break Murray again for a 2-1 lead.
However, Murray drew on all his energy reserves to break Gasquet straight back and swing the match back in his favour, a further break proving enough to see him through a testing match which he feels will augur well for the forthcoming Davis Cup final in Belgium.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic defeated Tomas Berdych 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-8) in a titanic battle.
The 10-time Grand Slam champion was severely tested with the Czech coming within two points of causing an upset, but the Serb prevailed and extended his winning-set streak to 28 since the US Open final.
Djokovic will take on Stan Wawrinka in the second semi-final after the fourth seed beat Rafa Nadal (10-8) 7-6 (9-7) in the late match on Friday night.
Watch the semi-finals of the Paris Masters at 1pm and 4pm on Sky Sports 4 HD this Saturday.
By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices.
