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Andy Murray wants Great Britain's Davis Cup tie against France to be played on grass

Andy Murray: Eyes quarter-final with France on grass-court
Image: Andy Murray: Eyes quarter-final with France on grass-court

British No 1 Andy Murray says he would ideally prefer to play Davis Cup quarter-final opponents France on grass.

Murray admitted playing in front of a capacity 7,500 crowd at the Emirates Arena in his native Glasgow was among his best experiences in tennis after his straight-sets win over John Isner helped Great Britain into an unassailable 3-1 lead over the United States.

The reward for the thrilling World Group first-round victory is a last-eight home tie with France on July 17-19 - a week after the Wimbledon final.

Captain Leon Smith will discuss possible venues with both his team and the Lawn Tennis Association and Murray would prefer to play on grass.

"It's a surface I really like, it's a good surface for Dom (Inglot) as well with his serve," the two-time Grand Slam champion said.

I don't have an ideal venue. It's not up to me. The atmosphere here was the best I have played in, and indoor venues have better noise, but at that time of the year we also have the option of playing outdoors.
Andy Murray

"I wouldn't say the French players love the grass outside of (Jo-Wilfried) Tsonga. He would be their best player on the grass. I don't think (Gael) Monfils is as comfortable on that surface, (Gilles) Simon I don't think is that comfortable on it. (Richard) Gasquet I think can play well but I don't think he has played amazing in Davis Cup in the past.

"Grass might be a good surface but we will have to see because playing in front of a crowd like this makes a difference and it helps. If we can't guarantee that at a grass venue then maybe it makes sense to play it at a venue where we can get that.

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"Having the crowd with you makes a big difference. For some reason people think in tennis that playing in front of a home crowd is crippling in a way and makes people incredibly nervous.

"It can make you nervous but if you look at the Olympics, London was our best Olympics ever and there was a reason for that. The crowd makes a big difference.

"I don't have an ideal venue. It's not up to me. The atmosphere here was the best I have played in, and indoor venues have better noise, but at that time of the year we also have the option of playing outdoors."

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