Paris: Andy Murray racked up his 650th career win to reach the French Open quarter-finals on Monday before paying an unscripted, emotional tribute to the victims of the London and Manchester terror attacks. World number one Murray, the runner-up in Paris to Novak Djokovic in 2016, brushed aside Karen Khachanov of Russia 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
However, instead of discussing the match in the traditional on-court TV interview, Murray took the microphone to remember the 29 people who died in the recent outrages in London and Manchester.
“Obviously there was terrible tragedy in London and Manchester. Paris has had its problems too in recent years,” said Murray. “I am sure everyone will join me... We share our thoughts and prayers with everyone who has been affected.
“I appreciate everyone still coming out to support the tennis. I am grateful that I can still perform in front of everyone.” In his seventh Paris quarter-final, Murray will face Japanese eighth seed Kei Nishikori who defeated 33-year-old Fernando Verdasco of Spain 0-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.
Nishikori, a beaten quarter-finalist in Paris in 2015, has now made the last eight of a Slam for a seventh time, a record for a Japanese man. Women’s title favourite and 2014 runner-up Simona Halep trounced Spain’s Carla Suarez-Navarro 6-1, 6-1 to make the last eight without dropping a set or breaking sweat.
Third seed Halep, who can become the new world number one if she wins the title, claimed her first win on clay in six attempts against the Spaniard.
“I played my best match of the tournament. I served well and opened up the court,” said Halep.
The 25-year-old Halep will tackle Ukraine’s fifth seed Elina Svitolina for a semi-final place. The two met in the Rome final on the eve of Roland Garros when Halep was beaten and suffered an ankle injury which threatened her appearance in Paris. “I sill feel the ankle some times but I am able to run. I don’t think about it during the points,” added Halep.
Martic magical run ends
Svitolina reached the quarter-finals for the second time, ending the dream run of world number 290 Petra Martic with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win.
However, Martic, bidding to become only the 10th qualifier to make the last eight in Paris threw away a golden chance for victory.
The 26-year-old led 5-2 in the final set before Svitolina rallied to race away with the last five games.
Later on Monday, Czech world number two Karolina Pliskova, also in the running to become both a first time major winner and the new world number one, faces Veronica Cepede Royg in her last-16 tie.
