Andy Murray defeats David Ferrer in quarter-finals

Andy Murray defeated David Ferrer 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 5-7 6-1 to prevail in a hard-fought French Open quarter-final and secure a last-four clash with Novak Djokovic.

It was the third seed's first win over Ferrer on clay, and gained a measure of revenge for a defeat to the Spaniard at this stage three years ago.

Murray has been in fine form on the red surface in recent weeks, picking up titles in Munich and Madrid. Barring a wobble towards the end of the third set here, it was another impressive display on Suzanne Lenglen.

Victory secured Murray his third semi-final at Roland Garros, but he will face an altogether sterner test in Djokovic next up, after the world number one demolished defending champion and nine-time winner Rafael Nadal in straight sets.

The opening set between Murray and Ferrer proved a topsy-turvy affair, with five breaks of serve in the first seven games.

Murray kept his nose in front, but serving for the set at 5-4 he was broken to love as the pendulum swung back in Ferrer's favour.

The Spaniard squandered two set points against the Murray serve in game 12 and was left to rue those missed chances as Murray dominated the tie-break.

At 6-1 up, the Scot saw three opportunities go begging before a whipped forehand followed up with a backhand volley secured the set.

The gripping action continued in the second, Murray forced to save three break points at 1-1 before he created a trio of his own in the next.

Unlike Ferrer, though, he was able to capitalise on his position of strength as the Spaniard sent a forehand into the net to put Murray in the driving seat.

In game eight, Murray earned himself two set points with a deft backhand drop-shot and, although Ferrer saved one, the Briton made no mistake on the second with a devastating cross-court forehand.

It seemed as though Murray would cruise to victory when he took a 3-0 lead in the third, but Ferrer battled back strongly, keeping his hopes alive with a powerful forehand down the left line.

Undeterred by that setback, Murray made a flying start to the fourth set, and a clinical overhead smashed sealed a double break and a 4-0 lead.

A comfortable hold saw him move further away from Ferrer and although the Spaniard avoided a bagel, Murray secured his passage with a powerful serve out wide that his opponent could only return into the net.