Murray prepares for Nadal clash
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Andy Murray is preparing for his quarter-final clash after staging one of the greatest ever Wimbledon comebacks.
The Scot fought his way back from two sets and a break down to win his fourth-round match against Richard Gasquet of France 5-7 3-6 7-6 6-2 6-4.
The 21-year-old was staring defeat in the face at 5-4 down in the third set, but he broke straight back to level the match at 5-5 and force a tie-break, which he won with ease.
He then raced through the fourth set and got an early break in the fifth as Gasquet faded along with the light.
The three hour and 57 minute epic has earned him his first grand slam quarter-final, where he will face second seed and four-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal.
The gutsy performance saw Murray greeted with roars of approval from the Centre Court crowd for the first time in his career and tennis fans will now be wondering whether Murray has what it takes to become the first Briton in 72 years to win the men's singles title at Wimbledon.
The grit and determination shown by the Scot won over many fans previously left cold by his dour, sometimes stroppy demeanour, and the cries of 'Murray, Murray' rang out in the gloom over what used to be Henman Hill as he closed in on victory late last night.
Asked if he believe he would win the tournament, Murray said: 'Obviously he (Nadal) is the favourite for the match but I do think I can win.
'When I have played him in the past on faster courts I have had chances against him, and I am definitely a better player than I was before and definitely fitter.
'It is going to be really important to serve well again but if I do that there is no reason why I can't win.'
Spaniard Nadal, beaten in the last two Wimbledon finals by Roger Federer, is desperate to end his Swiss nemesis' reign in SW19, and he is unlikely to crumble under pressure quite as obligingly as Gasquet.
Despite an injury scare during his match against Mikhail Youzhny, 22-year-old Nadal said he is raring to go against Murray.
In his Times newspaper blog, he wrote: 'Things are well and I am really looking forward to playing Andy on Wednesday. I watched most of the last three sets and I am very excited about that match.'
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