The French Open 2016 has moved into the business end of the competition and players have to play at their optimum level, to move into the future round of the competition. Second seed, Andy Murray, one of the top favourites, will have his eyes in the French Open semifinal, but Frenchman Richard Gasquet stands on his way as the two prepare for a quarterfinal encounter at Philippe-Chatrier Court on Tuesday.
Murray looked below par in the early stages of the competition, as he struggled to defeat Radek Stepanek and Mathias Bourgue. Both the matches finished in five-sets, but the world number 2 has been in great form ever since, defeating some good players like Ivo Karlovic and John Isner in straight sets, which will give him immense confidence ahead of his Gasquet clash.
Though Murray will start as favourite, Gasquet has looked solid in the French Open so far losing just one set. The Frenchman has defeated players like Nick Kyrgios, but his biggest victory came in the pre-quarters, against fifth seed, Kei Nishikori.
Nishikori is one of the best players in the ATP circuit, but if Gasquet wants to defeat Murray, who is superior to the Japanese player, he needs to come with an A class game. Gasquet , who will be well supported by the home fans, is aware of the difficult task ahead.
"It's always important to have the crowd cheering for you, as they did it on the court, and I admit it made a big difference for me. Of course it will be the same on Tuesday, but for sure I need to play a big match to win [against] Andy," ATP's official website quoted Gasquet as saying.
Murray has an impressive head-to-head record against Gasquet, defeating him seven times out of 10. Gasquet defeated Murray in 2012 last, after which Murray has been dominant in the ATP circuit.
Murray will try to play from the back court, and hit those powerful winners from the baseline, with brute force. If he gets his backhand and forehand going early on, Gasquet will be in trouble.
Murray is expecting a tough atmosphere against Gasquet.
"I'm pumped to be in the quarters of a slam. The atmosphere will be tough but I don't mind that. I've played a number of times against French players here in difficult atmospheres and I managed OK, so I'm sure I'll be fine," BBC quoted Murray as saying.
Where to watch live
Andy Murray vs Richard Gasquet French Open quarterfinal is the third match at Suzanne-Lenglen Court. The first match on this court will start at 11 a.m local time (2:30 p.m IST, 10 a.m BST, 5 a.m ET), but Andy Murray vs Richard Gasquet will not start before 2 p.m local time ( 5:30 p.m, 1 p.m BST, 8 a.m).
India viewers can watch the French Open 2016 singles action on Neo Sports and Neo Prime. Audience in the UK can watch 2016 French Open live on ITV or ITV Player, while viewers in rest of Europe can do the same on Eurosport and Eurosport Player.
Viewers in the US can watch French Open matches live on Tennis Channel, ESPN 2 andNBC, with live stream options on Tennis Channel live,Watch ESPN and NBC Sports Live Extra.
Fox Sportsand Foxtel Play is the place to be to watch the French Open 2016 live in Australia.
Middle Eastern countries can watch French Open 2016 in BeIN Sports and online on BeIN Sports Connect.
Fox Sportswill broadcast French Open 2016 live in Asian countries.
Listeners across the world can also catch French Open 2016 matches live on Roland Garros Radio.
