Fourth set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 5-4 Murray (* denotes server) Both players digging really deep here and Murray goes so close with a cross-court forehand, but it drifts just long. 15-0 down but he demonstrates incredible defence in the next point, getting an overhead smash back before Ferrer drags a forehand wide. 15-15 now and Ferrer sends his forehand wide again...chance here for a break perhaps. What a shot from Murray to set up two break points! He smashes a backhand at 101mph that is simply unstoppable! Ferrer's first serve is out after a Hawkeye review but he wins the point anyway on second after Murray finds the net. A thrilling rally at 30-40 and with a clear sight down the line, Murray sends his forehand just too long! What a chance there! Ferrer doesn't blink twice at deuce, slamming a serve in and taking his return out of the air, sending a drive volley into the corner. Murray gets a break off the net cord though as Ferrer rushes in, reaches the ball but is then caught out by the lob. Back to deuce and Ferrer eeks out the point but can't close out the game as Murray lifts a delicious slice lob over the Spaniard, who can only look to his team in frustration. But that frustration soon transforms itself into a quite magnificent forehand which beats Murray all ends up. Another chance for Ferrer to hold...can he do it?...yes he can! Aggressive play as he charges into the net after his serve and smashes an overhead winner. Big game that.
Fourth set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 4-4 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray begins the game by dinking over a delicate drop shot to go 15-0 up but he puts too much whip on his next shot and it sails into the net. 15-15 now and it's another attempted drop shot at the wrong time...it doesn't make it on this occasion and Ferrer goes 15-30 up. Surely he has learnt his lesson...no! Incredibly after a long rally Murray attempts another drop shot and again sends it into the net. Two break points for the Spaniard at 15-40 but Murray saves the first, aggressive play and coming into the net to finish off. He holds his nerve again and powers in a wide serve and simple volley – Mr Henman would have been proud. Deuce and Ferrer sends his shot from the baseline just long, great turnaround from Murray and he ends the game with an emphatic serve! Well done sir.
Fourth set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 4-3 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer looking to do the same and as swiftly as Murray did moments ago, he finds himself 40-0 up with some ruthless serving. Anything you can do I can do better, you can see him thinking. Murray scraps back a point and is really making the extra effort in the next point...doing all the work and hanging on in there, hacking his way to winning the point as Ferrer goes wide. Another attritional rally at 40-30 and Ferrer comes out on top this time as Murray hits the net. Tough game though.
Fourth set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 3-3 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray hoping for another comforable service game and he starts well, winning two points on first serve to go 30-0 up. He's certainly finding his rhythm now and he smashes in two more first serves to win the game without reply. Crash, bang wallop.
Fourth set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 3-2 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer sends down his fourth ace to go 15-0 up, any break for Murray now would surely spell the end of his challenge. And the Scot goes level as Ferrer, looking a bit languid now, fires long. I spoke too soon though, Ferrer smashing a serve down the centre of the court before a sweeping crosscourt forehand to win the point. It's suddenly 40-15 as Murray finds the net and the Spaniard wins the game as Murray's return flies long.
Fourth set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 2-2 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray starts the game well with a powerful serve that Ferrer can't return. He remains in control to go 30-0 up, his approach shot so deep that the next volley is basically aimed at half an empty court. He's soon at 40-0 up and finishes the game off with an emphatic ace. Lovely stuff.
Fourth set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 2-1 Murray (* denotes server) What a fantastic passing shot from Murray to go 0-15 up in this third game. Quality backhand on the run that hits the line and Ferrer looks flabbergasted that he made that. But the Spaniard doesn't dwell on it, he does the opposite and swings the game back his favour, sending some top serves down which Murray cannot reply and he doesn't get back on the scoreboard. A few spats of rain can be seen...let's hope it blows over.
Fourth set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 1-1 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray gets back on level terms but not after Ferrer had made him work, sending over a good lob to claw his way back at 15-15 , but the Spaniard may by beginning to tire as he hits the net cord to give Murray the chance to clinch the game, which he does by forcing the Spaniard into an error.
Fourth set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-6, 1-0 Murray (* denotes server) Simple enough start to the fourth set for Ferrer. No long rallies in this game as he uses his serve to good use. Murray claws his way back to 40-15 after losing three but perhaps he is conserving his energy for later games.
Peter Corway emails:
Nothing dry, clever or witty to say other than this is FANTASTIC. If Murray gets past Ferrer he will have beaten: Davydenko, Karlovic, Baghdatis, Cilic & Ferrer – That is insane.
Third set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 4-6 Murray* (* denotes server) Aggressive start to the game from Murray, approaching the net and hitting a first-time forehand into the vacant left-side of Ferrer's court. The next first serve is also good and Ferrer finds the net, 30-0. Same again with another excellent serve to go 40-0, and it's an ace to clinch the set! Murray goes 2-1 up with his 12th ace!
Third set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-5 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer is beginning to feel the heat on Centre Court as he puts a backhand into the tramline before missing to get Ferrer back at 15-15. Actually, forget what I said about Ferrer tiring, he slams down a serve, crashes a forehand across court before coming in and smashing an overhead winner, 30-15. An arduous rally for both players next up and Murray is in control, the speed of his groundstrokes has improved and he drags his opponend wide, forcing the error. Yet at 30-30 he makes an unforced error, slicing a backhand into the net with the approach. He brings it back to deuce before a brilliant forehand return past Ferrer to set up a break point. Can he take it?...yes he can! A fine backhand return forcing Ferrer to shoot wide! Great returning from Murray.
Third set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 4-4 Murray* (* denotes server) 'Pressure is a privilege' says Jonny Mac, quoting Billie Jean King. Well, let's see if Murray can use that pressure to his advantage here. He runs into the net, slips quite badly, but Ferrer's lob actually goes long with the Scot crumpled on the turf. Think he looks OK though, yep, a strong serve setting up the next point to go 30-0 up. Murray sends a forehand just wide, though, and his challenge was more hopeful than anything. 30-15 now and that's a tremendous crosscourt backhand from Murray, struck with skidding pace and he sees out the game by coming into the net and volleying home. Is Ferrer tiring slightly?...it looks like that may be the case.
Third set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 4-3 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer goes 30-0 up after his serve in the second point barely clips the line, as Andy Murray's challenge proves fruitless. An enthralling rally then follows and Murray strikes the ball with authority onto Ferrer's backhand side, it is called good but Hawkeye shows it was in fact out, 40-0. Ferrer sees out the game with ease with an impressive wide serve that Murray backhands into the net.
Third set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 3-3 Murray* (* denotes server) Something going on in the changeover there with Ferrer, think he was asking for fresh towels, anyway...on with the sixth game of the third set and Murray takes a 15-0 lead as Ferrer goes long. Great play from both players: a fierce approach from Ferrer on the forehand but Murray reaches it with his slice backhand and the Spaniard clips his half-volley just long. Murray then goes 40-0 up with an imperious drop shot, Ferrer didn't even bother chasing that one and the game is up as he sends a backhand into the net.
Third set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 3-2 Murray (* denotes server) Murray takes an early advantage but then loses his cool and level of intensity with two wide shots, Ferrer going 30-15 up. The Spaniard coasts to a 40-15 lead by coming into the net and smashing home a winner with consummate ease. Murray hits the baseline with a sliced backhand, the ball was called good but Ferrer immediately challenges the decision and Hawkeye shows it was just long. He takes the game.
Third set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 2-2 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray goes 0-15 down before doing some hanging in of his own in the next rally, waiting for the error from Ferrer instead of forcing it... and it duly comes as the Spaniard hits a rare wild forehand. At 15-15, though, Murray is sloppy with a forehand in the next point though and follows it up with a double fault. Two break points for Ferrer at 15-40 but he doesn't make the first one, an unforced error gratefully received by Murray. Agressive play from the Scot and he gets back on level terms at deuce with some fine groundstrokes before taking the advantage with an ace. Great turnaround this from Murray and he wins the game by powering a forehand into the feet of Ferrer, who hits into the net.
Simon McMahon emails:
In this match of extremely fine margins, Murray just needs to keep his head and trust himself. He will need heart and nerve and sinew, the ability to hold on when there is nothing in him except the will which says, "Hold On!" Sorry, I'm plagiarising Kipling's 'If', thought it was appropriate. Will it be Triumph or Disaster for Andy though?
Third set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 2-1 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer races into a 30-0 lead , hitting a line judge on the shoulder with a stinging ace. Murray claws himself back into contention with a well-judged drop shot but Ferrer hangs in their with great determination at 30-15, scrapping at the baseline before waiting for his chance to come in and smash an overhead winner. Murray returns brilliantly at 40-30 but in the next point sends his return long and Ferrer takes the game.
Third set: Ferrer 7-6, 6-7, 1-1 Murray* (* denotes server) Again it's better from Murray as he powers down a strong serve out wide, following it up at the net with an easy finish. Perhaps he was being too clever at 15-0 up though, attempting a cheeky lob from close to the net which drifts wide. 15-15 now and Murray seems to be more focused, forcing Ferrer to go long before the Spaniard finds the net at 30-15. He finishes the game with an ace...but wait...Ferrer challenges the call and it's actually wide. Not to worry though, the Scot wins on his second serve point, Ferrer finding the net.
Third set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-7, 1-0 Murray (* denotes server) Murray goes 0-15 up and is very unlucky in the second point, his forehand clipping the top of the net and drifting out of play into the tramlines. Small margins and all that. He sends a shot wide to fall 30-15 behind but is continuing to be agressive, coming to the net with real purpose and Ferrer sends the lob long. 30-30 then and Murray does well to keep the serve in play but he leaves his opponent a simple drop shot to win the point. Ferrer serves out the game as Murray's forehand doesn't climb over the net. New balls please.
Murray is top on aces but his first serve accuracy is only at 53%.
Second set tie break: Murray takes the second set 8-6 on the tie break! Great 20-stroke rally to finish it and Murray is back in the game!
Second set tie break: Ferrer 6-7 Murray* (* denotes server) Set point for Murray as Ferrer can't keep his return in play!
Second set tie break: Ferrer 6-6 Murray* (* denotes server) Excellent serve and Murray smashes a winner following a weak return from Ferrer. Even again at 6-6 as they change ends once more.
Second set tie break: Ferrer* 6-5 Murray (* denotes server) Solid first serve from Ferrer, it hits the line and Murray can't get it back!
Second set tie break: Ferrer* 5-5 Murray (* denotes server) What a great point from Murray! Fantastic effort from both players as all the shots in the rally barely made it over the net, eventually Murray forcing Ferrer into the error!
Second set tie break: Ferrer 5-4 Murray* (* denotes server) A decent rally and Murray's strength shows to fight his way back to 5-3 before firing down an ace.
Second set tie break: Ferrer* 5-2 Murray (* denotes server) An ace from Murray is followed by two comfortable points from Ferrer and he is so close to the second set.
Second set tie break: Ferrer* 3-2 Murray (* denotes server) More battling from Murray forces the error from Ferrer
Second set tie break: Ferrer* 3-1 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer's serve is too strong and he takes a 3-0 lead.
Second set tie break: Ferrer* 2-0 Murray (* denotes server) Murray is forced back on his heels and attempts a lob...but it goes long!
Second set tie break: Ferrer 1-0 Murray* (* denotes server) Fantastic scrambing again from the Spaniard to just reach Murray's short shot and send a winner past the Scot.
Second set: Ferrer* 7-6, 6-6 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer serving to stay in the second set now and maybe he is feeling slightly deflated – after all he has played superbly – and he sends a backhand long. 0-15 but he regroups, attacking Murray's return and volleying a comfortable winner. Murray can't get the next return over the net but claws himself back to 30-30 as Ferrer's backhand is millimetres wide, which a challenge confirms. 30-30 and Murray attempts an audacious drop shot that doesn't quite make it over the net, but fair play for the effort considering the circumstances. A strong serve from Ferrer that Murray returns, but the Spaniard's next effort sees Murray hit the net. Another tie break!
Second set: Ferrer 7-6, 5-6 Murray* (* denotes server) Now we're seeing a bit more fire from Murray as he slams a winner down. If he can hold here then the second set will be within his grasp. 15-0 up and suddenly the point of the game so far! Ferrer had Murray scrambling and he was pulled so wide but he made the return which clipped the net, forcing Ferrer to adjust his position, just making the volley which Murray reached before sending a backhand winner down the line! Wonderful stuff from both players but Murray throws all that endeavour away on the next point, and an error makes it 30-15. He puts that out of his mind however and turns the aggression on again...driving Ferrer out wide and the Spaniard unable to steer his backhand into the court on the run. 40-15 now and Murray powers a precise backhand into the left corner to win the game!
Second set: Ferrer* 7-6, 5-5 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer serves to take a two-set lead and we have a relentless rally in the first point, Murray is playing some good stuff but Ferrer simply can't be broken! Eventually Murray goes long, which a challenge from the Scot confirms. Good aggressive play next from Murray, firing a deep forehand and forcing Ferrer to hit the net. 15-15 and Ferrer almost hits a majestic forehand winner but it drifts narrowly wide, Hawkeye again used as confirmation. Suddenly Murray is back in business as the Spaniard fires a groundstroke into the tramlines! Two break points at 15-40 for the Scot and he makes it...Ferrer into the net! Murray breaks back!
Second set: Ferrer 7-6, 5-4 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray goes 15-0 up in what is an important game...if he can win this one then there is the possibility that Ferrer could falter on his serve. So, 15-0 and Murray's forehand is called long but it clips the line after a challenge from the Scot, and the point is replayed. Another baseline battle and a tired looking Murray hits a backhand into the net. More aggression from Ferrer to smack a second serve into the deep, right corner and Murray can't respond, going 15-30 down. Another ace, Murray's eighth of the game, moves him level again at 30-30, so useful to have that weapon in the locker. Crucial point now and Murray looks to power a forehand winner down the line...but it's called out! He challenges but the call was good! Real pressure now, break point down. Fine serve out to Ferrer's backhand though and he then fires a backhand down the line as we go to deuce once more. It's relentless stuff from Ferrer as he gets inside a fantastic forehand and forces Murray into an error. Advantage the Spaniard and Murray attempts a drop shot...wide! Ferrer wins the game despite a half-hearted challenge from Murray!
Second set: Ferrer* 7-6, 4-4 Murray (* denotes server) Nice drop shot from Murray but Ferrer gets there with plenty of time, making his shot before smashing a winner. He goes 30-0 up before steering a backhand wide following a deep return from Murray. At 30-15 now and Murray goes level in the game with some excellent play, smashing a forehand down without a bounce and forcing Ferrer into the error. Possible chance for a break point here and the two are locked in a rally before Murray finds the net. Maybe he is trying too hard and worried about approaching the net? Either way Ferrer is dominant in the next point, both at the front and back of the court, smashing an overhead from the baseline before a simple finish at the net.
Second set: Ferrer 7-6, 3-4 Murray* (* denotes server) Ferrer does well to make a forehand onto the line to go 15-0 up and wins the next point with an excellent backhand. Murray is in deep trouble now but counters it with agressive play, attacking the net and finishing the point with a simple volley on his forehand side. That's more like it, he needs to come to the net more. A great serve at 15-30 but what a woeful second shot! Murray fires into the net when he had ample time to pick his spot. He went for power and now faces two break points. The first one is saved, the Scot again taking the iniative by coming to the net, but why isn't he doing that more?! An ace to make it deuce! Great nerve from Murray! He dictates proceedings again but Ferrer scrambles at 40-40 and forces Murray into a smash which he hits into the net, perhaps the sun was in his eyes. Wonderful save though on the third break point from Ferrer, who is proving so tough to break down! Deuce once again and Murray fires down a serve that the Spaniard barely gets a racket to. Can he see the game out...yes he can! A body serve closing Ferrer up!
Second set: Ferrer* 7-6, 3-3 Murray (* denotes server) Murray takes the first point of the game but then a Lackadaisical few points means Ferrer quickly goes 30-15 up. He comes to the net again and makes another volleyed winner to go 40-15 ahead. Ferrer keeps scurrying around and forcing Murray to hit every shot – playing him at his own game – and Murray duly hits into the net. Ferrer has made 77% of his net shots so far.
Second set: Ferrer 7-6, 2-3 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray aggressive again to go 15-0 up, attacking the net well after a fine, deep approach, before a thunderbolt of an ace out wide evades Ferrer. More cut and thrust from the Spaniard to whip a forehand narrowly over the net and get back in the game, before Murray bags his second ace of the game, again out wide on Ferrer's backhand. 40-15 now and Ferrer goes long with a forehand from the baseline. Game won, that's more like it from Murray.
Second set: Ferrer* 7-6, 2-2 Murray (* denotes server) Ferrer goes into a 30-15 lead, coming into the net once more to attack the ball. Murray demonstrates his excellent touch at the net in the next point though, delicately touching the ball away from Ferrer's grasp. Ferrer goes 40-15 up, however, before sending a forehand long to leave him one opportunity of seeing the game out. Murray is on the ropes and he attempts a slice forehand, just to try and stay in the point, but it goes long.
Guy Hornsby emails:
So, Murray came back well in that set, but lost it at the death. He's been a slow starter in a lot of his games so far - something he needs to clearly improve on - but he was getting back into the match and I hope this upward curve continues. It wouldn't be Murray if we had a bit of drama, but no doubt we'll have the moaners out in force, willing him to lose because of the usual excuses
Second set: Ferrer 7-6, 1-2* Murray (* denotes server) Murray seems to have taken control of his service games and quickly goes 30-0 up before Ferrer did brilliantly to clip a return just over the net – Murray then going long. It's soon 40-15 as Murray produces a solid serve and winner, before Ferrer gets to within one shot as Britain's hope finds the net. Can he see the game out...yes, with an emphatic ace!
Second set: Ferrer* 7-6, 1-1 Murray (* denotes server) Murray may sniff the opportunity to get an early break in the second but he looks visibly frustrated on Centre Court – going 30-0 down after two wayward shots. The third point of the game is much better from his point of view, smashing a backhand into the right corner before attacking Ferrer's response with a forehand winner. However, the Spaniard is not deterred from being aggressive and he forces the error to go 40-15 up, although this is followed by a stray forehand into the tramline. Murray attacks his second serve with a strong backhand that Ferrer just reaches but fires long. Deuce now and Murray digs deep with impressive ground strokes to force an error and earn a break point...but Ferrer is simply too good! Excellent point from the Spaniard who was in total control of that point, sending Murray from pillar to post before a volleyed winner. The Scot then sends his return into the net and has a little word with the umpire before assuming position. Ferrer sees out the game with a simple forehand, after his serve had drawn the Scot out of position.
Second set: Ferrer 7-6, 0-1 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray needs to start this second set strongly after that tie break defeat and he goes 15-0 up following a serve that Ferrer can't get back. It's soon 15-15 though as he sends a lob into the tramline. Excellent point for the Scot next up as a precise serve forces Ferrer out wide before propelling a forehand winner down the line. Ferrer is a fighter though and he comes into the net and hitting a drop-volley that Murray can't reach. Murray responds with a serve down the middle that his opponent can't return and he sees out the game as the Spaniard sends a return long.
First set tie-break: Ferrer* 7-5 Murray (* denotes server) FERRER TAKES THE FIRST SET as Murray hits the net! Cagey stuff from Murray and he goes one down.
First set tie-break: Ferrer 6-5 Murray* (* denotes server) Sloppy from Murray as he hits the net with his backhand - unforced error - and Ferrer has a set point on his serve...
First set tie-break: Ferrer 5-5 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray gets back on level terms with an impressive return that Ferrer can't get back in play.
First set tie-break: Ferrer* 5-4 Murray (* denotes server) Tension from the Spaniard though as he fires a forehand wide.
First set tie-break: Ferrer* 5-3 Murray (* denotes server) It's a battle of wills in this point as shot after shot is smacked back from the baseline - 21 shots in total, but Murray switches off and hits the net.
First set tie-break: Ferrer 4-3 Murray* (* denotes server) Ferrer's flat shots are causing Murray problems but another good scramble from the Scot sees him reach a drop shot before the Spaniard finds the net.
First set tie-break: Ferrer 4-2 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray mis-reads a shot from Ferrer that clips the baseline and isn't returned. Ferrer wins four straight points.
First set tie-break: Ferrer* 3-2 Murray (* denotes server) A great serve down the middle is too good for Murray before Ferrer goes ahead in the tie-break, chasing a drop shot down before hitting a cross-court winner.
First set tie-break: Ferrer 1-2 Murray* (* denotes server) He goes 2-0 up after a long rally before Ferrer breaks back with a brilliant sweeping forehand that Murray had come into the net to attack, great passing shot.
First set tie-break: Ferrer* 0-1 Murray (* denotes server) The Scot breaks and wins the first point of the tie-break with a fine serve.
First set: Ferrer 6-6 Murray* (* denotes server) Well there are no problems whatsoever from Murray as he serves to stay in the set, holding his nerve to go 40-0 up with some strong serving that Ferrer cannot deal with. The Spaniard is in the point at the end of the game, though, but Murray reads the play expertly and hits a winner into an empty court. Tie break!
First set: Ferrer* 6-5 Murray (* denotes server) Well, well, well. This opening set has been turned on its head as Murray goes 0-30 up, Ferrer hitting the net before leaving a shot short which Murray attacks with real venom. He can't eek out three break points, though, as he send a forehand into the net to make it 15-30. Both players show their grit and stamina in the next point but some tight footwork from Murray proves his downfall, slicing a backhand into the net to make it 30-30. Murray then looks to take it early and goes long before Ferrer attacks his return and Murray can only get a racket on it and not direct the ball into the court. A strong hold.
First set: Ferrer 5-5 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray looking to hold now but loses the first point before smashing a powerful central serve which Ferrer can't reply. Another impressive second serve, close to the line and Ferrer can't stay in the point as Murray takes a 30-15 advantage. He has the bit between his teeth now and is beginning to dictate more of the play, going 40-15 up after Ferrer can't reply a low backhand. The Spaniard does better with his next return though and the pair slug it out again before Murray hits a forehand long, 40-30. Not the best second serve as he looks to close out the game, it sits up but Ferrer finds the net. They're even again!
First set: Ferrer* 5-4 Murray (* denotes server) Pressure on Ferrer to go one set up in this match. Maybe Murray can sense that pressure and he cranks things up with some excellent ground strokes, forcing Ferrer to hit long. Wonderful approach shot from Ferrer after a relatively tame second serve that Murray could have perhaps done more with, 15-15. Excellent from Murray again though with a fantastic forehand to his opponent's right, which he then attacks at the net with a drop-shot that leaves him an easy winner. Soon, however, it's all square again at 30-30 with an ace down the middle. A set point now for Ferrer though with a low, deep forehand that is pure class. Great fighting spirit from Murray to save that set point and a deft touch at the next gives him a break point, following fantastic return and a beautiful lob! Too good from Ferrer though and he is so much further into the court than Murray...smashing an aggressive forehand deep to win the point. Deuce now and this game takes another turn as Murray smacks a backhand winnner down the court, leaning into the shot reall well. Another break point and Murray makes it! He stays in the point before digging deep at full stretch, staying balanced to screw a backhand crosscourt past Ferrer who was rushing in!
First set: Ferrer 5-3 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray knows he needs to hold this game and put his friend under pressure to serve the set out. He produces two excellent first serves to go 30-0 up before a double fault brings it back to 30-15. Murray then attacks the next point, coming to the net with a fine backhand volley that goes deep, it's returned but a simple finish left for Murray. He can't kill the game off straight away, though, as there's too much pace on Ferrer's next return and Murray sprays a forehand long. 40-30 and he misses the first serve...only to win the point as Ferrer goes long.
First set: Ferrer* 5-2 Murray (* denotes server) Murray goes 0-15 up and sniffs the chance of a break with a wide shot from his opponent. The two rivals then slug it out on the baseline again but it's Ferrer who is in control of the point, dinking a drop shot over the net which Murray reaches but can only send into the right tramline. A good return next up from the Brit but he loses his concentration and hits a forehand narrowly long. Ferrer then attacks the next to go 40-15 up, that might be a rare sight today but it shows his versatility. An unforced error follows, though, with a forehand into the net and it's 40-30. Ferrer sees out the game and holds although kudos to Murray for getting a tough forehand back, only to see his opponent half-volley a winner.
First set: Ferrer 4-2 Murray* (* denotes server)
It's simply sublime from Ferrer at the moment. A 22-shot rally goes back and forth before the No7 seed somehow produces a shot which clips the baseline to win the point. Murray's serve sees him bring the game back to 15-15 and Ferrer then sends a backhand long – his first error of the match! A decent serve down the middle then forces a wide forehand from the Spaniard before Murray demonstrates his quality in the final point of the game, whipping his shots across court just over the net and forcing the error.
First set: Ferrer* 4-1 Murray (* denotes server) Long rally for the first point as Murray looks to immediately break back, and he wins it as Ferrer finds the net. It's soon 15-15 all though as a precise first serve to Murray's backhand is too good. Some deep hitting and Murray again can't get the ball back in play with Ferrer's aggressive stance causing him all sorts of problems. He's still fighting in this game though and the next point provides a scintillating forehand across court which Ferrer sends long. More uncertainty from Murray as he again finds the net with an unforced error to go 40-30 down. But what scrambling in the next point! Great work-rate from the Brit as he brilliantly reaches a drop shot and his lob hits the baseline, before volleying Ferrer's next shot into a semi-open court. It's to no avail, however, as the Spaniard holds his nerve and sees out the game with two impressive serves.
First set: Ferrer 3-1 Murray* (* denotes server) First point replayed after a line judge gives a bad call with Murray's backhand actually hitting the line. Here we go again and the Scot sends a deft slice over the net which beats Ferrer and is called good...he challenges the call and the ball was actually out, so we go to 0-15. Murray then powers a serve down which Ferrer can't reach but he challenges the decision, this time it's in. Murray goes 30-15 up as Ferrer's return hits the net before clinging on in the next point and sweeping a cross-court forehand past Murray. But it's another break point to the Spaniard at 30-40 as Murray's slice backhand goes wide and a tad long. And Murray is broken! The second serve is returned with venom and after a succession of backhands he smacks his forehand into the net.
First set: Ferrer* 2-1 Murray (* denotes server) Murray goes 0-30 up with Ferrer shooting wide before sending a relatively simple smash long. Opportunity here but a strong serve followed by a wicked cross-court forehand gets him back in the game. Yet Ferrer then finds the net with a forehand in the next point, and Murray has two chances to break...Strong serve at 15-40 though and Murray can't get the ball backin play before a pinpoint ace past Murray's backhand. Pressure still on Ferrer at Deuce but a fabulous 23-stroke rally sees the Spaniard prevail, with the crowd giggling when Murray was straining every sinew to get to the ball. He's not best pleased with that but moves over for the next serve, which he hits into the net. Ferrer holds.
First set: Ferrer 1-1 Murray* (* denotes server) Murray loses the first point of his service game and that is five straight for Ferrer, the Scot finding the net. His serve comes to the rescue at 15-15 before a 22-stroke rally again sees Murray hit low on the net. Ferrer hasn't missed a shot so far and looks in find nick. The game goes to 15-40 as a fine, deep return is right at Murray's feet and he hits the net once more. Two break points for Ferrer but the first is snuffed out with an ace down the middle. Another great return from the Spaniard at 30-40 but he doesn't come into the net when given the chance and hits a forehand wide. Deuce and another baseline rally sees Murray take advantage with Ferrer sending another forehand into the tramlines. It's same again on the final point of the game with Murray's backhand slice causing problems, another shot wide from Ferrer. Good hold.
First set: Ferrer* 1-0 Murray (* denotes server)
It's a simple opening game for the Spaniard with some strong seriving and excellent baseline play. Murray got his returns back for the first two points but could not get on the scorecard after a long rally at 40-0, Ferrer using an expert slice backhand deep into Murray's right corner.
David Ferrer to serve...
These players have played 10 times and have five victories apiece. Most of Ferrer's victories have come on clay, however, and he will need to maintain his recent form today. The umpire is Pascal Maria.
The players are knocking up on Centre and they'll be playing in front of a host of big names in the Royal Box. Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are present and we have tennis royalty in the form of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. England manager Roy Hodgson will also cast his eye over the action.
The key points for Murray are as followed... he needs to win more than 42% of first serve return points, more than 49% of 3 to 8 shot rallies and Convert more than 25% of break point opportunities.
The players are out on Centre Court and the weather is positively tropical in SW19. The roof is off and let's hope it stays that way throughout the match.
Afternoon everyone – I hope we're all ready for another grand slam quarter-final between Andy Murray and David Ferrer. The Spaniard got the better of the Scot at Roland Garros and Murray will need to be at his best today to reach the last four.
Join James Riach for live Wimbledon commentary from Andy Murray v David Ferrer.
In the meantime read Paul Wilson on Murray's meeting with his close friend, Ferrer.
Andy Murray is considered a stronger player on grass than David Ferrer and, despite losing to the Spaniard at the French Open, will go into his quarter-final as slight favourite. Yet if there is a weakness in Ferrer's game on this surface it was hard to spot in his fourth-round demolition of Juan Martín del Potro.
The 6ft6in Argentinian has the distinction of being the last player outside the present top three to win a grand slam title – the US Open in 2009 – and at first it was difficult to see how Ferrer would be able to cope with an opponent who has a telescopic reach and a 125mph serve.
It looked ominous when Ferrer had to save four break points on an opening service game that lasted almost 10 minutes, particularly when Del Potro ripped through the next to hold his serve to love. Yet that was as good as it got for the No9 seed. Ferrer broke his serve at the next opportunity, craftily using drop shots to good effect to bring Del Potro reluctantly to the net, and from that point the pattern of the match was established.
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