PARIS, June 6: Andy Murray’s hopes of ending Britain’s 76-year wait for a Grand Slam men’s champion stalled again on Wednesday when he was defeated 6-4, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3, 6-2 by Spain’s David Ferrer in the French Open quarter-finals.

Sixth-seeded Ferrer reached his first Roland Garros semi-final where he will tackle compatriot and six-time champion Rafael Nadal on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final.

Despite trailing 5-4 in their career meetings, Ferrer had a 3-0 advantage on clay and the 30-year-old was quickly into his stride on Wednesday, breaking for a 3-1 lead and carving out a set point in the eighth game which Murray saved. The Scot broke to 4-5 but in the 10th game, Ferrer converted a set point thanks to a netted Murray forehand drive.

Ferrer carved out two match points, one of which was saved but the tie was his when Murray pushed a backhand wide.—AFP