Andy Murray won a dramatic fifth—set shootout Tuesday to wrap up a match interrupted at two sets apiece by darkness, defeating Serb Viktor Troicki 4—6, 4—6, 6—3, 6—2, 7—5 to reach his second career quarter—final at the French Open.
Murray, his mood looking as glum as the weather which threatened rain, came back from a break down in a set where a ballboy ran mistakenly onto court as Troicki was trying to put away a smash. The point was replayed, with fourth seed Murray winning it.
The fourth seed stood two points from elimination after going down a break 2—5 but holding for 3—5.
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The Scot then proceeded to come alive, breaking the increasingly frustrated Serb, whose fans were making a racket in the stands of the Lenglen showcourt.
Murray closed to 4—5 with a drop shot for the break and broke yet again on his third chance of the 11th game to seize a 6—5 lead.
The Scot who came to the court Monday after partially rolling his right ankle in the previous round, then had to struggle in the end to close it out on a fourth match point with a dipping pass winner cross court which kissed the sideline for victory.
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Murray will face off Wednesday against Argentine clay grinder Juan Chela carrying a 6—1 advantage after losing their first meeting in 2006 and winning everything since.
Murray last reached the Roland Garros quarter—finals in 2009.