Murray happy to play the bad guy

Andy Murray revelled in the role of pantomime villain at the French Open as he defeated home favourite Richard Gasquet to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open for the third time in his career.

The Scot knew what to expect on Court Philippe Chatrier and he was not disappointed, grinning as he walked out to boos and was then jeered off and on throughout his 1-6 6-4 6-1 6-2 victory, which sets up a last-eight clash with wall-like Spaniard David Ferrer.

Umpire Carlos Bernardes was struggling to keep control as the crowd willed their man on, but he need not have worried about Murray, who was loving it. The world number four said: "He obviously started the match well but I started to use the energy from the crowd in a positive way and obviously turned it around and played very well the last few sets."

He added: "I wouldn't say it got too much. It was almost like playing a football match. And I like football. I enjoyed myself on the court.

"It's the most fun I've had on the court in a while, so I wasn't shying away from the fact that the crowd wanted me to lose.

"I've played Davis Cup a few times away from home but that was probably one of the most hostile atmospheres that I've played in."

Gasquet gave his opponent only the most cursory of handshakes at the end and then complained Murray had enjoyed more than his fair share of good fortune.

The 25-year-old said: "He was so lucky during the second set, so many shots not far away (from being out). But then at the beginning of the third set I made a few mistakes.

"Then when he gains confidence, it's really difficult, because he's a fighter, and he's always there. He always hits one shot more than you.

"He played well during the third and fourth sets. It was difficult for me to have the upper hand. He was a difficult player to play against."