Murray downplays schedule

Andy Murray: Made quick eork of Marin Cilic to set up clash with David Ferrer

Andy Murray admits that Wimbledon's weather issues are making life harder for him but accepts his hectic schedule as part of the challenge of grand slam tennis.

The British number one progressed to the quarter-finals at the All England Club after completing a two-day, rain-affected 7-5 6-2 6-3 win over Marin Cilic on Court One.

Murray will face David Ferrer in the last eight on Wednesday, with the semi-finals and final of the men's tournament then scheduled for Friday and Sunday respectively.

If the 25-year-old were to go all the way he will have been on court for at least five of the last seven days of the tournament, but he knows plenty of other players are facing the same problem.

"It's not just me. There's lots of guys in exactly the same position. Anyone will tell you if you play four matches in eight days, it's better than playing four matches in five or six days," Murray said.

"The more rest you can get the better, but it's part of playing grand slam tennis. Often it's happened to me in the past at the US Open where there's been a backlog of matches. It's not going to be the only time it happens here either."

Energy

Murray certainly did not have to expend too much excess energy against Cilic on Tuesday, racing through to a straight sets victory after resuming with a 7-5 3-1 overnight lead.

He said: "It's tough. In matches you can build momentum and build leads, and then when you stop, once you come back out again, you feel like you're starting off from square one.

"The more rest you can get the better, but it's part of playing grand slam tennis."
Andy Murray Quotes of the week

"But I did well today. He started the third set well. He had a few chances. I came up with some big serves. I served very well in the third set especially."

Murray's last grand slam campaign ended with a defeat to Ferrer at the French Open, but the three-time Wimbledon semi-finalist believes it will be a different contest on grass.

"I'd rather not play him on a clay court because it's a surface that I've struggled against him on," he said.

"But on the other surfaces I've played some good matches against him. Tough matches, but good. I've won against him a few times. Hopefully I can do the same tomorrow (Wednesday)."

Favourite

Despite his win at Roland Garros, Ferrer insists that world number four Murray will be the favourite to come out on top.

"Of course it is a very important match because it is the quarter-final of Wimbledon but I will try to focus on every point," the Spaniard said.

"I don't want to think about the people, about the expectation around this match. Maybe he has more pressure than me because he plays at home with your people.

"I played him four weeks ago on a clay court and now I will play with him on a grass court.

"He's the favourite player (to win) because he's better than me, and tomorrow I will try to do my best. I will have to play my best tennis to beat him.

"It's very difficult to beat Andy on all surfaces, but on a grass court it is more difficult."