ANDY MURRAY faces his toughest test yet today at the French Open in the shape of home favourite Richard Gasquet.
The British No.1 looked back to his brilliant best at Roland Garros as he sent Santiago Giraldo packing in straight sets.
World No.20 Gasquet is a step up in class from the Colombian and he and Murray are tied at 3-3 on the head-to-head.
I'm backing Murray to edge ahead of Gasquet and reach the quarter-finals but it almost certainly won't be in straight sets again.
The Scot is the favourite at 13-20 with Sportingbet – Gasquet 6-4 at Bet365. Murray to win in four sets is 16-5 with Sportingbet but he might need five sets to shake off the Frenchman (13-2 Stan James).
World No.2 and defending champ Rafael Nadal is marching on and 1-50 (Totesport, 888sport, William Hill, Paddy Power, Stan James, Betfred) to see off Argentine Juan Monaco who is 22-1 with Bet365.
Mallorcan Nadal leads Monaco 3-1 on previous meetings and is playing so well right now he will probably advance to the last eight in straight sets, 1-4, Stan James and William Hill.
David Ferrer (1-33, William Hill) should have few worries seeing off fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers who is 16-1 with Boylesports and Bet365.
Completing the last-16 line-up, the first career clash between Serbian Janko Tipsarevic and another Spaniard, Nicolas Almagro, is too close to call that I'm plumping for a five-setter (5-2, BetVictor, SkyBet, Boylesports).
Almagro, more comfortable on clay, is the 1-2 favourite with Stan James, Tipsarevic, 15-8 at Bet365.
Recommendations
Murray to win (13-20, Sportingbet)
Murray to win 3-1 (16-5, Sportingbet)
Tipsarevic v Almagro (five sets, 5-2, BetVictor, SkyBet, Boylesports).
Tipsarevic v Almagro (Tiebreak in match, 8-11, Bet365).
In December 2020 we sadly 
Murray 3-0 down. I just backed him in play @ 11/10. Fingers crossed!!
3-0 down in 1st set i meant to say.
Job well done andy! Had me worried for a bit in second set but seen it out well. Nice shout with the 3-1 david.
Davie, well done with 3-1 Murray at a nice price too. Always seems to lose first set to Gasquet but finished playing brilliantly. Look forward to seeing your thoughts on his chances against Ferrer.
11/8 against Ferrer, Murray is. Big price in my opinion, although admittedly it will be a tough match. Will be interested to see what David says about the tie, along with the other 3 quarter final matches
Luke, if it was any surface but clay you’d strongly fancy Murray. I think Ferrer has beaten him on clay three times but the way Murray finished against Gasquet was impressive so if his backs holds out he must have a chance. But I’ll see what David says first.
hey Paul will David be putting up any tips for the tennis today cheers
Stephen, I’d imagine hin next piece will be tomorrow.
Murray looked awesome in latter stages of todays match, and as you say, if his back problem holds up, then he is most definitely in with a decent chance! I look forward to reading what David thinks.