Andy Murray outlasted Philipp Kohlschreiber 12-10 in the fifth set to reach the fourth round of the French Opne.

Murray prevailed 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 12-10 to book a fourth meeting with Spain's Fernando Verdasco, who overcame Richard Gasquet in three sets on Sunday.

Despite missing several chances to win the match on Saturday having held a break in each of the five sets, Murray has produced another example of his durability at the top end of the men's game.

Resuming at 7-7 after play was halted due to the bad light at 21:40 local time on Saturday, Murray had the advantage of serving first as the sudden-death tiebreak continued.

The Briton began in nervy fashion but held in the opening game, with Kohlschreiber responding after winning a pulsating second point of the 16<sup>th game.

With both players entering unchartered territory in a fifth set decider it was likely to require some brilliance to separate them, and Murray –after holding at 9-8 looked close to doing that with a chip on the slide.

A net cord helped bring up a first match point for Murray but a nerveless overhead volley helped Kohlschreiber eventually hold and in the next game there were signs of the physical exertions' of the previous evening as the Scot pulled up.

Kohlschreiber created a fourth break-point chance of the fifth set with a powerful forehand into the open court but Murray replied with a fearless first serve before forehands into both corners secured the game.

The Dusseldorf Open champion from last week was looking to reach the fourth round at Roland Garros for a third time and after staying in the match for a fifth time he put pressure on the Murray serve at 15-30 in the 21<sup>st game.

As Murray appeared close to cracking – with the match entering the fifth hour – the Brit benefitted from a net cord to eventually hold firm.

And it was the break the Wimbledon champion to secure his place in round four as after Kohlschreiber went wide with a forehand brought up two more match points, Murray converted the first of them with a stunning double-handed backhand winner.

Andy Murray