Paris Masters: Andy Murray overcomes stiff back to beat Richard Gasquet

Andy Murray celebrated becoming the new world number two by reaching a first semi-final at the Paris Masters as his Davis Cup preparations continued. The two-time grand slam winner looked to be heading out after going a break down in the deciding third set, but won five of the last six games to set up a final four meeting with either John Isner or David Ferrer.

Murray won a first set tie-break to storm into the ascendancy but in front of a home crowd and with a place as an alternate at the ATP World Tour finals up for grabs Gasquet rallied. The Frenchman levelled the match as errors flowed from the Murray racquet with the British number one seemingly running out of steam.

The momentum created from Gasquet saw him open up a 2-1 lead at the start of the third set with an early break, but Murray staged a typically dogged comeback. The Scot broke back immediately and in game eight he converted a fourth break point to set up a 7-6 3-6 6-3 win.

"It was a tough match," said Murray, who will compete at the ATP World Tour finals before representing Great Britain in the Davis Cup final. "The crowd was right behind him and it was perfect preparation for the Davis Cup to play in an atmosphere like that and to come through a very physical contest.

"I was moving well towards the end but it was just towards the end that [my back was] giving me a little bit of trouble. That can happen. It is a long season [and Gasquet] puts you in positions on the court that not a lot of guys are able to. It is normal to feel a little bit stiff and sore but that is a good thing so I can get that out of the system. Come the ATP Tour Finals and the Davis Cup it shouldn't be a problem."