PARIS (AP) — Andy Murray advanced to French Open semifinals for the second time in his career, holding on to beat Gael Monfils of France 6-4, 6-1, 4-6, 1-6, 6-0 Wednesday.

Murray skipped the clay-court major last year because of an injured back, but he reached the semifinals in 2011, losing to Rafael Nadal.

The Wimbledon champion, seeded seventh at Roland Garros this year, will face Nadal again on Friday in the semifinals.

Monfils had been trying to become the first Frenchman to win the title at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah in 1983.

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