Andy Murray takes inspiration from Marin Cilic’s run to French Open semi-finals

Andy Murray is drawing inspiration from French Open semi-finalist Marin Cilic ahead of trying to arrive at Wimbledon in the best shape possible.

The three-time grand slam winner took another step towards a first singles title on grass in six years on Thursday when he beat Gijs Brouwer 7-6 (4) 7-6 (3) to progress into the Surbiton Trophy quarter-finals.

Murray will be in action again at the ATP Challenger Tour event on Friday when he faces fifth seed Brandon Nakashima, while at a similar time in Paris, 33-year-old Cilic will attempt to reach a maiden final at Roland Garros.

Alongside the efforts of old sparring partner Rafael Nadal, who is 35 like the Briton and trying to extend his record-breaking haul of 21 grand slam titles, it gives the Scot plenty of motivation.

“I don’t know whether it is Rafa’s last run or not because he seems to be doing physically really well during the event, so I hope he is able to continue going for a while, but there are a few of the guys,” Murray said.

“Cilic as well, he is someone I grew up with in the juniors and played a lot with. He has just made the semis of the French for the first ever time at 33 years old and is playing really well.

“I can take some inspiration from those guys.”

After beating Jurij Rodionov in 58 minutes on Monday, Murray needed almost as long to clinch the first set against qualifier Brouwer, with a tie-break required which went the way of the top seed following a superb backhand winner down the line.

The Dutchman, who is ranked 230 in the world, provided even more uncomfortable moments for the double Olympic champion in the second, breaking him in the sixth service game only to let slip his advantage instantly.

Another tie-breaker had to separate the pair in the