Andy Murray says patience key to win over Fernando Verdasco

Andy Murray put his Wimbledon quarter-final comeback against Fernando Verdasco down to staying patient as the match appeared to be slipping away.

The Spaniard looked on course for a stunning upset when he led by two sets on Centre Court, but Murray fought back to win 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5.

"I definitely didn't rush when I went two sets to love down," said the British number one.

"I slowed myself down, if anything, and that was a good sign."

He added: "I thought about what I was doing wrong and the best way to get myself back into the match, changed tactics a little bit, was more patient, took a bit longer between points, didn't rush and didn't give him any free points after that."

There were moments of real anxiety for the Scot as Verdasco's left-handed serve, backed up by a huge forehand, caused him problems.

Murray berated himself on several occasions but was able to regain his composure quickly enough.

"It's something you learn with playing matches and with age, being more mature," said the 26-year-old.

"Obviously a lot of players get frustrated on the court, but you need to try to find a way to respond and not get too down on yourself.

"Providing it's for a point or two points [it's OK], but it shouldn't be affecting me for three, four games at a time.

"It may have done in the past, but I don't think that's the case any more."

The match had begun in a relatively low-key atmosphere, but the dramatic nature of the contest brought the 15,000 spectators on Centre Court to life.

"I just think it's a great atmosphere at the end of the match to be playing in," said Murray.

"I love it when it's like that. It was extremely noisy. They were right into it pretty much every single point.

"It was good today, especially when I went behind."

Murray will face Poland's 24th seed Jerzy Janowicz in Friday's semi-finals, while top seed Novak Djokovic will take on Juan Martin Del Potro.

"It will be a very tough match," said Murray.

"He's played extremely well here, I think. He had a tough match in the last round against [Jurgen] Melzer, but apart from that he's been pretty convincing. He's a tough player."