It just gets better and better for Britain's No.1 Andy Murray, who reached his first clay court quarter final and semi final on the same day at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The world No.4, who resumed overnight to defeat Italy's Fabio Fognini this morning, was forced to return to court this evening to face Russia's Nikolay Davydenko, who he overcame 7-6 6-4.

Murray's previous career record on clay does not make for good reading, having failed to progress past the third round in any senior competition but that did not prevent the Scot recording his 29th victory on the ATP Tour this season.

"It's been a long few days for me, having had to wait around because of the rain yesterday and then playing twice today so I'm really happy to come through it," he said.

"Beating someone like Davydenko on clay gives me a lot of confidence. I kept to my game plan and he made a lot of mistakes and that's what was key for me.

"I struggled with a blister on my hand but I managed to get through that and I'm just so happy to reach my first semi final on clay."

Murray will now face world number one Rafael Nadal, who is bidding for his fifth consecutive Monte Carlo Masters title.