Andy Murray reaches Surbiton semifinals to start grass campaign

WATCH: The Break—Andy Murray kicks off grass campaign

Andy Murray has been playing on grass this week while fellow pros are still competing at the French Open, reaching the semifinals of the ATP Surbiton Challenger.

The 35-year-old fell in three sets to Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-7(4), 3-6, calling it a scratchy encounter.

"It was brutal conditions for both of us today, there was not loads of amazing tennis. We were using different skills, and trying to find ways to put the ball in difficult positions for the opponent," he said. "Denis did a better job of that today."

I played some good matches this week. I just want to keep improving week on week and match on match. That's all you can do really. Andy Murray

Still, Murray was happy with his tournament, and will now play Stuttgart and Queen's Club. The former No. 1 is looking to get into top shape for Wimbledon.

"I played some good matches this week," he said. "I just want to keep improving week on week and match on match. That's all you can do really."

He's also been following 36-year-old Rafael Nadal and 33-year-old Marin Cilic, both career rivals, as they go deep into the French Open. "I can take some inspiration from those guys," said Murray, who had hip surgery in 2019.

Murray, who did not play Roland Garros, is unseeded at Stuttgart.