British number one tennis star Andy Murray has received an apology from BBC reporter Garry Richardson for an interview he conducted after the Scot managed to reach the semi-finals of Wimbledon.

After defeating Fernando Verdasco by coming from two sets down on Centre Court, Richardson made reference to Sir Alex Ferguson's tactics after spotting the ex-Manchester United manager in the Royal Box.

The reporter asked Murray whether he would receive some harsh talking from coach Ivan Lendl, much like Ferguson used to do to his players.

Richardson asked: "Sir Alex Ferguson was in the Royal Box today watching you. He's been known to go into the dressing room after matches and give his players a bit of hairdryer treatment. Will Lendl say some things to you Andy to sort of gee you up or do you not need that? Do you know it all yourself?"

Murray responded: "I don't know it all, far from it. But I don't see why I should get told off after that. I tried incredibly hard, chased every single ball down from the first to the last and I came through an incredibly tough match."

The world number two later wrote on Twitter: "Don't be too hard on garry richardson he had a bad day and he apologised afterwards."

Murray will take on Jerzy Janowicz in the semi-finals.