Murray sets up Tsonga showdown
The fourth seed looked in trouble at a set and a break down but dug deep, saved a set point in an epic second-set tie-break and eventually came through 6-7 (7/5) 7-6 (8/6) 6-4 7-6 (7/4).
Tomorrow he will play Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga as he bids to become the first British man since Bunny Austin in 1938 to reach the Wimbledon singles final.
Meanwhile, defending champion Novak Djokovic braced himself for the “ultimate challenge” of stopping Roger Federer after coasting past Florian Mayer to reach the last four.
Mayer, ranked 29th in the world, played some excellent tennis at times but the Serb proved too strong in the end as he recorded a 6-4 6-1 6-4 win.
The victory set up a mouthwatering semi-final tomorrow against six-time champion Federer, who tore Mikhail Youzhny apart on Centre Court.
The Swiss has won 16 grand slams and is determined to equal Pete Sampras and William Renshaw’s record of seven Wimbledon titles.
Federer may be 30 years old, but Djokovic insists his next opponent’s power is not on the wane.
“He’s rated probably as the best player in history,” Djokovic said. “He has won everything a tennis player can win and he’s coming back for more.”
Djokovic displayed some of the best tennis he has played throughout the Wimbledon fortnight against Mayer yesterday. The Serb started slowly, coming from a break down to clinch the first set before easing to victory in one hour and 45 minutes.
“My mindset is very positive,” Djokovic added. “I won the title here last year and have got to another semi-final this year, so I’m feeling good about this surface, and about myself.
“This year I’ve been playing really well, constantly well and I hope to continue that way. I really have nothing to lose. I’m going to try to win.”
Djokovic has had the edge over Federer in their recent meetings, winning six out of the last seven matches.
Meanwhile on Centre Court today Victoria Azarenka is aiming to make history as she battles Serena Williams for a place in the ladies’ final.
The Belarusian is yet to drop a set
Germany’s Angelique Kerber faces Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska from midday today in the other semi-final.
Radwanska can rise from third to number one in the rankings by carrying off the title.
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