Murray set for Federer clash

By Niall Clarke

  • Andy Murray faces Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semi finals
  • The Brit will take to centre court on Friday to face the seven time champion
  • The last Wimbledon meeting was the 2012 final- Federer won in four sets.

LONDON, UK- Andy Murray’s quest for a second Wimbledon title faces its biggest challenge yet when he faces seven time champion Roger Federer on Friday.

After battling through big hitters, a crafty Italian and a giant with mammoth serve, Murray was made to work again by Vasek Pospisil. This time the British number one made sure not to drop a set as he came through 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. Now at the penultimate stage, Murray faces his toughest challenge of the championships thus far.

As if defeating a 17 time grand slam champion is not hard enough, Federer has also been in imperious form so far, having by far and away the best form of anyone who has made the final four. The Swiss maestro has only dropped one set on his way to the semi-finals, and that was a tiebreak third set against Sam Groth in round three. The seven time champion’s serve has been near enough unbreakable, only dropping one service game to Gilles Simon in his previous match after holding for 116 consecutive service games. It was also the first time he had faced a break point the entire tournament.

Federer has a first serve percentage of over 60%, winning over 85% of those points. The 33 year old has also been excellent behind his second serve winning 67% of the points.

Compare that to Murray who has served over 60% himself but at a slightly less percentage. However he not been as efficient behind the serve winning slightly less than 80% of his first serve points, and around 55% of his second serve points.

Federer has mastered these courts just as well as anyone. He holds the record of most men’s singles title with seven alongside Pete Sampras. The last of which came three years ago, and guess who he defeated in the final that year? Of course it was Murray, whose tears in the post-match interview captured the hearts of a nation.

The Scotsman would extract his own revenge on centre court just a month later, defeating Federer in straight sets to claim Olympic gold. It was one of the Brit’s finest performances. Murray however believes that past encounters won’t make a difference on Friday.

Federer has the head to head advantage 12-11 in this tight rivalry. The Swiss won their four meetings last year, including a 6-0, 6-1 demolition in their last meeting. Federer also has the advantage in Grand Slams, leading 4-1 in their head to head on the grandest stage. Murray’s sole grand slam victory over the 33 year old was at the Australian Open in 2013 where he came through in five sets.

The third seed has come through the draw without playing his best tennis so far, but he will have to up his game to beat arguably the greatest player of all time. It is also one of the rare times where the crowd may not be 100% behind the Brit with the crowd also known to love Federer. It is something Murray acknowledged in his press conference on Wednesday.

Novak Djokovic or Richard Gasquet will await the winner in the final. Djokovic only needed three sets to dispatch Marin Cilic, whilst Gasquet had an epic five setter with Stan Wawrinka which the Frenchman took 11-9 in the final set.

Andy Murray vs Roger Federer will take place on Friday on centre court. You can follow the action on our live scoring service: Live Scores 

FOLLOW BRITWATCH
Facebook Twitter
Instagram Vine