Murray braced for semi-final

Andy Murray braced for Wimbledon semi-final against Andy Roddick

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Friday, 03, Jul 2009 09:03

Andy Murray is bidding to become the first British man to make the Wimbledon men's singles final in more than 70 years when he takes on Andy Roddick in his semi-final match today.

Murray's key match against the sixth-seeded American is second on Centre Court and will follow the first semi-final between five-time champion and current favourite Roger Federer and Germany's in-form outsider Tommy Haas.

There is a huge amount of hype surrounding today's match, which sees the Scot playing in his first last-four match at Wimbledon and only his second ever grand slam semi-final after last year's run to the US Open final.

However, Murray said he is focusing on the match ahead of him rather than the media circus as Roddick offers a significant test - especially on grass because of his dangerous serve.

"He's been number one in the world and he's a grand slam champion. It's going to be very tough," he said.

"If I don't bring my best game then I'm going to lose to guys like Roddick."

He added: "I'll need to return very well."

The last Briton to reach the final at the All England Club was Bunny Austin, who lost in the showpiece match to American Don Budge in 1938.

Fred Perry, whose clothing line Murray currently promotes, was the last man to lift the famous trophy - which he did so for the third consecutive year in 1936.

Federer's match against Haas is due to start at 13:00 BST, with the Murray-Roddick contest following at its conclusion from approximately 16:00 BST.