Murray to face Federer in Wimbledon semi-finals

Andy Murray set up a Wimbledon semi-final showdown with Roger Federer as the world number three eased to a 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 win against unseeded Canadian Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday.

Murray illuminated a rainy day at the All England Club with a ruthlessly efficient display, collecting his 150th Grand Slam match victory to move a step closer to his second Wimbledon title.

The 28-year-old Scot will make his 17th Grand Slam semi-final appearance, and his sixth at the All England Club, against seven-time champion Federer on Friday.

"I felt like I played some good stuff considering he served extremely well for long periods," Murray said.

"It was tough because we stopped a few times and it was difficult conditions.

"I've loved playing here over the years. I've played some of my best tennis here.

"I hope I can get to another final but it will be a tough one."

Although Murray lost his only previous Wimbledon clash with Federer in the 2012 final and trails their head to head 11-12, he can take heart from his demolition of the Swiss great in the Olympic final at the All England Club later that year.

"I've played Roger many times. I know him well and we get on well, but obviously on Friday it will be a different story," Murray said.

"We've played some good matches here and hopefully this will be a great one."
Bidding to become the first British man to win multiple Wimbledon titles since Fred Perry, who lifted the trophy from 1934-1936, Murray has extended his winning streak on grass to 10 matches.

After surrendering his Wimbledon title at this stage last year, when he was stunned by Grigor Dimitrov, Murray was never in danger of another upset in his eighth successive All England Club quarter-final.

And, with David Beckham, Prince William and his wife Kate among numerous celebrities packed onto Centre Court, the two-time Grand Slam champion delivered a suitably eye-catching display.

Murray's progress was interrupted when rain forced a half-hour delay at 3-1 in the first set, but he remained in the ascendency after the resumption.

In the breaks between games, Pospisil was seen leafing through a blue notebook that seemed to contain tips on strategy.

But when they returned under the closed roof after another rain delay, the world number 56 still had no answers.

Frustrated by a warning for taking too long between points, Pospisil lost concentration and Murray took advantage to break for a 6-5 lead that effectively sealed the set.

Pospisil was infuriated by another time violation at 4-4 in the third set and once again Murray was ready to pounce as he stole the break before serving out the win.
Source: AFP