Andy Murray secures semi-final against Roger Federer at Wimbledon
Wednesday 8 July 2015 22:22, UK
Andy Murray set-up a Wimbledon semi-final with Roger Federer after a straight sets win over Vasek Pospisil.
The British No 1 had already beaten the Canadian twice this year, without conceding a set, and he completed another comfortable 6-4 7-5 6-4 win on Centre Court.
Waiting for Murray in the last four is the Swiss seven-time winner, who was barely troubled during a 6-3 7-5 6-2 win over Gilles Simon.
Pospisil, a surprise entrant in the quarter-finals, struggled to settle on the biggest stage of his career and quickly conceded a break with a tense volley into the net.
A brief rain interruption failed to disrupt Murray’s momentum and he had the final word in a frantic rally at 5-4, thumping down a smash, before serving out for a 1-0 lead.
The Scot continued to serve with steady precision, despite further disruption to close the roof, and he forged another timely break after Pospisil again volleyed into the net.
Pospisil was seen leafing through a blue notebook between games, but could not find any helpful advice on how to halt the world No 3, who continued to rack up points with ease on his first serve.
In a desperate bid to stave off Murray’s charge, Pospisil laboured over his own service games, earning a time violation, and was broken again after an ill-judged shot between his legs.
Serving for the match, Murray briefly stuttered and his opponent even held a break point chance, but a whipped forehand across court clinched victory, and another encounter with Federer.
He suffered a painful defeat against Federer in the 2012 final, their only previous Wimbledon meeting, and must find a way to end a three-game losing run against the 17-time Grand Slam singles title winner.
“I felt like I played some good stuff considering he served extremely well for long periods," said Murray. "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."
