The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsRoger Federer has booked an intriguing final clash with Novak Djokovic after the Swiss maestro produced a scintillating serving performance to defeat Andy Murray 7-5 7-5 6-4.
The Brit simply had no answer to Federer’s vintage form, as the seven times SW19 champion thoroughly outclassed the world number three in straight sets.
In the first set, both players contributed to a high quality standard of tennis in dominating with their first serve to hold comfortably. An early break point for Murray was saved by an unreturnable serve from Federer, as the Swiss maestro maintained an exceptionally high percentage of first serves throughout the set to ensure the Brit was always behind in the score. Even though both players were rattling through their service games, Murray suddenly found himself under pressure at 6-5. A backhand passing shot and smacked return winner from Federer set up two set points, and the world number two champion clinched the set 7-5, when Murray was unable to control a low backhand passing shot.
Federer continued his impressive form into the early stages of the second set, and was threatening the Murray serve once again at 2-1. However, the Brit received a respite this time as his Swiss opponent missed a backhand down the line. In a pulsating tenth game, Federer had several set points to take a two set lead, but somehow Murray dug deep to eventually escape. But, the Swiss maestro was unrelenting in his pursuit of the two set cushion, and again Murray had to face a set point at 6-5. This time, the world number two seized his opportunity, and capped off a lengthily rally with a volley to seal the second set 7-5.
In the third set, Federer kept the pressure on Murray as the Brit was still unable to fashion a chance on his opponent’s service games. Murray did well to stay with the Swiss maestro, but Federer remained impenetrable on serve. The Brit was under siege at the crucial stage once more at 5-4, as Federer ripped a backhand return for a winner to give him a match point. A forehand drifted wide from Murray concluded the match, as Federer progressed into the final.
Federer will face Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year’s final, as the Serbian beat Richard Gasquet earlier in straight sets.
