Federer, Murray storm into Wimbledon semi-finals

07-02-2009 | AFP

Murray became only the third British man to reach Wimbledon semi-finals

Panama Star Federer, bidding for a sixth All England Club title and a record 15th major, will now tackle German veteran Tommy Haas, who stunned Serbian fourth seed Novak Djokovic 7-5, 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-3, for a place in Sunday's final.

British third seed Andy Murray, meanwhile, saw off Spain's former French Open winner Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 to reach his first Wimbledon semi-final.

The 22-year-old, bidding to become Britain's first home men's champion since Fred Perry in 1936, faces either 2002 champion Lleyton Hewitt or two-time runner-up Andy Roddick for a place in the final.

"It's difficult against Karlovic because there aren't many baseline rallies on his serve or mine," said Federer after his 1hr 42min Centre Court win. "To be in my 21st consecutive major semi-final shows how consistent I have been and injury free. I'm playing well at the moment but there are some big matches to come."

Murray became only the third British man to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in the Open era.