Enlarge imageBy Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) - It is not often a match involving Roger Federer at Wimbledon serves as the aperitif to the main dish but that was the feeling at the grasscourt major on Friday as Andy Murray's semi-final against Andy Roddick loomed.
Apart from those who have spent the last two weeks in a darkened room, the whole of Britain knows off by heart the worn-out statistic that Murray is bidding to become the first home men's singles champion since Fred Perry in 1936.
Despite precious little happening on the outside courts at Wimbledon on Friday, the All England Club grounds were already buzzing with anticipation as second seed Federer, playing in his 21st consecutive grand slam semi, began the Centre Court action against resurgent German Tommy Haas.
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Third seed Murray's clinical performance against Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals took Murray-mania up another notch and it could reach hysterical levels later when he takes to the court to face the thunderbolt Roddick serve.
After the blazing sunshine of recent days, grey skies and muggy air enveloped Henman Hill, the patch of grass named after Britain's serial semi-final loser Tim, as fans positioned themselves for the drama ahead.
With the threat of showers in the air, Murray could even get to play under Centre Court's new roof again after his five-set epic against Stanislas Wawrinka in Monday's fourth round which finished way after dark.
Murray, who has looked incredibly relaxed despite the burden of ending decades of under-achievement by British men, has played down the hype all week and will be wary of Roddick, who has served 139 aces in five matches here.
The American former world number one and twice Wimbledon runner-up has been written off in some quarters but unlike Murray, he already has a grand slam title to his name and will provide a formidable barrier for the Scot.
Federer, who has played sublime tennis here as he attempts to reclaim the crown snatched away last year by the sadly absent world number one Rafael Nadal, will also be taking nothing for granted against Haas despite a 9-2 career record over him.
Just a month ago Haas, who has served and volleyed his way to a first Wimbledon semi-final, came tantalisingly close to wrecking Federer's French Open dream when he was up by two sets and a break before the Swiss switched on the magic.
(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
