After 71 years, the wait for British men's finalist goes on as Murray crashes out of Wimbledon
BRITISH hopes for a home-grown Wimbledon champion were crushed when Andy Murray crashed out of the tournament in four sets last night.
In a tough-fought semi-final battle, the fast-serving American Andy Roddick defeated the Scot 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 in a match lasting three hours and seven minutes.
The 22-year-old was bidding to become the first British man to reach the final since Henry "Bunny" Austin in 1938, but Roddick's fire-power proved too much. The 26-year-old American dropped to his knees as he won the match before appearing to mouth "I'm sorry" to the crowd.
He will now face Swiss maestro Roger Federer in tomorrow's final. Federer beat German Tommy Haas in straight sets.
Murray joins Roger Taylor and Tim Henman on the list of British semi-finalists who
have not quite made the
final.
British tennis fans will now have to wait another year to see if their hero can become the first winner of the men's singles since Fred Perry in 1936.
Roddick, who was seeded three places below Murray, was gracious in his victory.
He said"Let's make no mistake, he has been a much better player than I have over the past year. I was just a little bit better today."
Wimbledon round-up: Back page and Page 26.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
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Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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