History-seeking Federer planning to ruin Centre Court party

Murray ended a 74-year wait for a British man to reach the final at the All England Club with his semi-final victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga yesterday.

But, to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Fred Perry and win it, Murray must now get the better of the most successful player of all time.

With 16 grand slam titles to his name, including six at Wimbledon, Federer is the most decorated man in tennis, and is seeking a record-equalling seventh major on grass after beating defending champion Novak Djokovic yesterday afternoon.

The 30-year-old Swiss player, considered one of the sport’s great ambassadors, has always been a favourite of the Centre Court crowd, but he may have few supporters against Murray who is seeking a maiden grand slam title at the fourth time of asking.

Federer accepts he will receive fewer cheers than his opponent, but is looking forward to facing the local hero regardless.

“I always say that whatever country I am in, I like to play the local hero and that’s what Andy is here at Wimbledon,” Federer said. “It will be very special to play against him. I’m glad the match has come along. I hope I have some crowd support, but it’s not the most important thing right now.”

Murray is one of the few men on tour to have a winning record against Federer, having won eight of their 15 meetings.

The most vital of those matches came in the 2010 Australian Open final, though, with Federer victorious.

Despite that, Federer is happy to concede that Murray has managed to outfox him in the past.

“I have a losing record against him and I know how good he is,” he said. “Some finals I’ve beaten him, others I have had tough losses against him.

“I remember the losses, particularly when he crushed me in Shanghai and also in Toronto. But we haven’t played each other much over the last couple of the years because we have often been three and four in the draw and we always ended up in Novak or Rafa Nadal’s hands. One would win, but not usually both.

“We don’t really see each other often so it is going to be interesting.”

Federer has grown accustomed to life in the spotlight. Such a glare is intensified on Murray during Wimbledon, with his every move, shot and word up for scrutiny.

Federer sympathises with him, believing he is paying the price for being the only big-name player currently challenging for honours in Great Britain, but is confident he can handle the pressure.

“It reminds me a bit of Australia because you don’t have the amount of players they have in France or America, so the focus is more on one player, maybe a couple,” Federer said. “I think what is so particular about this country is that there’s so much attention on that one player, which is Andy Murray.

“Let’s be happy that he’s such a great player that he lets that sort of hype last.

“He’s only going to get better as time goes by.

“That’s what he’s been proving and I think he’s handled it (the pressure) very well.”