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Andy Murray looks to make his third grand slam final of the year at Wimbledon when he takes on experienced tenth seed Tomas Berdych. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from around 12 midnight (AEST).
While there is no doubting the skill, talent and experience of the journeyman Berdych, this might be a bridge too far for him, with Murray in some superb form heading into the back end of the tournament.
» Read today’s Wimbledon wrap!
You also have to consider that with Novak Djokovic out, and Roger Federer having to play a five-set match against Marin Cilic, this looks like it will be Murray’s best chance at a grand slam in quite a while, which should only further motivate him to perform at the top of his ability.
It’s hard to get a read on the form of Berdych right at the moment, because while he has been dominating opponents left, right and centre, he hasn’t really played anyone at the same level as him, or in this case above him.
In saying that, he was pushed to four sets in the first and third rounds, against Ivan Dodig and Alexandr Zverev respectively, before winning a nervous five-set match against Jiri Vesely.
He then would defeat 32nd seed Lucas Pouille in straight sets during the quarter-finals, really attempting to limit his unforced errors which is a good sign moving into a match against Murray who will capitalise on anything and everything.
Murray, on the other hand, started off the Championships with four straight-sets victories in a row and has really played himself into form during the last two rounds.
In the fourth round, he met an out of sorts Nick Kyrgios, but dominated him nonetheless and stayed patient during the first set when it looked like Kyrgios might have been on one of his better days.
His quarter-final match though was a five-set encounter against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and while he didn’t look comfortable across the four hours his fitness came through in the back end as he took over winning the final set 6-1.
The pair have met 14 times previously, with Murray leading the ledger 8-6. Interestingly, they have never met on a grass court and only three times in grand slams with Murray leading that 2-1.
Prediction
The experience of Berdych will not allow Murray to frustrate him with defence, but he is still a level below Murray who has a massive chance to win his home grand slam.
Murray in four sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the second Wimbledon semi-final from around 12am (AEST) or following the completion of Roger Federer vs Milos Raonic and you can get involved by leaving a comment below.
Follow Scott on Twitter @sk_pryde