Murray battles for Wimbledon final

Jul 3 2009

Andy Murray will battle to become the first British man to reach a Wimbledon final since 1938.

The 22-year-old Scot will walk out on to Centre Court to face American Andy Roddick, a former world number one.

Murray is prepared for a fight - he has been watching clips of boxing and cage fighting on YouTube - and he will have to be on top form to overcome his opponent.

Roddick recorded the fastest serve yet at the Wimbledon championships - 146mph in 2004.

Murray meanwhile is one of the best returners in the game and the "Battle of the Andys" could be a case of punch and counter-punch.

Murray has a 6-2 winning record against his opponent.

While he is considered the up-and-coming star, Roddick, at the age of 26, is considered a veteran. He was a Wimbledon runner-up in 2004 and 2005 and is bidding to reach his third final.

The former world number one won the US Open in 2003. Murray was runner up there last year.

If Murray wins a place in the final he will be the first British man to make it since Henry "Bunny" Austin 71 years ago.

Roger Taylor made the semis twice while Tim Henman played for a place in the final four times, most recently in 2002 against Australian Lleyton Hewitt. But neither of them made it to the final.