Andy Murray vs. Roger Federe (Photo : REUTERS)
Roger Federer and Andy Murray will play each other for the 24th time, but their upcoming confrontation on Friday could wind up as the best match ever as the Swiss Master fights for another crack at the Wimbledon Championship against an equally motivated Briton, who is itching to win another Slam again after over two-year drought.
What's on the Line: Both are desperately looking to hoist another Slam trophy with Federer last lifting a major championship at the 2012 Wimbledon Open and Murray winning his second Grand Slam on the same lawn grass in 2013.
At age 33, Federer will treat this semifinal match against his rival as a make-or-break match, knowing that it could be his one final shot at bagging an elusive 18th Slam title with father time looming in the picture.
For Murray, winning against Federer will not only move him closer to reclaiming his title at All England club, but it gives him a morale booster after his performance took quite a dip the past two seasons.
In his recent essay on BBC, Murray talked about his rivalry with the Swiss and his relationship with arguably the best to ever play the game. In each of 23 matches he played Federer, Murray wanted to prove that he belonged in the upper echelon of tennis, and there's no better way to back it up than winning against him.
Stats Behind the Rivalry: Federer will enter Friday's big clash with a one match advantage over Murray in head-to-head confrontation (12-11), including four consecutive victories over the Briton. However it was Murray who won their last match on grass, spoiling Federer's bid for a golden slam in that epic men's singles final at the 2012 London Olympics. Their upcoming semifinal match will mark only the third time both future Hall of Famers will play on grass.
Prediction: This match could go either way with another five-set battle very much a possibility. Federer has been terrific throughout the tournament, as he needed only three sets to dismantle all his opponents except one (David Groth in four-setter win).
If Federer is able to control the pace of the match and take the first set, then the Swiss could have an easier path to the finals. However, his chances of winning could dwindle if the match goes the distance primarily because Murray is known for his endurance and ability to produce big shots in tight situation. It's a 50-50 ballgame, but Federer might have a slight advantage over the Briton because of a much lighter draw. Federer winning in four sets.
Betting Lines: Murray has 5/6 betting odds advantage over Federer who is pegged at evens on PaddyPower.
Where to Watch (US EST Time): ESPN will start telecast on Wimbledon men's singles semis at 7:00 a.m with Novak Djokovic vs. Richard Gasquet kicking off the double header at 8:00 a.m. Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray will served as the main appetizer of the day starting at 10 a.m (US EST). The match can be also be watched online thru ESPN Watch or Sports Stream, while the latest stats, scores, results and updates are posted on ESPN Courtcast.
