Andy Murray forced Roger Federer into a series of errors when he first beat him... but now he has the tools to go and attack him for a place in the Wimbledon final

• Andy Murray first defeated Roger Federer as a young 19-year-old
• The Scot played defensively to force errors from the former world No 1
• Murray now has the tools to go toe-to-toe with Federer in the semi-final 
• Wimbledon 2015: CLICK HERE for all the latest from SW19 

By Brad Gilbert For The Daily Mail

Published: 17:47 EST, 9 July 2015 | Updated: 05:35 EST, 10 July 2015

The first time that Andy Murray beat Roger Federer was nearly nine years ago as a 19-year-old at the Cincinnati Masters, when Roger was about at his peak. 

That day he upset the great Swiss with his defensive guile — drawing mistakes and repeatedly breaking him.

Andy did not have much in the way of attacking armoury at the time and, as his coach that day, I sent him out with a game plan to utilise his strengths and try not to get too excited about who he was playing.

Andy Murray takes on Roger Federer for a place in the men's Wimbledon final on Friday

The former world No 1 has been impressive so far and will be Murray's biggest test of the tournament so far

We have all moved on a long way from there, and if I was advising Andy on Friday I would be telling him to make sure he was aggressive and pro-active, and to use all the weapons he has acquired since 2006.

He goes in on a three-match losing streak to Federer and in those meetings I think Andy has gone out there tending to be too reliant on his defensive skills, his legs and trying to excessively counter punch.

What he needs this time is to go on the attack more and be bolder, showcasing the kind of attack-minded tennis we have seen in such an impressive clay-court season and grass-court run this year.

It will not be easy, because we are seeing some vintage Federer.

If there was one key area I would pinpoint it is the Swiss serve versus the Scottish return.

Murray and Federer to face each other Wimbledon semi finals

The Scot first beat Federer back in 2006 when he was just 19 years old in a tournament in Ohio

Federer has landed in 65 per cent of his first serves in this tournament so far and he is winning 85 per cent of the points on them. That is why he has become almost unbreakable of late.

What has been happening is that if the ball comes back, he has been absolutely killing it with his forehand. On this surface I have never seen anyone play that one-two combination in such a lethal fashion.

Even Gilles Simon, who is not a bad returner, could not get any change out of the Federer serve, although you have to say that in general the Swiss has had an incredibly easy draw that could have been handmade for him. None of those he has faced are a returner of Andy’s calibre. 

Murray worked with Brad Gilbert, who was his coach when he defeated the star from Switzerland

I think Murray may have to shift his return position around a bit if Federer gets in that serving groove and give him a few different looks from the other end.

As a coach, you would say that what has gone before does not count for that much going in here, especially as both players — Roger in particular — should be properly rested.

I do not think the beatdown Andy received at the O2 Arena in November will be much of a factor because it proved to be something of a turning point for him. What might be important is the crowd.

The 28-year-old is looking to win his second Wimbledon title but could face Novak Djokovic in the final

I recall one match they played at the O2, in 2012, and as a neutral American I was quite shocked by how about three quarters of the crowd seemed to be behind the foreign player.

I really the hope the Brits are more behind Murray this time and I think they will be at Wimbledon.

While this may be a close match to call I am pretty certain Novak Djokovic will be the winner of the other semi-final.

It is a very tough match-up for Richard Gasquet, who has done great at this tournament, but the world No 20 will probably lose in three. 

HOW HE CAN STRETCH FEDERER 

When Andy Murray takes to the court to face Roger Federer on Friday afternoon, it will be a mental battle as much as a physical one.

Each player will be trying to get the upper hand on their opponent, desperately battling for a place in the 2015 Wimbledon final.

But who has the better armoury? Brad Gilbert examines each element of the players' games...

Sportsmail's detailed graphic shows exactly how Andy Murray can put Roger Federer on the defensive

SERVE

Federer: Does not have the raw power of a Karlovic but he is superbly accurate. There is still nobody who hits their spots as accurately and consistently. He is a terrific ‘V’ server — meaning he is great at hitting out wide into both the deuce and advantage courts.

Murray: Andy has a great motion on his serve but I have noticed that he is not really cranking up the power in order to get a high percentage in. This tournament he has got 66 per cent in, which is high, but Roger will be looking to attack his second serve.

Murray has a great motion on his serve but he has not cranked up the power to get a high percentage in

Federer does not have raw power in his serve but he is accurate and very consistent at hitting his spots

VOLLEY

Federer: Under coach Stefan Edberg he has attacked the net more and the results have been impressive. On the other hand, he has not played an opponent so far with great passing shots or a lob like Murray, so he may be a bit more wary.

Murray: He has an excellent feel for the volley, which is why some have urged him to come to the net more. Under Jonas Bjorkman, he has been doing this. In this match I would like to see him come in occasionally straight off the return as a surprise aggressive tactic.

Federer (pictured) is yet to play a opponent with great passing shots or a lob as good as Murray's

Murray has an excellent feel for the volley, which is why some have urged him to come to the net more

FOREHAND

Federer: The efficiency of his forehand lies in its accuracy rather than just in pure miles per hour. The one he hits from the middle of the court, especially when it goes inside out towards the backhand side of his opponent, can be like a knockout punch.

Murray: Andy is hitting this shot the most aggressively we have seen from him over recent months. He is letting it go much more without the fear of making an error.

BACKHAND

Federer: One of the great classic strokes. It is possible it is getting better with age. He is using so much variety on it: there’s the topspin version, the slice, down the line, and he can also flatten it out. He is able to defend it very effectively.

Murray: It seems to have got stronger this year. When hitting it cross court he can employ power and metronomic accuracy. It will be a useful weapon to open up the court and then go down the line when he has the opportunity.

MOVEMENT

Federer: Moves well for a 23-year-old, let alone a 33-year-old. He uses particularly small steps on grass and it is because his feet spend so little time in the air that he never slips.

Murray: Andy’s court coverage on all surfaces is top class, but on grass it is off the charts — even better than Djokovic. He doesn’t slide but seems to keep his centre of gravity low. He combines incredibly strong legs with being an explosive athlete.

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