Andy Murray hurt by Wimbledon loss as he admits 'best chance to win a slam' is gone but Roger Federer 'clearly deserved to win'

  • Roger Federer beat Andy Murray 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 in Wimbledon semi-final
  • Murray says losing at Wimbledon hurts more than other defeats
  • Brit unable to cope with Federer's serve, but denies decision to receive first caused a problem
  • Federer says he knows how to beat final opponent Novak Djokovic 

By Stuart Fraser for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:33 EST, 10 July 2015 | Updated: 18:15 EST, 10 July 2015

Andy Murray admitted losing at Wimbledon hurts more than anywhere else after brilliant Roger Federer blew him away in their semi-final.

Britain’s big hope could not touch the serve of the 33-year-old Swiss star, who will play Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final seeking a record eighth singles title.

Murray, who lost 7-5, 7-5, 6-4, said: ‘All losses hurt, obviously, especially in the major events. But here is always tough. 

Andy Murray looks dejected as another Federer shot flies past him during a convincing defeat

Andy Murray looks dejected as another Federer shot flies past him during a convincing defeat

Murray gave everything against the Swiss star, but had no answers to the Federer serve throughout

Murray gave everything against the Swiss star, but had no answers to the Federer serve throughout

'I feel like this is my best chance to win a Slam. When I play here, I feel like it’s my best surface. I’ve played consistently well here throughout my career, so it’s tough in that aspect.’

Murray claimed Federer’s serving was the best it has been in 24 meetings between the pair over the last 10 years.

The world No 2’s first-serve percentage of 76 was the highest it has ever been against Murray, and although the British No 1 felt he did not play a bad match, he admitted his Swiss opponent’s serve was just too good.

Murray said: ‘That’s definitely the best he’s served against me. He served extremely well, close to the lines. It made it very difficult for me on the first-serve return.

The Federer serve was as good as it has ever been against Murray, despite the fact he is almost 34 years old

The Federer serve was as good as it has ever been against Murray, despite the fact he is almost 34 years old

Murray admitted his opponent 'clearly deserved to win the match' and said the defeat was 'frustrating'

Murray admitted his opponent 'clearly deserved to win the match' and said the defeat was 'frustrating'

‘He clearly deserved to win the match, he had more opportunities than me.

‘It’s frustrating, obviously, when you’re out there because I couldn’t get a racket on a lot of the returns. Even when I was, I wasn’t getting enough depth on the returns to make it tough for him.

‘I don’t feel like I played that badly. There are a few things maybe at the end of the sets that I could have done a bit better.

‘I don’t know if it’s the best I’ve played in a loss or not. It’s tough to know just now. But I definitely don’t feel like I played a bad match.’

Murray faltered when serving to stay in all three sets — at 5-6 in the first and second sets and 4-5 in the third. However, the 28-year-old defended his decision to receive serve after winning the coin toss.

He said: ‘I wouldn’t say it’s bold. A lot of guys serve first. A lot of guys receive first. It really depends on what your preference is. The way that it worked out, the guy served unbelievably. That was the difference, not the fact that he served first.’

The British no 1 stands with hands on knees, and admitted that Wimbledon is his best chance of another slam

The British no 1 stands with hands on knees, and admitted that Wimbledon is his best chance of another slam

Federer, who has been in superb form, claimed he knows how to beat Sunday's opponent Novak Djokovic

Federer, who has been in superb form, claimed he knows how to beat Sunday's opponent Novak Djokovic

The second seed said he was 'unbelievably happy' after seeing off Murray in front of his home crowd

The second seed said he was 'unbelievably happy' after seeing off Murray in front of his home crowd

Federer agreed that his serve was the key as the 33-year-old became the oldest man to reach the Wimbledon final since 39-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1974.

His clash with Djokovic will be a rematch of last year’s final which the Serb won in five sets.

Federer, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, said: ‘Novak’s been the best player for a few years now. He’s made it extremely difficult for the guys to win big tournaments. 

'I know how I can beat him, but this is a different occasion. We’ve been both been there before. I really hope I can get this one.

‘I have been serving very well for the entire tournament. I went for my shots, stayed focused and it all worked out very well.

‘It was tough. Andy has been playing very well all season, there was so much expectation riding on the match and I just tried to focus. I am unbelievably happy. I played so well.’

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