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Murray marches into semis

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 03/07/2009

Andy Murray stormed into the semi-finals of Wimbledon for the first time in his career after a stunning straight sets dismissal of Juan Carlos Ferrero.

The British number one and online betting second favourite swept the Spaniard aside 7-5, 6-3, 6-2 to set-up a last-four meeting with Andy Roddick.

Murray is hoping to become the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win Wimbledon.

He was seldom troubled by the former world number one on Centre Court unlike his previous five-set encounter with Stanislas Wawrinka.

Can Andy Murray go on and win Wimbledon - Latest Tennis Betting

Roddick booked his own passage following a five-set thriller against Lleyton Hewitt.

The American triumphed 6-3, 6-7 (10-12), 7-6 (7-1), 5-7, 6-4 after a marathon tussle which lasted almost four hours.

Hewitt struggled at times with injury but produced a gutsy performance before coming up just short.

In the other semi-final, sportsbook favourite Roger Federer will play Tommy Haas.

The number one seed was a straight sets winner over big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic.

Meanwhile, Haas caused an upset after knocking out fourth seed Novak Djokovic in four sets.

Elsewhere, there was further success for the Murray family after Jamie made it through to the semi-finals of the Mixed Doubles.

Murray and American partner Liezel Huber received a walkover as scheduled opponents Lukas Dlouhy and Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic withdrew through injury.

In cricket, an unbeaten 143 from Michael Hussey helped settle Australia's nerves on day one of their final warm-up game before the Ashes.

Playing an England Lions side at New Road, the tourists struggled at times before rallying to reach 337-8 at close of play.

Opener Simon Katich also impressed as he made 95 before falling victim to a rejuventated Steve Harmison, who took 3-67 to give the England selectors food for thought ahead of next week's first Ashes Test in Cardiff.

Meanwhile, England warmed up with a similarly unconvincing performance against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

A century from Alastair Cook (124) was a rare highlight for England on day one as they reached 290-8 before declaring.

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff made just 19 with the bat on his return to the fold following knee surgery and his latest disciplinary problems.

Warwickshire finished the day on on 31-1 after James Anderson took a late wicket.

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