London, July 04: Andy Murray vowed to return to Wimbledon a better player next year after Andy Roddick ended his hopes of being a first Briton in the men's final since 1938 with a clinical masterclass of power serving and variation in pace.
Murray hit more winners than Roddick, more aces, and made fewer unforced errors, but was cut down in front of a shellshocked Centre Court crowd 6-4, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 by the American sixth seed, who now faces Roger Federer for the third time in a Wimbledon final on Sunday.
Murray, the third seed and warm favourite to progress from Friday's semi-final, said he would not dwell on the unexpected defeat and would look to grind out his first grand slam success at the US Open later in the year.
"I'll move on very, very quickly and go and work on my game and improve and come back stronger," said Murray, who was bidding to become the first British man to hold aloft the Challenge Cup since Fred Perry in 1936.
"That's a pathetic attitude to have, if you lose one match and you go away and let it ruin your year."
"I've had a very good year so far. I'm very close to the top of the game," said the 22-year-old Scot, who has won four titles this year including the grass warm-up event at Queen's Club and the Masters Series title in Miami.
Murray held a 6-2 career record against Roddick going into Friday's match, including a straight sets win over the American here in 2006, but Roddick executed his gameplan to perfection, subtly varying the pace, hitting deep corners with relentless regularity and advancing to the net with great effect.
"If someone serves 130 miles an hour consistently throughout the match, and above, it's very tough to break them, especially on a court like this that's quick."
"You always expect your opponents to play well, especially at this stage of the tournament. And he served great. Served really, really well in the tiebreaks. I think he maybe missed two first serves."
Murray will now take a five-week break from tournament competition before focusing on the American hardcourt swing, culminating in the Aug 31-Sept 13 US Open, an event which has held a special place in his heart since winning the junior title there in 2004.
"The US Open I've always said is my best surface, my best chance to win a slam, and I'll give it my best shot there."
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, July 04, 2009, 10:10