Swiss ace puts upa near-flawless performance as he crushes British hopeful Andy Murray in straight sets to enter final
London: Andy Murray said Roger Federer had delivered a masterful serving performance as the seven-time champion beat the Scot in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Murray lost 7-5 7-5 6-4 to the former world number one who will tackle Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final.
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Federer fired 11 aces in the first set and 20 over the full course of the match.
"I played pretty well but he served really well," Murray said in his press conference.
Switzerland's Roger Federer celebrates beating Britain's Andy Murray after beating him during their men's semi-final match on day eleven of the 2015 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 10, 2015. Federer won the match 7-5, 7-5, 6-4. Pic/AFP
"I could have done more returning-wise a few times.
"I don't know if it was close to his peak, you'd have to ask him, but that was definitely the best he's served against me.
"He clearly deserved to win the match.
"At times I played some very good tennis.
"I served well, probably the best I've served in the tournament, so it's tough.
"I definitely don't feel I played a bad match."
Federer also felt his serve was key to the outcome.
He broke Murray's serve at the end of each set to clinch his straight-sets victory, having been able to deny the Scot a single break.
Federer has dropped serve only once in the entire tournament.
"Andy's been playing very well for the season and there's so much expectation riding on the match that you try to focus and keep it up," Federer said.
"It got really tough.
"I'm unbelievably happy. I maybe didn't show it as much because the crowd went silent a little bit.
"People may have expected it to go to four or five sets, me as well.
"I played so well on the biggest occasion today and that's why I got it."
Discussing where he won it, Federer said: "I think on my serve again.
"I've been serving very well for the entire tournament.
"I kept the pressure up, I went for my shots.
"I kept pushing forwards, stayed focused and it all worked out very well."
A thrilling 10th game in the second set eventually went Murray's way, as he faced up to a host of set points and defended each one, before dropping serve in the 12th game.
"I was screaming inside of myself," said Federer. "Those were set points as well - 5-4, love-40.
"I thought I didn't play badly under those circumstances. Andy was able to elevate his game because I was playing at my very best.
"That was huge for him but still I was able to make the difference right after.
"I kept the pressure up and then pounced when the chance was there."
Looking ahead to the final, Federer said: "Novak's been the best player for a few years now and has made it difficult for players to win big tournaments.
"We've both been there before.
"I hope I can get this one on Sunday."
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