Saturday 11 July 2015 12:19, UK
Andy Murray admitted Roger Federer delivered a serving masterclass as the seven-time champion beat the British No 1 in the Wimbledon semi-finals.
Murray lost 7-5 7-5 6-4 to the former world No 1, who will tackle top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday's final.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion rolled back the years with a sublime display to reach his 10th final and on this evidence he will take some stopping as he outclassed his opponent on Centre Court.
Federer fired 11 aces in the first set and 20 over the full course of the match, winning a remarkable 84 per cent of his first serve points.
"I played pretty well but he served really well," Murray said in his press conference. "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 stands one win away from a record eighth Wimbledon title, which would see him climb above Pete Sampras in the all-time list of men's champions at the All England Club.
That was definitely the best he's served against me. He clearly deserved to win the match.
The Swiss player turns 34 next month and Murray says his conqueror's longevity is among his most impressive features.
"I don't know if anyone's played as well as Roger at that age," Murray said.
"Serena (Williams, also 33) obviously on the women's side is doing it but they're pretty rare athletes. They're two of the best that have ever played the game."
Murray enjoyed passionate home support when he beat Federer at the Olympics in 2012 but the Swiss remains widely popular and the crowd on Centre Court was more split this time around.
"I felt like the crowd were getting pretty pumped at the end of the second set," Murray said.
"That's how it felt to me on the court. Any time I fist-pumped in their direction, they responded very well.
"But he's earned all of the support that he gets everywhere around the world.
"And also when you don't have any break points or opportunities, it's tough to get the crowd involved."
