Record-hunting Swiss Federer was at his dazzling best, beating resurgent German Tommy Haas 7-6 7-5 6-3 to reach his seventh men's singles final here, a feat not achieved since the abolition of the Challenge Round in 1922.
Federer's virtuoso performance watched by the lucky 15,000 with Center Court tickets was supposed to the curtain-raiser for the thousands massing in front of the huge screen on the grassy expanse known as Henman Hill for the Murray blockbuster later.
However, the Scot fluffed his lines and was outplayed in his first Wimbledon semi-final by American former world number one Roddick, losing 6-4 4-6 7-6 7-6 as Murray-mania fizzled out and disappointed fans headed to the bars to drown their sorrows.
Roddick, beaten by Federer in the 2004 and 2005 finals here, has not contested the championship match at a grand slam since the 2006 U.S. Open, but appears to have re-discovered the spark.
Roger Federer remains on course for a sixth Wimbledon and record 15th Grand Slam title after beating Tommy Haas in straight sets in the semi-finals.
The world number two won 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 6-3 and heads into Sunday's final against Andy Roddick having dropped just one set so far.
Federer served superbly and did not face a single break point as he won in two hours two minutes on Centre Court.
The 27-year-old will play in a seventh consecutive Wimbledon final on Sunday.
"I thought Tommy was on a great run, I couldn't even get close to breaking him for almost two sets," said Federer.
"Sure, that makes me maybe a bit worried, but it's something that happens quite frequently on grass.
"I was really happy the way I played today. I came up with some good stuff when I had to. Tough match, because Tommy was playing well."
He is looking to make up for last year's final defeat by Rafael Nadal, who is absent this year through injury, and overtake Pete Sampras's all-time mark of 14 Grand Slams.
Asked if the American might be on Centre Court on Sunday, Federer added: "He might come around, he might not. It's his choice but I would love to see him as he is a good friend of mine and I am very honoured to share the record with him."
source : bbc.co.uk
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