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Murray's manic Monday

29 Jun 2009

Wimbledon's second Monday had everything: injury withdrawals, ageing Slam winners fighting back, the introduction of the Centre Court roof - and a 1040pm finish under the roof and the lights as Andy Murray beat Stanislas Wawrinka in a titanic fourth round struggle.

The third seed and favourite to reach the final won 2-6 6-3 6-3 5-7 6-3 against the 19th seed to seal a quarter-final against wild card Juan Carlos Ferrero, after a see-saw battle that lasted exactly four hours and ended with a floodlit centre court and a cauldron of noise under the roof.

Watch highlights of Murray's win and other games after the advert

Report: Murray beats Wawrinka under the roof in five sets
Reaction: Murray savours 'special' win

The crowd witnessed three hours and 57 minutes triumph of determination and desire for Murray, spectacular entertainment and validation of Wimbledon's decision to spend around £80million on their new roof which had been put to its first use when showers halted the previous match between Dinara Safin and Amelie Mauresmo.

It was comfortably the latest match ever played at Wimbledon and Murray said: "That was pretty special.

"I thought Stan played a great match. The standard he set at the start of the match was very tough to keep up with. I had a lot of chances in the fourth set and didn't take them. I was getting tired towards the end and I'm pretty sure this is now the latest finish at Wimbledon so it's great.

"It was tough, he was playing great, I had my chances but he came out with some big shots and I got a little bit tentative sometimes and in five-set matches there are momentum shifts, but I stayed tough."

Roger Federer drew on past experience during his victory over Robin Soderling today as the second seed continued to make his mark on Wimbledon.

The five-time champion fired down 23 aces as he battled past the Swede 6-4 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/5) in the fourth round in what was a repeat of the recent French Open final.

Report: Federer serves out Soderling

"When you play a player like Soderling, who you've already beaten 10 times in the past, it just shoots through your mind," said Federer. "All the information is right there stored somewhere.

"I was expecting more baseline play today, for instance. I think you prepare particularly well for these kind of matches. He's got nothing to lose. Grass is more dangerous than clay, that's why I knew there was danger all over.

"If I was able to serve well and play well I knew I had a good chance because I've got some confidence against him."

Federer's next challenge is against Ivo Karlovic, who knocked out seventh seed Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (7/5) 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 7-6 (11/9) on Court One.

The 6ft 10in Croatian will be a different prospect for Federer, and the world number two admitted: "He's not to be underestimated."

Other fourth round news:

Report: Hewitt back in the big time

Report: Safina produces indoor fireworks

Report: Agony for Ana as Venus gets through

Report: Serena joins Venus in quarters

Novak Djokovic could be Federer's opponent in the semi-finals if both players get that far, and the Serbian has warned he is getting back to his best form.

Djokovic was a 6-2 6-4 6-1 winner over Israel's Dudi Sela today in what was another confident display from the fourth seed.

Report: Djokovic sinks Sela

He has struggled to make much of a mark this year, but the 2008 Australian Open champion believes he has finally find his rhythm again.

"Yes my form is coming good," said Djokovic. "Of course the closer we get to the final days of Wimbledon you get tougher opponents and you have to lift the level of your game in order to perform well.

"I've got Tommy Haas now. and if I win that match I get Federer. It's not going to be easy, but I think right now physically and mentally I'm heading in the right direction."

Germany's Haas set up a quarter-final clash with Djokovic courtesy of a 7-6 (10/8) 6-4 6-4 victory over 29th seed Igor Andreev.

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