Rain delays start of Murray match

ANDY Murray's quarter-final against Rafael Nadal has twice been delayed by rain today.

The British number one was due to face French Open champion Nadal in the second match on Centre Court following defending champion Roger Federer's match with Mario Ancic.

However, light rain meant the covers were on at the scheduled start time of 1pm. The weather did improve and it was announced that play would begin on Centre Court and Court One at 1.45pm, but a second delay has since put back today's schedule once more.

Federer's previous matches have lasted an average of 97 minutes and Murray will be hoping for a similar result - and the right weather - in order to avoid another 9.30pm finish as he had in his fourth-round win over Richard Gasquet.

"I think you have to stay patient, it looks like there could be some breaks and you have to try and stay relaxed and not think too much about it," Murray told BBC2.

"I know Rafa had experience of it last year, you have to just stay relaxed and if you're in the middle of a match not rush things.
"I practised yesterday for about an hour and didn't do too much, stayed off my feet and I feel okay today."

Federer takes early lead

World number one Roger Federer showed no trace of nerves against the last player to beat him at Wimbledon as he cruised into an early quarter-final lead.

Mario Ancic beat the Swiss star in straight sets back in 2002, but Federer showed all the grass-court nous which has brought him five consecutive titles at the All England Club since to take the first set 6-1.

Federer began in ominous fashion, producing a pair of aces and a backhand volley to hold the first game to love, then a sweet backhand pass from Ancic's first service point.

The Croat came to the net behind every point, but sent a backhand volley into the net to give Federer two break points – and did the same again to hand his Swiss opponent the game.

Ancic held his next service game and finally took a point off the Federer serve in game five, but it was the smallest of victories.
Federer held to 15 and passed Ancic at will in the next game for his second break of the match, before serving out to love to take the first set in 20 minutes.

However, another rain break meant that play would not resume until after 4.30pm.

Play finally resumed after a delay of just over two hours and Ancic immediately looked to be in a better frame of mind – holding his first service game with only a double fault going in Federer's favour.

A rare Federer unforced error saw the next game go to deuce, but the 26-year-old pulled out two big serves when he needed them.

Ancic was made to battle in game seven, producing some stout defence before holding with his sixth ace, but Federer showed off his silky forehand to hold to love once more, levelling at 4-4.

At 5-5, Ancic netted a backhand volley to give Federer break point – and he duly handed the Swiss the advantage with a double fault.
And Federer served out to 15 to claim a two-set advantage.