Britain’s Andy Murray (left) will take on Roger Federer in the Wimbledon semi-final today. In 2012, Federer had defeated Murray in the final for his seventh Wimbledon title.

Reuters/London

A lot has happened to Andy Murray in the three years since he choked back the tears on Centre Court after a four-set defeat that handed Roger Federer the Wimbledon trophy for a seventh time.
As the home fans trooped away disappointed from a soaking wet All England Club that day, many were wondering whether the Briton, who had just lost a fourth successive major final, had what it took to get over the line when the real pressure was on.
With the pair set to meet again in today’s Wimbledon semi-final, however, there is no doubt who has enjoyed the better fortune since that encounter in 2012.
A short summary of the intervening period for Murray reads two grand slam titles and one Olympic gold medal, but more importantly, he has shifted a monkey from his back that had threatened to weigh him down for his whole career.
Federer, who clinched a 17th grand slam title that day, has never again tasted major success and with every passing year knows he may never get a better chance to add to his record tally of grand slams.
It is not that the Swiss has plummeted down the rankings. He has stayed at the top of the men’s game and is seeded and ranked ahead of Murray heading into today’s clash.
But the modern game is becoming increasingly punishing on the body and at 33 years old the clock is ticking on the Swiss maestro.
His recent record against Murray is superb. He has beaten the Briton in their last three meetings, including a humiliating 6-0 6-1 victory in their last encounter at the ATP finals in November.
That was their last meeting in London, but Murray may prefer to remember their last match on grass—three one-sided sets that secured the Olympic gold medal on Centre Court just weeks after their Wimbledon final.
“I feel like I’m playing better tennis than I was then,” the Briton said.
“I don’t think those matches that we played here in the past will have too much bearing on the outcome on Friday.”
Which is perhaps lucky for Murray. In their 23 matches, Federer leads the head-to-head 12-11 and in the six times they have faced each other on British soil, Murray trails 5-1.
The prize on offer for the winner is likely to be a final against holder and world number one Novak Djokovic, who faces unfancied Frenchman Richard Gasquet and his majestic backhand in the other last four clash.
Gasquet has only ever appeared in two previous grand slam semi-finals, losing them both, and has spent the most time on court of the four semi-finalists at 11 hours 13 minutes.
Barring a testing fourth round clash against big-serving South African Kevin Anderson, Djokovic has looked in fine form on his run to the last four.
He has also proved to be a nemesis to Gasquet throughout his career.
The 21st seeded Frenchman has won only one of 12 meetings against Djokovic and that sole success came eight years ago in 2007.
“I think Gasquet’s backhand (is one of the) best one-handed backhands in the world,” Djokovic said.
“That’s his weapon. He has a variety. He can play really well from defence and offence. I think he’s also very skilled on the net. He improved his serve. He’s an all-around player.”

Federer, Murray rivalry — five key matches
Roger Federer and Andy Murray meet for the 24th time today in the Wimbledon semi-finals. It’s a rivalry which stretches back to 2005.
Here are five key clashes between the two players:

2005 - Thailand Open
Federer wins 6-3, 7-5
In the pair’s first meeting, 18-year-old Murray misses out on what would have been a first career ATP title after entering the tournament on a wildcard. It was Federer’s 11th title of 2005 and extended his winning run to 31 -- the longest streak since Thomas Muster in 1995. Murray’s consolation was seeing his ranking move into the top 70.

2008 - US Open final
Federer wins 6-2, 7-5, 6-2
A fourth meeting but first at a Grand Slam and Murray’s maiden appearance in a final at the majors. Murray had beaten Federer in their last two clashes on the tour but the Swiss was the four-time defending champion in New York. Federer clinched victory in under two hours as he claimed his fifth title and 13th career major.

2012 - Wimbledon final
Federer wins 4-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4
Federer, 30, rolled back the years on Centre Court to clinch his seventh Wimbledon, 17th Grand Slam crown and complete his return to the top of the world rankings. His victory matched the record of Pete Sampras’s Wimbledon title tally. Murray was in tears after failing to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936. Even mother Judy and girlfriend—now wife—Kim Sears also wept in the players’ box.

2012 - Olympic Games final
Murray wins 6-2, 6-1, 6-4
Just weeks after his tearful Wimbledon final defeat, Murray gained revenge on Centre Court to win Olympic gold.
It took Murray under two hours to complete a routine win with Federer losing nine games in a row early in the contest. He had also defeated Novak Djokovic on his way to the gold medal and didn’t drop serve in the entire tournament. A month later, Murray went on to win his first Grand Slam title at the US Open.

2013 - Australian Open semi
Murray wins 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2
The pair have met five times at the Grand Slams and this clash represents Murray’s only win. It is also the only time that they have played out five sets at the majors. After four hours and five sets, Murray came out on top to reach a sixth Grand Slam final with Federer twice losing his famous cool and being heard to swear on two occasions.