Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer: Score, Reaction for Wimbledon 2015 Semi-Final

Roger Federer beat Andy Murray 7-5, 7-5, 6-4 in their Wimbledon 2015 semi-final on Friday to set up a showdown with Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

Though Federer won it in straight sets, Murray was excellent throughout, and it took a performance of outstanding quality from the Swiss star to overcome his opponent. 

ESPN Stats & Info confirmed the result:

The players held a very even head-to-head record heading into the match, as Federer led with 12 wins to Murray's 11.

The stars had only ever met on grass twice prior, Federer beating Murray in the 2012 Wimbledon final before the result was reversed just weeks later in the Olympic gold medal match.

For those finding it tough to predict a winner between the two stars beforehand, it was no easier for much of the first set as the pair produced an even contest.

The New York Times' Ben Rothenberg noted how close the match was:

Murray almost broke Federer in the opening game, but the Swiss star produced some excellent serving to hold.

ESPN Stats & Info highlighted the world No. 2's tremendous service form throughout the tournament:

Federer appeared to be favouring a serve-and-volley strategy, which he executed sublimely. However, Murray was often equal to it, hitting a number of superb winning returns throughout the set.

The first set followed serve as both players put in performances worthy of a Slam semi-final showdown between two giants of the sport, with just one first serve missed in the first two games.

As the BBC reported in their live broadcast, upon making the score 5-4, Federer had put a phenomenal 86 percent of his first serves in, making 24 out of 28.

A tiebreaker would have been the most fitting conclusion to the first set, but Federer roared into a 15-40 lead in the final game to line up two set points.

Murray again hit a delightful forehand passing winner to save the first, but the Swiss star proved ruthless as ever to take the first set 7-5 with a vintage backhand.

Wimbledon's Twitter account captured the moment:

The second set was much in the vein of the first, punctuated with more excellent serving and some outstanding rallies from the pair.

The set again followed serve as both Murray and Federer produced tennis of the highest quality.

There were frequent hints that a break could be on the cards as a number of games saw the receiver win at least two points, but neither could find an edge over their illustrious opponent.

The 10th set in particular typified the contest. With the score at 5-4 to Federer, Murray was serving to save the set.

Federer powered to a 15-40 lead, but the Scot refused to be beaten as he saved an incredible five set points on the way to 5-5.

The world No. 2 ensured Murray struggled to close out the game though, forcing countless deuces before eventually succumbing to a backhand winner followed by an ace.

Wimbledon's Twitter feed summed up the thrilling action on social media:

World No. 3 Murray could not hold off the relentless Federer for long though.

The 17-time Grand Slam winner comfortably held his serve before attacking Murray with yet more exceptional play, and despite his best efforts, the 28-year-old could not save a sixth set point.

Federer had Murray chasing the ball around the court in the final rally and secured the set with clinical volley.

As the stats show, Federer had a slight edge over his opponent, particularly on his serve.

The match continued to follow serve in the third set.

Once again, the crucial game arrived with Federer 5-4 up. With Murray serving to save the match, the Swiss star pounced on two second serves to move ahead, wielding his trademark backhand with aplomb.

A loose, wide forehand from Murray sealed his fate and provided Federer a deserved win.

As the Swiss star alluded to after the match, per BBC Sport, perhaps the only real disappointment for the crowd was that it did not go to five sets:

ESPN's Carl Bialik noted Federer's incredible record in Wimbledon semi-finals:

Federer will now take on Djokovic in a rematch of the 2014 final.

Speaking live to the BBC after the match, he said regarding his opponent:

"

Novak's been the best player for a few years now. He's made it extremely difficult for guys to win big tournaments. I've felt that here last year, at Indian Wells, I've got him a couple of times, a couple of times as well in Shanghai and Dubai. So I know how I can beat him, but this is a different occasion. We've both been there before so I think we're both looking forward to it and I hope I can get this one on Sunday.

"

Both players are accomplished on grass and in exceptional form at the moment, so it will be a difficult contest to call.

The Serb's easier path to the final could mean he is fresher for the showpiece, but it's impossible to rule out the seven-time Wimbledon winner, who put in one of the best performances of his career against a strong opponent who gave him little rest. 

Whoever wins, it's sure to be an unmissable clash.