Murray a step further to victory (From News Shopper)

Murray a step further to victory

5:26pm Friday 6th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

British number one Andy Murray is a step closer to his place in the Wimbledon final after taking the second set in his semi-final match.

Murray is fighting Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for a place in Sunday's final - if he makes it, he will be the first British man in a Wimbledon final since Henry "Bunny" Austin 74 years ago.

The Scot powered to a 6-3 win in the first set in just 34 minutes, and won the second set 6-4 to rapturous applause. He was watched on Centre Court by crowds including pop star Kylie Minogue in the Royal Box.

If he wins, Murray will face six-time champion Roger Federer in the final, after his 6-3 3-6 6-4 6-3 win over world number one Novak Djokovic. Federer said he would love to play Murray in Sunday's final.

Despite rain stopping play on the outside courts at SW19 until around 2.30pm and Federer and Djokovic having to play with the Centre Court roof on, the rain dried up in time for Murray's clash with Tsonga to be played in the open air.

Murray, in his fourth SW19 semi-final in a row, is favourite to win the match against fifth seed Tsonga, whom he has beaten five times in six matches.

The British number one was cheered on by his usual supporters in the players' box, including mother Judy Murray, father Will Murray, and girlfriend Kim Sears.

Kylie was spotted enjoying the Wimbledon staple of strawberries in the Royal Box, where she was with boyfriend Andres Velencoso. They were joined by Sir David Frost, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and former Wimbledon champions Goran Ivanisevic and Rod Laver.

Murray, in his seventh Wimbledon, is hoping to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry 76 years ago.

Murray has equalled Tim Henman's tally of four semi-finals and was this year spared a semi-final against Rafael Nadal - who has knocked him out of the semis in the past two years - after his shock exit.