Murray begins Wimbledon final bid (From Dudley News)

Murray begins Wimbledon final bid

4:09pm Friday 6th July 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Andy Murray has started his bid to become the first British man in a Wimbledon final for 74 years.

The 25-year-old took to Centre Court for his semi-final clash against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to loud applause.

If he wins, Murray will have to 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. The Centre Court roof remained on for Federer and Djokovic's match as rain hit the All England Club again, but was removed before Murray and Tsonga's clash.

All matches on the outside courts at the club were delayed until just after 2.30pm because of the rain, but as Murray started his match fans were treated to blue skies and no rain.

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 treated to music royalty, with Kylie Minogue spotted eating strawberries in the Royal Box, where she was with boyfriend Andres Velencoso. They were joined by Sir David Frost, the Duke of York, Vogue editor Anna Wintour, cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and former Wimbledon champions Goran Ivanisevic and Rod Laver.

Murray, in his seventh Wimbledon, remains the nation's best hope of a British champion since Fred Perry lifted the trophy 76 years ago. The last Briton to make a Wimbledon final was Henry "Bunny" Austin in 1938.

Austin's son John, 66, said: "We've been waiting for someone to equal my father's record for many years and I think this could be the year. We're all quite excited."

Murray mania has spread across the nation as Murray progresses through the tournament.

Bookmakers are offering the best odds yet for the Scot to win the grand slam, and online ticket marketplace Viagogo on Thursday said tickets for the semi-final were changing hands for up to £4,500, with the average selling for £3,500.