Nadal sets up Berdych showdown

Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal made it back to the Wimbledon final by beating British home favourite Andy Murray 6-4, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in yesterday's semis.

The match was punctuated by some thrilling rallies, impressive lobs and duels at the net, and while Murray gave Nadal a tough test, the Mallorcan was in imperious form and won all the crucial points.

Fourth seed Murray was roared on by a home crowd and former England football captain David Beckham on Centre Court, but Nadal proved too much for the Scot in a two-hour, 22-minute masterclass.

The French Open champion faces 12th seed Tomas Berdych in tomorrow's final after the Czech beat Novak Djokovic 6-3, 7-6, 6-3.

"It was a very good match for me. To beat Andy you have to play your best tennis," Nadal said.

"It was a big challenge and an amazing victory against one of the toughest opponents in the world.

"He deserves to win a Grand Slam. I'm sure he will do one day.

"I am going to play against a very difficult opponent in the final. Tomas has been doing very well. He has a big serve and powerful shots."

Murray said he had given it his best shot.

"You're not going to be able to play every single point on your terms against the best player in the world," the world number four said.

"I'm annoyed I lost this match.

"It's not like I played badly. He played great, and that was the difference."

Nadal, who is chasing his eighth Grand Slam final, remains on course for his second French Open-Wimbledon double.

Berdych, the first Czech man to reach the Wimbledon final since Ivan Lendl in 1987, has been a dangerous force on the ATP Tour for the last five years.

But he hadn't been able to translate his talent into success at the grand slams until the last month.

Since the start of the French Open, the 24-year-old has been in the form of his life. He reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros and totally overwhelmed six-time champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals here.

That stunning victory over Federer ended the defending champion's run of seven successive Wimbledon final appearances but, more importantly, it confirmed Berdych's transformation into a big-game player.

Now he can look forward to a first grand slam final against Nadal.

"The feeling is absolutely amazing," Berdych said. "It is a dream to be in the final of any grand slam and if you can reach it, Wimbledon is the top one.