Murray storms to first set in semi

Andy Murray has won the first set in his battle for a place in the Wimbledon final.

If Murray beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 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, watched on Centre Court by crowds including pop star Kylie Minogue in the Royal Box.

If he can clinch victory 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.

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, and the roof was removed for the crunch match.

Fans applauded as Murray took to the court, roaring with each point he won. One shouted: "Come on Murray, come on the English" at one point, with various calls of: "Come on Andy".

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 and girlfriend Kim Sears.

Minogue 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, remains the nation's best hope of a British champion since Fred Perry lifted the trophy 76 years ago.