Men's singles semi-final:

R FEDERER (1) V M SAFIN

0-0

* denotes server

LATEST ACTION (all times BST)
To get involved use 606 or text us your views & comments on 81111.

By Mark Barden at Wimbledon

1300: The big question about today's first semi-final is which Marat Safin will turn up on Centre Court?

Supreme Federer crushes Gicquel ...
Nadal defeats Djokovic at Queen's ...
Bush arrives in Britain on "farewell" tour ...
Borg tips Nadal to win Wimbledon ...
Turkey's AKP threatens to clip power of courts ...
Live - Federer v Nadal ... Will it be the one who saw off Federer in five sets in the 2005 Australian Open semi-finals en route to his second Grand Slam win, or the player who has let his form and world ranking slide since that title?

There's no doubt that Safin has the game to really put Federer's sublime grass court skills to the test, but he needs to be in the right frame of mind to do so.

If he isn't, we could be in for a repeat of last year's third-round match between the pair which the unflappable Swiss genius won in straight sets.

1255: Thanks for those kind words, Caroline. She's lying of course, but the girl needs a lunch break, having slaved over her live text since 0850. I'll do my best to fill the void.

By Caroline Cheese at Wimbledon

1252: Time to hand you over to Mark Barden, who will do a far more professional job of taking you through Federer v Safin than I ever could. Don't panic, he'll also keep you up to date with Laura Robson's progress and a bit of Hoff-watch too.

1248: "LTA chief exec Roger Draper and head of women's tennis Carl Maes are in front of me now. They're enjoying this so far. Robson is playing some 'unbelievable' shots according to Draper. Robbo has only droppd four points on her own serve to take the first set. Two of them were double faults too. Impressive stuff."
BBC Sport's Chris Bevan as Laura Robson takes the first set

1241: All eyes on Laura Robson on Court Three - but there are matches going on elsewhere. Aussie boys' number one Bernie Tomic is on serve against Henri Kontinen of Finland. Grigor Dimitrov is closing in on the first set against Filip Krajinovic in the other boys' semi-final.

1238: "'Re 1140: The Poo' Philippoussis is recovering in hospital following a surfing mishap at Bell's Beach. Quite a drama actually."
Pete in W12, via text on 81111

1234: Sue just texted in to ask if I knew where Rafael Nadal was practising so she could tell her daughter, who's at Wimbledon. I assume she is joking, since we've talked about little else for the last 10 minutes. But just in case: Court Five, Sue, Court Five. Still, I recommend she heads to Court Three for a look at the (possible) future of British tennis. Laura Robson is going great guns, 4-1 up.

1232: "Mac slumps over the net, slugs some water, and exits through the swarming crowd. Nadal starts whacking backhands past uncle Toni. Hoping I'm next."
BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Court Five

1228: "Great start by Robbo. A break up already at 3-0 and she seems to be comfortable with the bumper crowd. Her opponent Romana Tabakova, in contrast, looks very nervous."
BBC Sport's Chris Bevan watching Britain's Laura Robson

1226: "Never been elbowed by so many middle-aged women in my life. Big applause for a Mac half volley. Big laugh when Nadal smacks a forehand past him. 'Which one's Nadal?' asks one panicking lady."
BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Court Five for Mac v Rafa

1222: Mac completely does Rafa with a cunning drop shot-smash - the like of which you will not see at this year's Wimbledon. Nadal doesn't even bother running. To be fair though, it's a rare moment of glory for Mac.

1219: "'It's Nadal! And McEnroe!' Chaos at Court Five. 'You're tall. Can you take a photo for me?' enquires a woman. The battery runs out. 'David, I told you! Oh for God's sake!' Long day ahead for David."
BBC Sport's Piers Newbery at Court Five for Mac v Rafa

1217: "Laura's here, a bit late because she had to fight through the crowds, and knocking up with Tabakova, who is almost three years older and about six inches taller than her."
BBC Sport's Chris Bevan

1213: They've only left the on-court mike on on Court Five. Here's Mac's advice for Nadal: "When you serve and volley, you have to take a little off the serve so go to 110 or something." I am now expecting to see Nadal to play like Boris Becker a la 1985 later.

1207: Alert. Alert. If you're at Wimbledon, get to Court Five immediately. Rafa Nadal is preparing for his semi-final later by hitting with none other than John McEnroe. It's a left-handers' paradise. Mac looks a wee bit slow by comparison but what he lacks in pace, he makes up for in the mind (like Teddy Sheringham) and he's showing the young pup a few volleying skills.

1204: "I dislike both the Hoff and tuna baguettes. I take my Wimbledon with Cliff Richards and strawberries thank you very much."
Anon via text on 81111
(Everyone's welcome here you know. Although if you dislike the Hoff, I'm not sure today's going to be your day.)

1159: "Standing room only on Court Three to see Laura 'Robbo' Robson. I'm sitting next to Chris Eaton's dad. Remember him?"
BBC Sport's Chris Bevan

1151: This weather's put the Voice of Wimbledon in a very chipper mood. "I am pleased to announce we are expecting a dry and mostly sunny day, with temperatures reaching 20C, so you might even need a hat and a spot of sunblock."

1145: "Whoop whoop! Hoff Hoff Hoff Hoff (see 1102). Hoff-watch officially starts here! Minions have been despatched to every gate in anticipation. Wonder if he'll come in disguise to beat the pedants on the front gates? Hope his ego doesn't get the better of him and he gives the game away by screeching up outside in KITT dressed in his Mitch Buchannon outfit. Wonder if he likes tuna baguettes?"
BBC Sport mole

1140: "Where is Philippoussis these days? Last seen on reality TV 'looking for love'. Perhaps you could mention that to the Safin camp, Caroline?"
Katy, working-ish, via text on 81111
(Indeed, 'The Poo' found love on 'The Age of Love' in the US - but lost it again late last year. Now said to be seeing another model.)

1131: "Could I expect to see some good tennis on any other court besides Centre Court on Saturday? Intend to be on Church Road from midnight queuing!!"
Anon via text on 81111
(Don't think you'll need to start queuing from midnight - unless you want to of course. It'll be juniors and seniors and not a lot else.)

1124: The big debate raging on Radio Wimbledon is: who would you rather hang out with, Safin or Philippoussis? Stupid debate. Clearly the answer is Safin. Next.

1121: "Re 0956: Why did he go for Hoff Space when there was an opportunity for Face Hoff? With that contribution I should apply to join the Hoff's (presumably already sizeable) marketing team."
Adam, bravely fighting man flu, via text on 81111

1111: "Had to be in early this morning to do some filming in the Wimbledon museum. (I was paid nothing for the following plug). What a brilliant place! I absolutely insist you all check it out. It's got everything in there, trophies, games, interactive videos of Maria Sharapova, Bjorn Borg outfits, an eerie hologram of John McEnroe (which is terrifying). But no Hoff. Ho hum."
BBC Sport mole (yet to hear the 1102 news)

1108: "My mate got 850-1 on Safin to win at the beginning of the tournament. He put a fiver on it. Not that it will make a difference... Fed will destroy him."
Archie, rotting at his desk, via text on 81111

1102: Praise be. An anonymous texter reveals that Chappers from BBC Radio One's Scott Mills show has got his hands on some tickets for the Hoff.

1057: Yesterday when the rain fell for a second time, the big match between Martina Navratilova and Helena Sukova and Jo Durie and Annabel Croft was finely poised at, er, 6-1 1-0. This morning I discover, to my horror, that Durie and Croft retired. Why? An injury? Or a dinner booking in the Village?

1055: "Re 0950: 200-1 has got to be good for a man that has been to more Aussie Open finals than his opponent."
Rob, at work, via text on 81111
(If only it worked like that.)

1041: Actually, some of the hordes have wisely wandered over to Court 17 to see King Fed go through his paces. He is effortlessly swatting away forehands from the baseline, as you do.

1036: The gates are open and I imagine the hordes will be heading for Court Three where British super-girl Laura Robson begins play against Slovakia's Romana Tabakova.

1031: "Re 1012: I imagine they are testing Hawkeye to make sure it's ready, but even if the balls stayed on there, Federer and Nadal would still win!"
Matthew, SW19, via text on 81111

1027: "A specially branded set of tennis gear. Similar in ilk to that of Fred Perry. But 'Hoffier' of course. I envisage a logo as an arty silhouette of Hoff running in Baywatch trunks, complete with his orange thing he used to run with. It's active, it's sexy. It's Hoff Sportswear."
Jacob Barker on 606
Where can I buy it?

1022: "So the dream is dead. That was a sleepness night of excitement for nothing. Why on earth hasn't the Hoff been given tickets? (see 0908). This guy single-handedly ended the Cold War through the power of his music for heavens' sake. Give him a ticket, All England Club. I'd even come dressed as Knight Rider in his honour. I'm crushed."
BBC Sport mole

1012: Two men have just carefully placed tennis balls all over one side of Centre Court. Is this some kind of handicap system for Nadal and Federer?

1003: "I've got tickets on Court One on Sunday. What delights does that entitle me to? Aussie Laura perhaps?"
Dave in Wandsworth, via text on 81111

0956: The Hoff (see 0908) has launched his own social networking website called 'Hoff Space'. He says it's all about "getting a pulse on all the crazy people out there". Can someone please get this man tickets? Wimbledon needs some Hoff time.
Thousands sign up to Hoff Space

0952: "Re 0908: Don't you think that the Hoff would make a fantastic tennis umpire?"
Ed, sitting in his office wishing he was out in the sun, via text on 81111

0950: Despite being one of only four players who could win it, you can get odds of 200/1 on Rainer Schuettler winning the title. Harsh. But possibly fair. "I have nothing to lose," said the German. "I just go out there, have fun, try to make it as hard for him as possible, and then who knows."

0941: "The men's semi-finals consist of a German, a Spaniard, a Russian, and a Swiss, three of the four nations taking part in the Euro 2008 semis. I don't think this is a coincidence."
MrSport88 on 606
(I think it is.)

0936: Laura Robson enjoys playing the saxophone and can play the Simpsons' theme tune. For some more interesting facts about Britain's bright new hope, why not have a little look at this excellent feature on the BBC website...
Robson flies flag for Britain

0928: "Having been in the office every day since the start of April, I've spent more time with you live-text-update chaps than is probably healthy. Anyone fancy a pint this weekend? I'll shout the tuna. PS Here's to a Safin-Schuettler final. Ahem."
Dan, London, via text on 81111
Firstly, chaps? Secondly, glass of dry white wine for the lady.

0923: Impressive enthusiasm from growingfeet (below) so I shall respond in kind. Jamie Murray and Liezel Huber feature in the third match on Centre Court in their semi-final against Bob Bryan and Samantha Stosur. Bob will no doubt still be steaming after he and Mike went out of the men's doubles yesterday to old man Bjorkman and Kevin Ullyett. Laura Robson is up against Slovakia's Romana Tabakova in the first match on Court Three.

0917: "Another good day of tennis ahead - love it! Come on the Jamie Murray! Is Laura Robson playing again today? She did brilliantly yesterday!"
growingfeet on 606
Join the debate on 606

0908: Those of you who were with us yesterday (and if you weren't, where the hell were you?) will remember that there was a very strong rumour that David Hasselhoff would be in the house today. But I bring bad tidings. If The Sun newspaper is to be believed, the All England Club has turned down the Hoff's request for tickets. Boo. Don't they know who he is?

0858: We may as well appreciate the sunshine while it's here because I've just seen the forecast for the weekend and it's doom all the way. Back to today though and we'll kick off with world number one Roger Federer against Marat Safin, who may very well lose but will look magnificent in doing so. Then it's Rafa Nadal v Rainer Schuettler, an unseeded 32-year-old playing his first Grand Slam semi-final since 2003. He's also 'fresh' from a five-hour epic against Arnaud Clement. "I will be fine," says Schuettler. "I also work hard. I'm physically fit. I'm not so tired." OK then, Rainer.

0850: Hello. I'm starting with a sun graphic. It's a beautiful day, the sun is shining, it's warm (ish). Goodness, even BBC weatherwoman Carol Kirkwood has shed her trench coat.

- We'll be here throughout the day to bring you the latest news from around the All England Club, both on the courts and off, so whether you're settling down at home, stuck in the office or queuing on Church Road, send us your thoughts.

(BBC)

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