Andy Murray reverts to the role of underdog has he prepares to take on defending champion Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon semi-finals today. The British number one fell to the same opponent at the same stage last year, but is hoping to make amends by getting through to the final this time. They follow Novak Djokovic and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Centre Court, with the first semi-final starting at 1pm. World number one Nadal - who will lose that ranking if Djokovic beats Tsonga - is two matches away from an 11th Grand Slam title and is currently on a 19-match unbeaten run at Wimbledon. He has an 11-4 record against Murray, including victories at the All England Club in 2010 and 2008. Both players have complained of injury problems during the tournament. Nadal considered pulling out with a foot injury, while Murray has a problem with his hip. Murray said: "I feel fine, I'm just looking forward to tomorrow now. I'll do all the right preparation and recovery stuff and try and play my best tomorrow." The 24-year-old number four seed was beaten by Nadal in the French Open semi-finals just a month ago, but says he is not intimidated. He said: "I believe I can win against him. I had chances last year. I was a break up in the third set, had break point on my serve in the second set - I think there was only one break in the first set. We both played good tennis. "I just have to have a better game plan. Sometimes it comes down to strategy, sometimes it comes down to having experience. I just have to go out there and play well, serve well, and believe I'll have a chance." Nadal too is aware that Murray is capable of giving him a game. The 25-year-old said: "Every year is a different situation. Last year I beat him here in the semi-finals but it was a very close match, even if it was in straight sets. In the second set he had a set point on his serve. "So the match will be very difficult for me, I think he's playing at a very, very high level." Nadal's foot injury continues to cause him problems after he picked it up in his fourth-round match against Juan Martin del Potro. He revealed that he will have a pain-killing injection to allow him to run properly. He said: "My foot is not fine. I have pain in the foot, I cannot run in perfect conditions without [an injection]. But with the anaesthetic, I don't feel the pain."
you get the impression its going to be the same old story no matter what sport we play,"so near yet so far"
