Good morning and welcome to Sports Mole's live text commentary from day seven of the Olympic tennis at Wimbledon.
We're now into the medals matches in the singles competition and there are some mouth-watering semi-finals coming up this afternoon.
We're also into the last four of the men's and women's doubles, while the mixed doubles continue today with the quarter-finals.
Please note that play is scheduled to get underway at 12pm.
9.03pmRight, that's all from us today and what a day it's been in the Olympic tennis. Andy Murray is through to Sunday's final where he will play Roger Federer and definitely come away with gold or silver. Meanwhile, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams will batlle it out for gold tomorrow with both women looking to complete a Career Grand Slam. It's going to be a fantastic weekend and we hope that you will join us for it. We'll be back tomorrow from 11.30am. See you then. Thank you and goodnight.
8.53pmAnd just as I say that the match is called off for bad light.
8.49pmBelieve it or not we've still got another match going on at the moment as Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi taking on Sania Mirza and Leander Paes in the mixed doubles. Azarenka and Mirnyi took the first set 7-5 and it's with serve at 3-2 in the second.
8.49pmBelieve it or not we've still got another match going on at the moment as Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi taking on Sania Mirza and Leander Paes in the mixed doubles. Azarenka and Mirnyi took the first set 7-5 and it's with serve at 3-2 in the second.
8.46pmTim Henman on BBC Sport: "People questioned how Andy Murray would respond after the Wimbledon final. He's responded in the best possible way."
8.46pmIt's worth noting that Sunday's men's final will revert back to the best-of-five-sets format that is familar at the Grand Slams.
8.45pmSo, we now have our men's and women's singles finals. On Saturday Maria Sharapova will take on Serena Williams, while the following day Andy Murray will meet Roger Federer. What a couple of matches those promise to be.
8.35pmWow, I'm almost lost for words. You need that little bit extra to beat Novak Djokovic and tonight Andy Murray had it.
8.34pmMurray will now face the man who beat him in last month's Wimbledon final, Roger Federer, in Sunday's men's singles final. Murray guaranteed at least a silver but a win would make him the first Brit since 1908 to win gold. Meanwhile, Djokovic will face Juan Martin del Potro in the bronze playoff.
8.32pmIncredible! He's done it! Centre Court erupts as Djokovic hits the net to hand Murray the win. What a performance from the Brit. He forced the issued all the way through that match and answered all of the questions that Djokovic threw at him.
8.30pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Murray 7-5 7-5 Djokovic
8.29pmThree match points for Murray and Centre Court has just gone bonkers!
8.29pmDjokovic fires long and it's 0-30...
Murray 7-5 6-5* DjokovicWhat a hold of serve from Murray! That was quite possibly the game of the match so far and the Brit wins it after yet another gruelling rally. Djokovic will again serve to stay in the match.
8.24pmDjokovic just inches away from the break but Murray lashes home a forehand at the net. Deuce.
8.23pmOh dear. Murray puts a simple forehand into the net and brings up a break point for Djokovic. Can he take it?
8.22pmNow then, it's 15-30 on the Murray serve. Djokovic fighting hard here.
Murray 7-5 *5-5 DjokovicHowever, Djokovic turns it around and it's 5-5.
8.17pmOh deary, deary me. Djokovic takes the next point with the most brutal forehand into the corner following another intense rally.
8.16pmThe Brit takes the first point and everyone goes a bit mad inside Centre Court.
Murray 7-5 5-4* DjokovicMurray yells "Come on!" as he pulls it back from the brink to hold. My word that took some guts. Djokovic will be serving to stay in the match.
8.13pmWow. A missile of a serve from Murray gets it back to deuce. That was an almighty blow.
8.12pmAn error from Murray brings up a break point for Djokovic. Both men giving absolutely everything out there now.
8.11pmMurray challenges a Djokovic forehand into the corner but it's on the line and we're at deuce.
Murray 7-5 *4-4 DjokovicMurray did well there to get it from 40-0 to 40-30, but Djokovic wins the game with a ruthless forehand into the corner. Both men giving little away at the moment.
Murray 7-5 4-3* DjokovicThat's superb from Murray. His back was to the wall there but his serve helped him get out unscathed to hold.
8.01pmMurray was in trouble there at 0-30 but he gets himself back to 30-30.
Murray 7-5 *3-3 DjokovicSome ferocious shots from Djokovic in that game. The Serbian is aggressive at the net and holds again.
Murray 7-5 3-2* DjokovicThe Centre Court crowd are still right behind Murray as he holds again to go back in front.
Murray 7-5 *2-2 DjokovicDjokovic is still plugging away and holds to make it 2-2.
Murray 7-5 2-1* DjokovicA great recovery from Murray gives him the hold. That was another risky game but he stayed strong and closed it out.
7.46pmOh my. Murray hits long to give Djokovic the advantage and then slams his racket on the ground. He's not a happy bunny.
7.45pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Dulko/Del Potro 2-6 5-7 Raymond/M Bryan
7.45pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Ferrer/Lopez 3-6 6-4 16-18 Llodra/Tsonga
7.43pmUPDATE: The Williams sisters doubles semi-final against Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova has ben postponed until tomorrow.
7.42pmDjokovic hustles at the net and it's 0-30 on the Murray serve. The Centre Court crowd have just got that little bit tenser.
Murray 7-5 *1-1 DjokovicMurray hits long and that's game Djokovic.
7.39pmJust another great rally. Murray thought that he had won it with a powerful forehand into the corner but Djokovic keeps it alive and then wins the point with a casual lob.
7.37pmWhat a point! Murray makes it 0-15 with a brilliant diving half-volley at the net that was Boris Becker-esque.
Murray 7-5 1-0* DjokovicThat'll be a huge psychological boost for Murray. He saves a break point and then comes back to hold with Djokovic exerting a lot of pressure. It was a test, and Murray passed.
7.32pmThe Serbian screams up to the heavens as he puts a forehand well wide. Deuce.
7.31pmDjokovic has the chance for a break point at the start of this second set.
7.30pmIt's been a day of epics at Wimbledon today and there's another one going on in the men's doubles now. Ferrer/Lopez vs/ Llodra/Tsonga is currently 16-15 to the Spaniards in the third set.
7.27pmSET! Dulko/Del Potro 2-6 Raymond/Bryan
7.26pmThere it is! Murray deservedly takes this first set 7-5 thanks to a superb forehand that flies past Djokovic. The Serb is going to fight back, of that you can be guaranteed, but the Brit is on fire here.
7.25pmSET! Murray 7-5 Djokovic
7.24pmWonderful. A perfectly-weighted drop shot at the net brings up a set point for the Brit. Can he take it?
7.23pmClose for Murray. He hits the net post at 15-30. Doesn't look too pleased with himself.
Murray 6-5* DjokovicWhile I was writing that Murray held emphatically, so Djokovic will now serve to stay in this opening set.
7.19pmUPDATE: We now have confirmation that Andy Murray and Laura Robson's mixed doubles match against Samantha Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt has been postponed until tomorrow. Probably not the best news for Murray. I say blame Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro.
Murray *5-5 DjokovicA ferocious service game to love brings Djokovic level at 5-5. Who's going to crack first here? On the evidence of what we've seen so far, this one's heading to a tie-break.
Murray 5-4* DjokovicMurray is serving very well indeed today and holds again thanks to another unreturnable rocket.
Murray *4-4 DjokovicDjokovic just doesn't know when to give up, does he? The world number two somehow keeps the ball in play from a stinging Murray forehand before winning the point, and the game, with a precise forehand winner. Sensational.
Murray 4-3* DjokovicMurray finally sees off Djokovic to hold. That was tough.
7.02pmDjokovic isn't letting this one go easily. Murray has his chances to hold but the Serb is sticking in there. Still deuce.
6.58pmDjokovic rushes to the net and Murray hits wide. Deuce.
Murray *3-3 DjokovicMurray flings himself around at the back of the court to get the ball back but Djokovic is there waiting at the net to tap home and hold serve. The quality in this one is instant.
6.52pmMy good colleague Pascal has just informed me that Murray can become the first British man to win an Olympic gold in the singles since 1908. The last? Josiah Ritchie. The City? London.
Murray 3-2* DjokovicThey're already battling hard out there and Murray eventually holds to take a 3-2 lead. These two always seem to bring out the best in each other and today looks like it'll be no different.
6.48pmUPDATE: We're underway in another mixed doubles match and, amazingly, Juan Martin del Potro is back out on court with Gisela Dulko against LLisa Raymond and Mike Bryan. You've gotta love Delpy.
Murray *2-2 DjokovicIt's now Djokovic's turn to hold to love. He looks like he's finding his rhythm now after a mildly rusty start.
6.42pmLet's not forget that Murray is supposed to be in mixed doubles action with Laura Robson tonight, but it's looking very likely indeed that that one will be postponed until tomorrow. However, what the Brit doesn't need is a pile up of matches if he's going for a medal in the singles.
Murray 2-1* DjokovicBang. Murray holds to love again to go 2-1 in front. He looks well up for it this evening, striking the ball really well.
Murray *1-1 DjokovicThe Serbian was slightly on the ropes there but he comes through to hold. The crowd are going bonkers for every point that Murray wins.
6.36pmBut Djokovic fights back to deuce.
6.35pmMurray's forehand is in and he brings up two break points.
6.33pmSome big baseline hitting already from these two...
Murray 1-0* DjokovicProbably the best start Murray could have hoped for as he holds to love. Good stuff.
6.30pmHere we go then, Murray will serve to get this one underway.
6.28pmDjokovic egdes the head-to-head record over Murray with eight wins out of 13. They last met in the Miami Masters final in April, with the Serbian coming out a straight-sets winner in that contest.
6.26pmThese two guys have been waiting a time to make their way out onto Centre Court following that Federer/Del Potro epic. How will that affect them?
6.25pmDjokovic is here thanks to a straight-sets victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarters, while Murray also saw off Nicolas Almagro in two.
6.23pmRight, we've barely time to catch out breath here. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are both out and they were given a huge welcome by the crowd. Murray got the bigger ovation, obviously.
6.19pmTurns out my turn at the keyboard was brief as the irrepressible Jack Prescott is back for more. He says he's regained his sanity after the Federer marathon but I'll let you be the judge of that. Jack...
6.18pmNext up on Centre is Andy Murray up against Novak Djokovic for a place in the gold-medal match against Roger Federer.
6.17pmAzarenka still has a chance of an Olympic medal when she faces Maria Kirilenko in the bronze-medal match.
6.15pmConsidering there was only 15 games, Serena delivered 16 aces, 33 winners and had a first-serve percentage of 78%. Remarkable.
6.14pmJust an hour and four minutes needed for Serena to book her place in the gold-medal match then. BBC Sport's Sam Smith thinks that this was one of Serena's all-time greatest performances and I'd find it hard to disagree.
Williams 6-1 6-2 AzarenkaGAME, SET AND MATCH!
6.11pmAzarenka's just saved three match points!
Williams 6-1 *5-2 AzarenkaIt looks soon-to-be over as Serena moves to 0-30 but Azarenka fight back to 40-30 before a nonchalant backhand return winner sees us get to deuce. Serena has a match point but Vicky just stays in it as her forehand plonks right on the line. Serena affords a wry smile before Azarenka holds on for her third game of the match.
Williams 6-1 5-1* AzarenkaAzarenka shows glimpses of why she's the world number one but it's not enough as Serena holds to-30. Just one game from a guaranteed medal for the American now.
Williams 6-1 *4-1 AzarenkaYes, yes she will. Azarenka wins her second game of the match to just about stay in it. She has to break now though.
Williams 6-1 4-0* AzarenkaGoodness me. It's just all too easy for Serena as she holds to-15 with an ace down-the-T. Will Azarenka even get on the board in the second set?
5.51pmOver on No. 1, Ferrer/Lopez and Llodra/Tsonga are at 4-4 in the deciding set.
Williams 6-1 *3-0 AzarenkaDOUBLE BREAK! The pair exchange blows at 30-40 before Williams thinks 'I've had enough of this' and slaps away a backhand winner cross-court. Surely this is all but over?
5.48pmAzarenka produces her second ace of the match to save the first.
5.48pmTwo more break points for the American...
5.47pmThis is just bullish from the fourth seed. She moves to 0-30 with a bullet backhand down-the-line.
Williams 6-1 2-0* AzarenkaNo such problems on the American's serve as she moves to 40-0. Azarenka gets one point back but it's in vain as Serena holds on the next. Already daylight in the second set.
Williams 6-1 *1-0 AzarenkaBREAK! Serena doesn't let up, converting a break point at 30-40 to continue her dominance in the second set.
5.44pmBlimey, wasn't that an afternoon for Jack?!
6.42pmRight, that's it from me for today. Having followed that Federer vs. Del Potro epic I'm not sure I want to go near a live text commentary ever again. Anyway, thanks for your company - it's been emotional. To guide you through the rest of the day's play is my colleague Pascal Lemesre. Don't worry - you're in safe hands.
6.38pmWhat can you say? Serena Williams has just blasted Victoria Azarenka off the court in 27 minutes to take the opening set 6-1. The world number one needs to start playing like one if she is to get back into this.
6.37pmSET! Williams 6-1 Azarenka
Williams *5-1 AzarenkaBREAK! Azarenka looking anything but a world number one here as she hits wide to give Williams another break. This is simply not a contest at the moment.
5.31pmThat's poor from Azarenka as she blasts a simple forehand volley long to bring up a break point for Williams. However, the American can't take it.
5.29pmAzarenka hits a forehand wide and long and she's looking mildly frustrated.
Williams 4-1* AzarenkaBoom. Another ace from Williams brings up the game and she's now 4-1 ahead. It's difficult to highlight any flaws in her game right now.
Williams *3-1 AzarenkaAzarenka does well to hold and get herself off the mark in this one. Williams chased down every point but the Belarusian managed to come through.
5.22pmSET! Ferrer/Lopez 3-6 6-4 Llodra/Tsonga
Williams 3-0* AzarenkaWilliams holds to love again and is breezing through this first set. We've only had seven minutes of play but the fourth seed is ahead 3-0.
Williams *2-0 AzarenkaAzarenka looks to be feeling the pressure straight away as she is broken by Williams. That was more Azarenka's doing than any great play from the American.
Williams 1-0* AzarenkaWow. Williams hits three aces on her way to holding for love. An ominous sign for Azarenka methinks.
5.10pmIt'll be the American to serve...
5.10pmThe last time that these two faced each other was here at SW19 in the semi-finals of this year's Wimbledon Championships. Williams came out in two sets and went on to beat Agnieszka Radwanska.
5.07pmRight, no rest for the wicked. Serena Williams tried to make it clear yesterday that Victoria Azarenka was the favourite for this one, but their head-to-head record says otherwise: Williams has won eight of her nine meetings with the Belarusian world number one.
4.58pmYou have to feel sorry for Del Potro - he played magnificently out there and I'm prettu syre that there were tears in his eyes as he walked off Centre Court. However, he still has a chance for a bronze medal when he competes in Sunday's playoff with the loser of the other semi between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Oh yeah, about that. Those two are scheduled to be on Centre Court after the NEXT match whihc is Serena Williams versus Victoria Azarenka. We'll be sticking around for that one so suggest you eat some food, have a drink (strength optional) and join us again shortly for that women's semi-final.
4.55pmFederer will now be in Sunday's final where he will have the chance to win a gold medal. He'll get a silver if he loses but make no mistake - he wants that gold and the Career Golden Slam.
4.54pmSET! Ferrer/Lopez 3-6 Tsonga/Llodra
4.53pmUnbelieveable. Just unbelieveable. A fantastic match comes to an end when Del Potro can only find the net. What can you say? At four hours and 26 minutes it's been an amazing feat of endurance, both mentally and physically, from both men. They receive a standing ovation from the crowd who know that they have just seen something special. For the record, it is the longest match ever played at any Olympic Games.
4.50pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Federer 3-6 7-6[5] 19-17 Del Potro
4.49pmOh my goodness! Federer has the chance to win the match with a simple volley but he finds the net and it's deuce. Incredible scenes!
4.48pmA wonderful rally sees Del Potro fire wide and Federer moves onto match point...
4.45pmThe crowd stands to applaud as Federer takes his place to serve.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *18-17 Del PotroBREAK! AND HE'S GOT THE BREAK! Del Potro hits the net and Federer will serve for this match. He couldn't do it last time but has a second chance to guarantee himself a medal here.
4.42pmFederer now has three break points. He squandered the last three that he had but can he grab one of these? The crowd are cheering him on, trying to force him over the line.
Federer 3-6 7-6 17-17* Del PotroThere's a baby crying in the crowd but it doesn't put Federer off as the Swiss launches an ace down court to hold to love. Magnificent concentration from the 30-year-old.
4.39pmThese guys are breaking record by the minute. This is now the longest three-set match in Open era history at four hours 12 minutes. The previous record of four hours nine minutes was held by Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *16-17 Del PotroAnother whiff of a break for Federer there but Del Potro snuffs out the danger to hold.
Federer 3-6 7-6 16-16* Del PotroHave just been informed that neither Switzerland nor Argentina have won a medal at this year's Games so the winner of this contest will secure a first medal for their nation. In other news, Federer holds and it's 16-16.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *15-16 Del PotroIt's another escape act from Del Potro as he comes back from 0-30 to hold. Both of these men aren't making it easy on themselves.
4.29pmSo close. Federer puts his backhand inches wide at 30-30 on Del Potro's serve. Agonising.
4.27pmThe previous record of three hours 57 minutes was set by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Milos Raonic on Tuesday.
Federer 3-6 7-6 15-15* Del PotroFederer holds to make it 15-15 but the headline right now is that this is the longest tennis match in Olympic history at three hours and 58 minutes. Amazing.
4.22pmIt's deuce on the Federer serve.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *14-15 Del PotroThat is incredible. From 0-40 down Del Potro comes back to hold with some heroic play. The Argentine gets a huge round of applause from his team and why not? That was superb from the 23-year-old.
4.16pmAnd it's deuce! Would you believe it?!
4.16pmNor can he take the second as Del Potro sweeps home a forehand winner.
4.15pmHe doesn't take the first as his lob goes wide.
4.14pmHe has three break points! Surely he'll take one of these...
4.13pmChance for Federer? It's 0-30 on the Del Potro serve.
Federer 3-6 7-6 14-14* Del PotroThe same goes for Federer. The Wimbledon champion holds to love.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *13-14 Del PotroIt goes on. Del Potro holds with little trouble.
Federer 3-6 7-6 13-13* Del PotroClassy from Federer to hold with a backhand volley.
4.04pmFederer is back out and he'll serve to stay in the match again.
4.03pmDel Potro is sat in his chair with eyes looking sharply ahead.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *12-13 Del PotroThe concentration of these two men is incredible. Del Potro holds again as Federer takes a comfort break. The first from either player today. And who can blame him? They've been out there for a staggering three hours and 38 minutes. Interestingly, the record set by Tsonga and Raonic was three hours 57 minutes. Are they going to break it?
Federer 3-6 7-6 12-12* Del PotroIf there was any pressure there then Federer didn't show it. Despite being at 0-30 he wins the next four points to hold. Marvellous stuff.
3.55pmBut then he hits an ace.
3.54pmFederer hits long and it's 0-30. A sniff of a chance for Del Potro...
3.54pmAt least one semi-final has finished. Maria Sharapova is through to the women's singles final following a straight-sets win over fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko. Sharapova is now guaranteed a gold or silver medal while Kirilenko will be in the bronze medal playoff.
3.52pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Sharapova 6-2 6-3 Kirilenko
Federer 3-6 7-6 *11-12 Del PotroFederer hits long to give Del Potro the hold. The Argentine leads 12-11.
Federer 3-6 7-6 11-11* Del PotroHis last service game hasn't seemed to have affected Roger Federer as he holds comfortably to love.
3.47pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Lisicki/Kas 4-6 7-6[2] 10-7 Vinci/Bracciali
Federer 3-6 7-6 *10-11 Del PotroHe was worried for a moment there but Del Potro holds to go 11-10 in front. Federer to again serve to stay in the match.
3.42pmBREAK BACK! Goodness me. Del Potro breaks back to love. Federer looked an absolute shambles in that game.
3.41pmAnd now he brings up three break-back points! Is Federer feeling the pressure?
3.40pmI don't believe this. Del Potro makes it 0-30 with a whipped forehand winner.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *10-9 Del PotroBREAK! And he has it! Del Potro hits a wild forehand into Row Z and the Centre Court crowd erupts. Federer isn't celebrating yet though - he has to hold if he wants a place in Sunday's final and the chance to get his hands on that coveted gold medal.
2.36pmFederer has the chance of a break point. He hasn't taken any of his previous seven...
2.36pmDel Potro is looking at the umpire with a mean look as he double faults for only the second time in the match to bring it to 30-30.
Federer 3-6 7-6 9-9* Del PotroAn equally-determined Federer holds convincingly to make it 9-9 in this final set. Having fun?
3.32pmSET! Lisicki/Kas 4-6 7-6[2] Vinci/Bracciali
3.31pmFederer is serving to stay in the match yet again.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *8-9 Del PotroHe was 0-30 down but Del Potro comes back to hold. He's limping after that sensational dive but has got his nose back in front. He's refusing to budge here with a performance that is full of determination.
3.27pmOh my word! Del Potro leaps across the court to put a backhand into play and win the point following some jousting at the net. He trails 15-30 but that was incredible, especially for a man of his size. Wow.
Federer 3-6 7-6 8-8* Del PotroFederer holds firm again to hold. We've now played three hours. And what a three hours it's been.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *7-8 Del PotroAnd Del Potro holds. He took an eternity to serve that last point but did whhat he needed to do. The tennis hasn't always had the most coverage at these Games, but this match is riveting.
3.18pmNo he can't! He moves forward but his backhand flies straight into the net. Deuce!
3.17pmBut now he does bring up a break point following Del Potro's long forehand. Can he take it?
3.16pmOh my word! Federer goes to the net and looks like he may have the point but Del Potro's forehand clips the net and goes agonisingly over to make it 30-30.
3.15pmNow then. Federer whips a forehand into the corner and it's 15-30 on the Del Potro serve.
Federer 3-6 7-6 7-7* Del PotroThere are some tense faces out there but Federer's remains as cool as ever as he holds once more.
3.11pmThe Centre Court crowd ooh and aahs as Del Potro's shot goes just long. That would have made it 0-30 but as it stands it 15-15.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *6-7 Del PotroSuperb from Del Potro. the Argentine hammers down an ace to hold. We've already had an Olympic record broken at these Games when Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Milos Raonic 25-23 in the final set of their match. Is this one going to go a similar distance? I hope not because I need a sandwich or something.
Federer 3-6 7-6 6-6* Del PotroAgain Federer pulls it out of the bag at the crucial time. He serves his third love game in a row to get himself back on terms. The last point was a joy to behold as he floated a sliced drop shot enticingly over the net.
3.01pmThese two are still fighting hard out there as Del Potro holds to move ahead 6-5. Federer will again serve to stay in this match.
2.59pmSET! Sharapova 6-2 Kirilenko
Federer 3-6 7-6 5-5* Del PotroFederer holds to love in about 45 seconds. He flew through that game.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *4-5 Del PotroWhoosh. Del Potro fires in another ace to give him the hold. The big Argentine is still looking very solid as Federer serves to stay in the match.
2.54pmBut Federer can't capitalise as Del Potro rifles home a smash. Back to deuce.
2.53pmAnd now it's advantage Federer following Del Potro's wayward forehand. Centre Court holds its breath.
2.52pmThe Argentine hits a backhand wide and it's deuce.
2.51pmA chance for Federer? It's 40-30 on Del Potro's serve.
2.49pmUPDATE: Lisicki/Kas 4-6 Vinci/Bracciali
Federer 3-6 7-6 4-4* Del PotroA simple hold to love for Federer makes it 4-4 in this deciding set. The final point is a delightfully sweeping forehand which bypasses Del Potro completely.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *3-4 Del PotroThat was some game. Del Potro was in trouble but stood firm to hold. Where is this one going to end?
2.43pmOh my days. Del Potro is playing with fire here but he gets it back to deuce with an outrageously precise forehand that clips the line.
2.42pmFederer brings up a break point...
2.40pmWhat a rally. Both men are fighting hard in the corners but Del Potro's rocket of a forehand gives him the point.
2.39pmDel Potro's struggling to close this game out as it moves to deuce.
Federer 3-6 7-6 3-3* Del PotroIt's a similar story on the Federer serve as Del Potro pulls it back to 30-30. However, a classy forehand from Federer gives him the hold. Busy this afternoon? This could be a long one.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *2-3 Del PotroDel Potro is showing real resilience out there. Federer brings it back to 30-30 but the Argentine wears his opponent down to hold. And he STILL hasn't been broken in this match.
2.30pmUPDATE: Maria Sharapova has just started her semi-final against fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko on Court 1. Updates as and when they happen.
Federer 3-6 7-6 2-2* Del PotroA minor worry for Federer there but he holds to make it 2-2.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *1-2 Del PotroIt's another hold for Del Potro. He had to labour over the finish line in that one but got their nonetheless.
2.19pmWith his history of injury problems that slip from Del Potro had evenryone worried on Centre Court for a moment. However, it looks as if it's caused no lasting damage.
Federer 3-6 7-6 1-1* Del PotroThat was an important hold for Federer. He was down 0-40 but dug deep to put himself level at 1-1.
2.16pmDel Potro wastes three break points but the bad news is he's down and staying down. He just slipped on the grass awkwardly and it looks a painful one. However, he's back up and play continues.
Federer 3-6 7-6 *0-1 Del PotroAnyway, back to this one and Juan Martin Del Potro gets off the mark in this deciding set with a hold. He still hasn't been broken in this match.
2.11pmWe're also underway in the mixed doubles quarter-final between Lisicki/Kas and Vinci/Bracciali. You know the drill - updates as and when we have them.
2.11pmThat can be filed under 'massive shock'. Top seeds in the women's doubles Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond are knocked out in the semi-finals by the Czechs. Didn't see that one coming.
2.10pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Huber/Raymond 1-6 6-7[2] Hlavackova/Hradecka
2.09pmBoom. Federer gets himself back into this match with an ace which wraps up the second-set tie-break. There was some serious nail-biting out there on Centre Court but the world number one held his nerve as he's done so many times in the past to make it all square.
2.08pmSET! Federer 3-6 7-6[5] Del Potro
2.07pmHe misses the first chance with a long forehand...
2.07pmFederer's just a point away from taking this set now as he comes back to lead 6-4.
2.04pmHow has he missed that?! Federer runs to the net to put away a simple volley but it goes long and it's now 4-4.
2.03pmAnd again as Federer can't handle another booming serve. It's now 4-3 to the Swiss.
2.02pmThe minute I write that Del Potro gets himself back into it.
2.02pmIt's now 4-1 and Federer looks in control.
2.00pmFederer gets the mini-break and it's 2-1 to the Swiss. Make that 3-1 as Del Potro hits a forehand wide.
1.59pmBut Del Potro takes the next as Federer finds the net.
1.58pmFirst point Federer, 1-0.
Federer 3-6 6-6 Del PotroThe world number one found himself 30-15 ahead in that game but Del Potro grinds it out. We have a tie-break.
Federer 3-6 6-5* Del PotroFederer keeps his cool by holding to love so Del Potro will serve to stay in this second set, a bizarre second set at that.
Federer 3-6 *5-5 Del PotroThat was emphatic from Del Potro as he holds to make it 5-5.
1.50pmDel Potro makes only his second double fault and it's 15-15.
Federer 3-6 5-4* Del PotroTypically, the world number one digs in when it counts and eventually holds. That game wouldn't have filled his fans with confidence though - Del Potro had him on the ropes there.
1.46pmFederer's all over the shop here. He gets the advantage but whacks the ball into the net for the umpteenth time to bring it back to deuce.
1.44pmFederer was 40-0 but a couple of simple mistakes give Del Potro a chance. The Swiss then launches a forehand into orbit and it's deuce.
Federer 3-6 *4-4 Del PotroMeanwhile, Del Potro continues to put pressure on Federer with a hold of serve. We're entering the 'business end' of this set now...
1.41pmSo, a fairly routine win for top seeds the Bryan brothers as they move into the final of the men's doubles. The Americans are now guaranteed a gold or silver medal. Ferrer/Lopez and Llodra/Tsonga will contest the second semi later today.
1.40pmGAME, SET AND MATCH! Benneteau/Gasquet 4-6 4-6 Bryan/Bryan
Federer 3-6 4-3* Del PotroFederer had the chance to hold to love but fluffed a volley that he would usually put away in his sleep. However, it didn't matter as he took the next point to put himself 4-3 ahead.
Federer 3-6 *3-3 Del PotroDel Potro will be pleased with that as a simple volley gives him the hold. He's been very good at the net today. Federer had the chance to break there but didn't take it.
1.34pmBut Del Potro saves it with forehand into the corner following Federer's service return.
1.34pmNow then, Federer brings up a break point as Del Potro hits the ball long by a matter of millimetres.
Federer 3-6 3-2* Del PotroI knew that if I said something like that the game would be ended and it is when Del Potro can't contest with Federer's forehand, but my word the Argentine nearly had him there.
1.28pmThis game is getting more important by the minute. Federer can't seem to close it out and we're at deuce again.
1.25pmIt's another topsy-turvy game here as Federer makes another error. It's deuce.
Federer 3-6 *2-2 Del PotroClinical from Del Potro. The eighth seed holds thanks to a dynamic backhand into the corner. He's showing no signs of letting up as of yet.
Federer 3-6 2-1* Del PotroThat was quick. Federer serves the first love game of the match to put him back in front 2-1.
Federer 3-6 *1-1 Del PotroThese two are really turning it on now. A ferocious rally, dictated by Del Potro, sees the Argentine win the point and hold serve with a pinpoint backhand right into the corner. A sprawling Federer can only stretch for it, but misses.
13.14pmThis is turning out to be a pendulous game as Federer squanders a second break point with an unforced error.
13.11pmSET! Benneteau/Gasquet 4-6 Bryan/Bryan
13.10pmFederer has Del Potro worried here as he brings the game to deuce.
Federer 3-6 1-0* Del PotroSolid from Federer as a simple backhand volley at the net gets him off the mark in this second set. The tension is starting to rise on Centre Court now.
1.04pmA shock in the first semi-final of the women's doubles? The top seeds Huber and Raymond have been brushed aside in the first set by the Czech pairing.
1.03pmSET! Huber/Raymond 1-6 Hlavackova/Hradecka
1.02pmFederer's back is certainly against the wall now and he'll need to find some of his best form to get out of this one. The Wimbledon champions will serve to get us underway.
1.01pmWow. Del Potro takes the opening set in 36 minutes with some aggressive play from the baseline. He romped to victory in that service game. The Argentine looks well up for this.
1.00pmSET! Federer 3-6 Del Potro
Federer 3-5* Del PotroBREAK! But he can't save the second! Del Potro batters the ball from the baseline, pinning Federer back, and the world number one cracks by hitting his backhand into the net. The Argentine will serve for the first set.
12.57pmFederer saves the first as Del Potro hits long following a tense rally.
12.55pmDel Potro brings up two break points. He's sussed Federer out a bit here.
Federer *3-4 Del PotroAnother steaming ace from Del Potro gives the Argentine the hold.
12.51pmDel Potro stopping again before his serve as dust blows in his eyes. It really is gusty out there. And then he hits an ace.
12.50pmThat's a wonderful rally which has both men at full stretch, but Del Potro takes the point with a smart volley at the net.
Federer 3-3* Del PotroBrilliant from Federer. He gets Del Potro right where he wants him before lashing home a forehand into the opposite corner to hold.
12.46pmDel Potro takes the first couple of points on the Federer serve, but the Swiss levels it at 30-30 with a forehand winner.
12.45pmUPDATE: The Benneteau/Gasquet vs. Bryan brothers men's doubles semi-final is now underway. We'll also be bringing you updates from that one.
Federer *3-2 Del PotroDel Potro lurks at the net and dispatches a fierce volley before Federer whips his forehand long to give the Argentine the hold.
12.40pmThere's been some great tennis played in these opening four games. This one could be a cracker.
Federer 2-2* Del PotroThe Argentine's forehand is looking danngerous today as he notches up the first point of the game with a real missile of a shot, but Federer comes back to hold.
Federer *1-2 Del PotroDel Potro shows some resilience to hold having saved a break point in that game. The Argentine rounds things off with a booming ace.
12.34pmBut he can't take it. His return is long and it's deuce.
12.33pmFederer brings up a break point...
12.33pmUPDATE: Huber/Raymond vs. Hlavackova/Hradecka has just got underway in the women's doubles semi-finals. We'll bring you updates as and when they happen.
12.31pmDel Potro just checking the wind before he serves. It's swirling around out on Centre Court again.
Federer 1-1* Del PotroThe Federer serve is already in full swing as the Swiss holds to love.
Federer *0-1 Del PotroIt's a great start for Del Potro as he shows some impressive groundstrokes and holds serve.
12.24pmHere we go then. It'll be Del Potro to get us underway in the first of the men's singles semi-finals.
12.21pmWhile it'll be a best-of-three-sets contest today, Sunday's final will revert back to the five-set format that we know and love.
12.20pmLooking at the stats and both men have dropped just one set on their route to the semi-finals. Federer overcame American John Isner in the last round while Del Potro edged past Kei Nishikori of Japan.
12.17pmTo bring you up to date: the winner of this match will be guaranteed a gold or silver medal in the final, while the loser will contest a bronze medal playoff against the loser of the other semi.
12.16pmHere they come then. It's Del Potro first and he walks out in that inimitable way of his - kind of like someone who's just got out of bed. And here's Federer, who gets a trememdous cheer.
12.11pmCentre Court is filling up now as we await the two players. It's a gloriously sunny day at SW19. For now.
12.08pmFederer recently said that he's 'had Del Potro's number' this year and he's not wrong. The Wimbledon champion has won all five of his matches with the Argentine, dropping just two sets in the process.
12.05pmWhat makes that triumph even more remarkable is the fact that Del Potro was the last person outside of the Federer/Djokovic/Nadal triumvirate to win one of the four majors.
12.03pmHowever, Del Potro's most famous win over the Swiss was in the 2009 US Open final when he twice came from behind to seal his first and only Grand Slam.
12.00pmAs we focus on Federer's match with Del Potro, the history book makes unpleasant reading for the Argentine. He's only won two of his previous 14 encounters with the world number one, the last of those triumphs coming way back in 2009 at the ATP World Tour Finals.
11.56amAs for the women, I think that we'll be seeing Maria Sharapova taking on Serena Williams. But what do I know?
11.54amI've made the somewhat wild prediction that it will be an Andy Murray vs. Juan Martin del Potro men's final come Sunday. The more I think about it the more I think that I might have egg on my face by the end of the day.
11.50amIt's also worth pointing out that Andy Murray and Laura Robson are in mixed doubles action later today when they play Sam Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt of Australia in the quarter-finals. The British pair came through an exciting counter against Hradecka and Stepanek yesterday.
11.48amThe action is due to be kicking off at midday as Roger Federer takes on Juan Martin del Potro in the first of the men's semi-finals. We'll also be bringing you updates of the first women's doubles semi-final with Raymond and Huber of the USA taking on Hlavackova and Hradecka of the Czech Republic.
11.42amEither way it is sure to be a disappointment for those hoping to watch the men's semi-finals on Court 1. They will be treated to one last-four encounter this afternoon however as Maria Sharapova meets fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko.
11.40amHowever, we have controversy. A lot of punters on Court 1 have expressed their annoyance because they will not be seeing either of the men's semi-finals today, despite the fact that tickets were sold as 'Men's and women's semi-finals'. Locog have now released a statement saying that they've had to amend the schedule because they are behind in the doubles and that the roof on Centre Court allows them to get through more matches.
11.38amWomen's singles semi-finals:
Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams
Maria Sharapova vs. Maria Kirilenko
Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams
Maria Sharapova vs. Maria Kirilenko
11.37amMen's singles semi-finals:
Roger Federer vs. Juan Martin del Potro
Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer vs. Juan Martin del Potro
Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic
11.35amHello there and welcome to day seven of the Olympic tennis from Wimbledon. Well, where to start? There's a truly eye-catching order of play for today with the men's and women's singles semi-finals taking place at the All England Club.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
