Andy Murray was tipped to become a multiple grand slam winner of the future after missing out on the Wimbledon final.

Murray succumbed to the power serving of Andy Roddick, losing out 6-4 4-6 7-6 7-6 in a gripping semi-final, as the American reached his third final in SW19 and yet another against Roger Federer.

But Roddick had only praise for the way Murray had handled the burden of expectation and expects the British number one to become a major champion soon.

Roddick said: "He's going to break through and win one of these titles and probably numerous ones. He's too good not to. In my mind it's a matter of time. It's not if, but when."

Roddick, whose one grand slam success was winning the US Open in 2003, has lost two finals to Federer.

But he believes that after shedding more than a stone in a bid to get his career back on track this past year, he is better prepared than ever to delay Federer's attempt to clinch the 15th title which would take him past Pete Sampras' tally of grand slams.

Roddick said: "One thing that helps is that I'm not going to get real surprised by most situations. I've been through most of them before, the good ones and the bad ones. It's not new for me. Not a new emotion. That maybe helps sometimes.

"I'm excited about this one. I didn't know if I was going to get to play a final of Wimbledon again. I'm certainly thankful to have that opportunity."

Murray believes Roddick's serving gives him the opportunity of producing a shock in tomorrow's final.

Murray said: "If he serves like that he's got a great chance against anyone because it comes down to a few points in each set.

"Regardless of whether it's Roger or me or anyone else, if someone serves 130mph consistently throughout the match and above it's very tough to break them especially on a quick court like that."

Roddick watched last year's final between Federer and eventual champion Rafael Nadal in an airport lounge.

He explained: "We were coming back from North Carolina and landed and they were heading into the fifth set. I didn't want to watch because it's tough watching because you wish you were there. It hurt to watch.

"Then it was the match it was and there was no chance of me getting out of the airport before it finished."

Roddick understands there will be a wave of emotion behind Federer in his quest to make history but expects the Centre Court crowd to be generous to him, even though he knocked out Murray.

Roddick said: "I think here, maybe more than any place outside the United States, I've developed a little bit of rapport with the fans.

"Roger has earned their respect many, many times over. Hopefully they'll like both of us a little bit."