Roger Federer has warned Andy Murray that grand slams do not come easily as he prepares for the 15th such title of his own career.

Federer takes on Andy Roddick in tomorrow's Wimbledon final, looking to claim a sixth title at the All England Club and 15th overall, surpassing the record of 14 he currently shares with Pete Sampras.

Roddick was the man who brought Murray's bid for glory to an end with a surprise victory in Friday's semi-finals, and the American, a former world number one, is looking for only his second grand slam title to add to his US Open triumph in 2003.

And although Murray has climbed to third in the world rankings after a superb 12 months since Wimbledon last year, Federer knows nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to the game's major titles.

Asked if Murray can win grand slams, the Swiss star said: "He has put himself in a good position with all his victories in Masters Series (events), his consistency and his record against the best players.

"Things are looking good for him but a grand slam is not something that comes very easily. There are a lot of young and hungry players out there and Rafa (Nadal) is going to be coming back for the US Open, but he's definitely going to have a shot.

"The story here definitely was Murray because of where he comes from and how good his game has become and how he had a real chance of winning here."

Murray has been criticised in some quarters for playing too defensively at times, and Federer hinted that Roddick had exploited that to good effect in the semi-final.

"I saw part of the match, it seemed it was very close towards the end, a few points here and there," the 27-year-old added.

"Roddick was able to put the pressure on Murray and it was good to see that he could really push Murray on the back foot again and again."

Murray's presence in tomorrow's final - the first Briton since Bunny Austin in 1938 - would have guaranteed an electric atmosphere on Centre Court, and Federer conceded that part of him would have relished such a challenge.

"Maybe a little bit, but whoever won that semi-final deserved it more," he added. "It's the way it goes in tennis, tennis is tough. Of course I would have liked to play Murray but then again I like playing Roddick too.

"I always say whoever is in the final does not matter to me. I'm playing for victory, not to beat someone in the final."