Roddick broke to 3-1, and at 5-2 was two points away from taking the third set. But Murray eventually broke back and, in the tiebreaker, he held a set point at 6-5. On a 13-stroke exchange, Roddick misplayed a forehand volley in such a way that it turned into a winner.

"He apologized," Murray said.

Moments later, Murray shanked one forehand long, then dumped a passing try into the net, and Roddick owned the lead and momentum. Less than an hour later, Roddick owned the match, improving to 26-4 in tiebreakers this season when he smacked a forehand approach shot and Murray put a backhand into the net.

A year ago, Roddick lost in the second round at Wimbledon, prompting some serious soul-searching. He was traveling in the States the day of the 2008 Wimbledon final, which Federer lost to nemesis Rafael Nadal 9-7 in the fifth set in fading light. Roddick wound up staying at the airport to watch the end of the match on TV.

Now it will be Roddick trying to beat Federer with a Wimbledon championship at stake.

And Federer trying to beat Roddick with history at stake.

"Obviously you can't really say enough to kind of signify what Roger's career has been to this point," Roddick said.

As for Federer's bid to collect No. 15, Roddick said: "I'd love to delay it for another Grand Slam."