A splayed forehand did the damage for Murray on his first match point - but the reality is Federer was a cut above from start to finish. You will be hard-pushed to see a more complete display of tennis anywhere.

``It's been tough,'' insists Federer. Well, clearly appearances can be deceptive.

He adds: ``People might have expected it to go to four or five (sets) - me as well - but I played so well on the big occasions today and that's probably why I got it.''

Murray tried to adjust his strategy in the third set, stepping inside the baseline to attack his opponent but it only opened up more gaps which Federer exploited with ruthless efficiency.

Just as he had in the first two sets, Federer waited for his moment to strike as Murray again served to stay in the set at 5-4.

The Swiss attacked Murray’s serve and when he opened up a match point, he took his opportunity at the first time of asking as a Murray forehand drifted wide to give Federer a surprisingly rapid victory in just two hours and seven minutes.

So Murray's dream of a second Wimbledon title is over for another year. It's Federer versus Djokovic in Sunday's final. On this evidence, it should be a classic.