Murray vows to return, targets U.S. Open title

By Miles Evans

LONDON (Reuters) - Andy Murray vowed to return to Wimbledon a better player next year after Andy Roddick ended his hopes of being a first Briton in the men's final since 1938 with a clinical masterclass of power serving and variation in pace.

Murray hit more winners than Roddick, more aces, and made fewer unforced errors, but was cut down in front of a shellshocked Centre Court crowd 6-4 4-6 7-6 7-6 by the American sixth seed, who now faces Roger Federer for the third time in a Wimbledon final on Sunday.

Murray, the third seed and warm favourite to progress from Friday's semi-final, said he would not dwell on the unexpected defeat and would look to grind out his first grand slam success at the U.S. Open later in the year.

"I'll move on very, very quickly and go and work on my game and improve and come back stronger," said Murray, who was bidding to become the first British man to hold aloft the Challenge Cup since Fred Perry in 1936.

"That's a pathetic attitude to have, if you lose one match and you go away and let it ruin your year.

"I've had a very good year so far. I'm very close to the top of the game," said the 22-year-old Scot, who has won four titles this year including the grass warm-up event at Queen's Club and the Masters Series title in Miami.

Murray held a 6-2 career record against Roddick going into Friday's match, including a straight sets win over the American here in 2006, but Roddick executed his gameplan to perfection, subtly varying the pace, hitting deep corners with relentless regularity and advancing to the net with great effect.

"If someone serves 130 miles an hour consistently throughout the match, and above, it's very tough to break them, especially on a court like this that's quick.