Andy Murray's dream of reaching the Wimbledon final was crushed by Andy Roddick in a dramatic semi-final.

The British number one went into the match as a hot favourite to beat the sixth seed, who he had defeated in six of their eight previous meetings, but Roddick produced a brilliant performance to triumph 6-4 4-6 7-6 (9/7) 7-6 (7/5).

Murray was punished for being too passive in the opening set and, although he bounced back in the second, Roddick's bullet serving and consistent all-round game earned him a third Wimbledon final appearance against Roger Federer.

Roddick took Murray to deuce in the opening game - only to see two aces flying past him. The Scot made it 3-3 with a classy volley, but the 22-year-old found himself set point down serving at 5-4 behind thanks to a lovely Roddick drop shot - and the sixth seed took advantage with a cross-court forehand that forced Murray to net.

The British number one took a comfort break and came back with a newly-aggressive attitude, two forehand passes and a winner down the line giving him three break points, and he took the first one when Roddick netted a forehand.

A nervy service game at 4-3, in which the Scot was taken to deuce, hinted at a chance for Roddick but Murray held firm. And serving for the set he was rock solid, although the first serve again let him down, as he levelled the match.

The third set began in identical fashion to the second as Murray moved to 0-40 on the Roddick serve - but the American saved. Murray's first-serve percentage had again dropped below 50% and he paid the price in a dramatic fourth game. He saved three break points but a fourth proved too much and Roddick seized the advantage.

Murray was not finished though, and when Roddick served for the set at 5-3 he pounced to break back but it was Roddick who eventually restored his lead by winning a tie-break 9-7.

The sixth seed was still serving at 75% of first serves in and he held firm to set up a second tie-break in the fourth set.

There were signs of fatigue in the Murray game, and a weak forehand gave Roddick the first mini-break and although Murray denied the American on his first match point, Roddick wrapped up the game at the second attempt.