Newspapers are mourning the failure of Andy Murray to become Britain's first Wimbledon champion for 73 years, but hailed Andy Roddick's masterful semi-final performance and the Scot's future chances.
Roddick beat Murray in a nail-biting four-set match to set up a final against Switzerland's Roger Federer, who is bidding for a record 15th Grand Slam title.
Murray is the latest in a long line of British tennis players including Tim Henman to fail to win the title despite the annual wave of fevered patriotism among British fans at Wimbledon.
"Different Brit, same outcome. There is no end to it," was the Guardian newspaper's verdict on the semi-final. "A scrap of consolation is that Murray is still only 22 and remains a likely future champion on these lawns."
Despite the disappointment, the papers paid tribute to Roddick, who reached his first major final since 2006.
"There was never more than a cigarette paper between them," the Financial Times said. "But at the vital moments, Roddick made fewer mistakes."
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, headlined its story: "Rod's Too Hot For Sad Andy".
"Andy Roddick played magnificently to end the dream of an occasionally tentative opponent," it said.
"Yet once the crushing disappointment has fallen away, Murray will look at this tournament as part of his overall career trajectory, and how he has improved on his performance of last year."
"Murray Mauled" was the curt headline in the Daily Express, while the Sun splashed on: "Roddy Hell", noting that Murray had broken "the hearts of a nation."
Many newspapers noted that the crowd was somewhat muted in its reaction to Murray, who provokes ambivalence in some fans who see him as lacking in charm.
"This was not (the fans') finest day. They forgot that the idea is to whip up a dervish from the start, not just when it gets good," the Guardian noted.
Some suggested that may partly have been down to Scotsman Murray carrying the hopes of the nation at a quintessentially English event.
"This was Murray's fourth Wimbledon and every time he has got one round further," the Financial Times said.
"Extrapolating that, he should be in the final in 2010 and champion in 2011...
"The English will wish to ensure that the Scots don't declare independence before then and turn Murray into yet another foreign winner."
Source: AFP European Edition
