Wimbledon 2012: the men's semi-finals - in pictures

It's raining in London as the crowds enter Wimbledon at 10.30am Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The first men's semi-final - which features Roger Federer, who's looking for his seventh win at Wimbledon, and the reigning champion, Novak Djokovic - should make great viewing, even for those watching it on the big screen from Henman Hill Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The roof is closed, allowing play to go ahead Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Federer sweeps through the first set, winning it 6-3 Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Djokovic replies, winning the second set 6-3 to square up the match Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Federer's offensive tactics are causing Djokovic problems Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

And Djokovic, who has won six of their past seven meetings, eventually concedes what feels like a critical third set (6-4) after an epic rally Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Kylie Minogue is among the spectators in the Royal Box Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Federer set the pace again in the fourth set, breaking his opponent to move three games to love clear Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Victory is eventually his in 2hrs and 19 mins as he claims the fourth set 6-3. Now, who will Federer face in the final ... Murray or Tsonga? Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

By the time of Andy Murray's match with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the sun is out above Centre Court Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Murray is imperious in the first two sets and streaks to what appears an unassailable lead 6-3, 6-4 Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

But Tsonga isn't giving in that easily. He rallies at the start of the third set and takes a three-love lead Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

... pushing Murray around the court with renewed belief and duly pulling back a set Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Tsonga takes a blow to his nether regions as the pair engage in an increasingly thrilling battle Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The fourth set is tight initially. Here, Murray passes Tsonga and leaves his opponent on the turf Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Break points are saved by both men. Desperate stuff Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Leading 6-5, Murray earns two match points on Tsonga's serve and seals victory with a stunning cross-court forehand ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

But hold on, maybe it's not all over. The line-judge has apparently called it out, and Tsonga, who already had his racket in the air ready to appeal, may be reprieved Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

Despite the importance of the decision, both men meet at the net and raise a wry smile. Murray challenges the line-judge's call and so it's time for Hawk-eye to determine the facts ... Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

It was in! Murray is through to his first Wimbledon grand final - and becomes the first British male since Fred Perry in 1938 to achieve that feat. Tears are in his eyes. He looks overwhelmed Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

The pair embrace after a wonderful contest Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

As Murray leaves the court he still looks unable to comprehend the victory Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian

He'll need a good day's rest before facing Federer in the final on Sunday. He's never before beaten the Swiss in a Grand Slam match. But if he succeeds this time, he'll win his first major title Photograph: Tom Jenkins for The Guardian