Andy Murray has sent British fans into a frenzy as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic set up a Wimbledon semi-final showstopper on an electrifying day at the All England Club.

Striving to end Britain’s 76-year men’s grand slam title drought, Murray recovered from a set and service break down to move into the semi-finals with a stirring 6-7 (5-7) 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 7-6 (7-4) victory over world No.5 David Ferrer.

The Scottish Braveheart will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on Friday for a spot in Sunday’s championship match after the French fifth seed crunched 43 winners and 17 aces to oust German Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6 (7-5) 4-6 7-6 (7-3) 6-2.

While Federer and Djokovic, each in straight-set routs, and Tsonga cruised, Murray had to pull out all stops to move to within a match of becoming the first British man to make the Wimbledon final since 1938.

All up, Murray had to fight off 10 break points to keep his dream alive after three hours and 52 tension-filled minutes – plus an anxious half-hour rain delay at 5-5 in the final set.

The big home hope was on the brink at a set down and then 5-2 behind in the pivotal second-set tiebreaker.

“It was a very tough match, a long match, a lot of tight moments,” fourth-seeded Murray said.

Federer earlier had the celebrity-filled royal box in raptures with his spellbinding 6-1 6-2 6-2 quarter-final win over Russian Mikhail Youzhny.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Rod Laver and the first couple of tennis, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, were among the dazzled dignitaries treated to a majestic display from Federer.

“I think it helps when royalty shows up and other legends of the game see me play,” Federer said.

“It’s inspiring.”

So utterly dominant in fact that his vanquished opponent at one point turned to the royal box and sought advice from the great Agassi.

“What do I have to do here?” Youzhny shrugged.

But the Russian was utterly powerless to stop the 16-times major winner from inflicting a 14th defeat from 14 encounters with his career contemporary.

Prince William and Kate were also suitably impressed as Federer set yet another record that may stand the test of time.

The 30-year-old surpassed Jimmy Connors for most grand slam semi-final appearances after qualifying for the 33rd of his incomparable career.

Now Djokovic stands in his way of the tantalising chance to join Pete Sampras with seven titles at the All England Club after seeing off German Florian Mayer 6-4 6-1 6-4 to confirm his 11th grand slam appointment with the Swiss master.

And giving their semi-final an extra edge, should he win and then lift the trophy on Sunday, Federer would also supplant Djokovic as world No.1 and equal Sampras’s all-time record of 286 total weeks atop the rankings.

“Obviously it’s a big deal. No denying,” Federer said.

Federer will be the sentimental favourite on Friday, but 25-year-old Djokovic holds a clear edge over his senior rival in recent grand slam meetings.

Although the Serb trails Federer 14-12 head-to-head overall, Djokovic has had his measure in four of their past five grand slam showdowns, including in straight sets at last month’s French Open on clay.

But the two tennis titans have never previously clashed on grass.

“We don’t know quite what to expect,” Federer said.

“I feel it’s a bit of an even ground. You have to ask him. I feel good about the match. I’m excited.”