Serena Williams serves for a fourth Wimbledon women's title today.

The American takes on world number 21 Vera Zvonareva after Andy Murray's semi-final defeat yesterday completed a summer of sporting misery for home fans.

British dreams of a first men's finalist in 72 years were crushed in straight sets by Rafael Nadal.

David Beckham and a celebrity packed Centre Court audience watched helplessly as Murray battled manfully but was eventually outclassed by the world number one 6-4 7-6 6-4.

Reflecting on defeat, Murray said: "It's not like I played badly - he played great. And that was the difference. He just played better than me. But I am disappointed because I had chances. I'm annoyed I've lost this match."

Williams, meanwhile, is an overwhelming favourite in her sixth final at the All England Club.

But at the age of 28 and as she approaches what she has described as the "eve" of her career, Williams said she would be driven on by the prospect of seeing her name on the winners' board.

"It's been a great decade and I feel honoured to be a part of it. Just to have my name mentioned at Wimbledon is amazing. I'm always just happy to be healthy and to be competing here."