Great Britain's Andy Murray admitted "it's very exciting", as he moved one step closer to an historic men's singles tennis medal at the Olympics, after easing past Nicolas Almagro of Spain, while Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic also entered the semi-finals.
Murray defeated Almagro 6-4, 6-1 in straight sets much to the unbridled joy of the home crowd. "It's great," Murray said. "That was the goal coming into the tournament. It's nice to get the opportunity.
"If I win one of the next two matches, I'll give myself a shot at the medal. Obviously winning the first one is the most important thing just now. I need to be ready for it. But, yeah, it's very exciting."
Helped by an injury to his Spanish opponents shoulder, Murray eased into the last-four without any hiccups. "It was good," the Scot said. "I served well. From my side of the court, I played solid on serve.
"In the second set, he was struggling with his serve. He obviously had a problem with his shoulder so it was much easier for me to return.
"So, from my side, it was good and important that I got off the court quickly. I've obviously got mixed later. If it had been a long one, we had a long mixed as well, that wouldn't have been great for tomorrow.
"There's no sort of rest mentally. Obviously when you're playing Wimbledon, you get the day off. That always helps because you can relax a little bit and get away from it.
"Whereas here pretty much every day we've played. That's what's challenging, is making sure each morning you get up and you're ready to perform.
"Because it is such a quick match with the three sets, any mistake can cost you. Physically it's easier (than Wimbledon). Mentally, I don't know whether it's easier or not. It's just different."
Djokovic will face Murray after defeating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 7-5. "Andy is the home hero," the Serbian said.
"He has been playing better than ever on grass courts. I will have to be at the top of my game."
Federer is on course to capturing his second-straight title on the grass courts of the All-England club, after his straight-set 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) win over American John Isner. Federer was made to work hard for the win by the big American, but eventually prevailed in a tough encounter.
"Being in the medal matches, at least I'll get two shots," Federer said. "That's why I looked at this match as a final. You can imagine the relief and happiness I feel right now.
"Maybe I just got really lucky today. But overall I felt I played a great match.
"I think I'm playing my best. I don't know if you can play a whole lot better."
Federer will now face Juan Martin del Potro in the last-four after the Argentinian beat Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
