Murray fans positive despite loss

Highlights - Roddick puts Murray out in the semi-final

Tributes have been paid to Andy Murray's performance despite him failing to reach his first ever Wimbledon final.

The Scot's hopes were dashed in an intense semi against Andy Roddick, which saw Roddick through to face Roger Federer on Sunday, in a four set win.

First Minister Alex Salmond said Murray had made Scotland proud.

Locals watching the match in his home-town of Dunblane were disappointed but said Andy had been "absolutely magic".

I'll come back next year and try and do better Andy Murray Murray suffers semi-final misery

In a tough-fought semi-final battle, Murray lost out to fast-serving Roddick 6-4 4-6 7-6 7-6 in three hours seven minutes.

The 26-year-old American dropped to his knees as he won the match, before appearing to mouth "I'm sorry" to the crowd.

Murray shook his opponent's hand before leaving the court.

Speaking afterwards, he said: "I'll move on very, very quickly and go and work on my game and improve and come back stronger.

"That's a pathetic attitude to have if you lose one match and you go away and let it ruin your year.

Fans of Andy Murray in Dunblane found moments hard to watch

"I've had a very good year so far. I'm very close to the top of the game."

Asked if he could win Wimbledon, he said: "I think I have a chance and I think the way I played this year was very close to getting to the final."

He added: "I'll come back next year and try and do better."

Ahead of the match, shops, pubs, cafes and sports clubs in Dunblane were decked out with banners in support of Murray.

The Dunblane Sports Club displayed a banner reading "Well Done Andy", while the local butcher's shop was selling "Murray burgers".

The town's streets were virtually empty as the game got under way.

I think he's done really well. He's only 22 and I think he will go and win it yet David McFarlane Dunblane resident

Many were watching the match from the Dunblane Youth and Sports Centre, which was crammed full of supporters

While Murray failed to make it to this year's final, his fans were quick to heap praise on him after the game.

Health visitor Judith Lungnuss, 52, said Murray has what it takes to do well in the years ahead at Wimbledon.

She said: "He's a young man, he's only 22. He's got plenty of future ahead of him and his potential is just phenomenal."

Anne Kelly, a doctor, said it was a closely-fought match.

She said: "It was a real nail-biter. It was obviously a disappointing result but a really enjoyable match to watch.

Roddick's serve was key - Murray

"I think he did himself proud, it just wasn't the right result on the day."

David McFarlane, 60, joined the town's tennis club in 1964 and has played with some of the senior members of the Murray family over the years.

Speaking after the match, he said he was sure Murray would reach the final one day.

He said: "I'm a wee bit disappointed, but at the same time very proud of him because to get to a semi-final at Wimbledon was absolutely magic.

"I think he's done really well. He's only 22 and I think he will go and win it yet."

Other fans said 2010 would definitely be his year.

The wait for another British Wimbledon finalist continues

The first minister, who revealed before the semi-final he would love to match Murray's prowess on the court, said he had "made Scotland proud".

Mr Salmond said: "He has enormous talent and is a genuine contender to win any Grand Slam - I'm sure he will have many successes in his career.

"It's wonderful for Scotland to have such a prodigious tennis talent as it encourages children from all over the country to participate in the sport and Andy is a tremendous inspiration."

Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy said: "Andy Murray's magic did us proud today and he put up a great fight.

"He is a player with a huge amount of talent and with great prospects before him and I'm sure he will win Wimbledon one day."

Double blow

Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie said he was an inspiration to tennis players young and old across Scotland and Britain, while Labour leader Iain Gray said: "Andy will be back."

Even Andy Roddick echoed the praise, saying in his mind it was a matter of time - "it's not if, but when".

There was another disappointment for the Murray family when Andy's older brother Jamie was defeated in the semi-finals of the mixed doubles.

Jamie and Liezel Huber of the US were beaten by Mark Knowles of the Bahamas and German Anna-Lena Groenefeld 6-2, 7-5.