Murray faces Spanish hunk for semi final spot

If it came down to a battle of looks Andy Murray wouldn't stand a chance, but fortunately the 24-year-old Scot just has to beat Feliciano Lopez on the tennis court in today's Wimbledon quarter-final. Lopez, a sultry Spaniard whose smouldering eyes have melted even the heart of Murray's ice-cool mother, Judy, is the world's number 44 and has never beaten the Briton in four previous encounters. A journeyman, yes, but a dangerous one, nonetheless, who likes grass and has reached this stage of the All-England tournament on two previous occasions – 2005 and 2008.

This year the man they call 'Deliciano' beat American Andy Roddick in the third round and is now ready for Murray. "It is a great match to play," said Lopez, adding: "Especially if you play the number one British player. I played Tim Henman once a few years ago when he played his last Wimbledon and it is was such a great experience."

Lopez won that 2007 clash against Henman but Murray is an altogether tougher challenge. Having crushed Frenchman Richard Gasquet in his fourth round match, the Scot is doing his best to stay grounded, saying: "I have to keep calm, focused and take one match at a time. The closer you get to reaching the semis and final, the pressure builds a little bit, but the excitement is still the same."

Murray was busy practising on Tuesday, though he did find time for a chat with US Open golf champion Rory McIlroy, who was taking in some tennis after his incredible victory last week. The Irishman is two years younger than Murray but in winning one of golf's Grand Slams he has achieved something that has so far eluded the Scot in his sport. Asked if he had any advice for Murray, McIlroy replied:  "Not really. He's playing awesome. He looked great yesterday [against Gasquet]. Keep doing what you're doing."

But if Murray is to end Britain's 75-year wait for a Wimbledon men's singles winner he will probably have to overcome the two greatest players of their generation, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer. If Murray sees off Lopez he will meet Nadal in the semis, providing the Spaniard gets past American Mardy Fish in their last-eight match today. Nadal suffered a sore foot during his fourth round defeat of Juan Martín del Potro on Monday, but a scan revealed there was no serious damage. "Thankfully the tests don't show an injury," Nadal told his fans in a message posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday. "I'll play tomorrow. Thanks all for the support."

Nadal, Wimbledon champion in 2008 and 2010, still has a long way to go before he overtakes Roger Federer's six All-England titles, and the Swiss is quietly confident of adding a seventh. He faces Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga on court one while the other last eight tie pits Novak Djokovic against teenage Australian qualifier Bernard Tomic on court one. Aged only 18, Tomic is the youngest man to reach the quarters since Boris Becker a quarter of a century ago.

Despite that, all eyes today will be on the centre court and Murray's match with Lopez, the sexy Spaniard who for once can't count on the backing Mrs Murray. "On Wednesday it is going to be a family member playing against 'Deliciano'," said Lopez. "She won't be supporting me any more!" ·