Glory for Serena and Rafa! Wonderful Wimbledon 2010 is over!
04 Jul 2010 3 Comments
in Wimbledon
Finals weekend promised much, more glorious weather was to be had, however, there were no new Champions in the two showcase finals, the ladies and mens finals.
Serena started a little slowly against Zvonareva, the crowd were supporting Vera, as much as they love Serena, they came hoping to see a new star take the Venus Rosewater dish, sadly it just didn’t happen.
Serena began the final serving first. She had been serving so well all fortnight, and she continued in that vein during the opening game, prior to the Final she had produced 80 aces! She added one more in her first service game of the match.
Vera made a good start in the early stages, and ventured into the forecourt with precision. Her every winning point was being cheered rapturously!
A few surprisingly nervy errors gave Vera hope in Serena’s next service game, only to be rectified by another ace on game point, Serena was being tested at this point, both players feeling each other out.
Vera held serve in the next game a little easier. Battle joined at 2-2.
Serena produced aces and double-faults in the 5th game, Vera only had one really good look at a serve, but her forehand flailed. 3-2 to the top seeded American.
Vera fell behind 0-30 in the next game and then regained composure quickly for 30-all. Serena saw her first chance to break, as Vera went wide with a forehand. Vera put away a short ball to save the break-point, Serena’s chance had gone…for now.
Zvonareva found herself 4-3 down in a blink of an eye. The pressure was building on the challenger.
Vera was sliding on the grass as she defended Serena’s heavy blows, even annoying her opponent a little bit with her persistence, alas it wasn’t to last for Zvonareva. Vera saw 2 game points evaporate, Serena crashed a forehand pass down the line to earn the first break of the match, the champion would serve for the first set at 5-3.
Serena double-faulted on her first point, the crowd urged Vera on. A big serve, and a winning smash took Serena onwards in the game, Vera missed a backhand, Serena had the first set in her pocket 6-3 after 36 minutes.
The second set began badly for Vera, she couldn’t find her range on her serve, and she began to give away points, Serena was grateful nevertheless for the gift of an early break. Serena was looking impregnable on serve and from the back of the court. The final faded as a contest, Vera could only manage 2 service holds in the set. In the points she tried to drive the American back with moonballs, but Serena stayed aggressive until the end. Serena sealed the title with two successive smashes, the score 6-3 6-2.
Serena overtook Billie Jean King’s record of 12 GS wins, now she has 13, not unlucky for her!! A great achievement!
The womens doubles was won by new pairing Vania King of the U.S. and Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazhakstan. Vera tasted her 2nd defeat of the day in partnership with fellow Russian Elena Bovina. King and Shvedova won 7-6 6-1. Both teams were unseeded, prior to this fine achievement, 1977 was the last time an unseeded pair won the womens doubles title! Poor Vera was overcome with emotion and wept in her chair afterwards.
Another unseeded team triumphed in the mens doubles, Jurgen Melzer of Austria, and Phillip Petzschner clinched the title, defeating 16th seeds Robert Lindstedt of Sweden and Horia Tecau of Romania. Melzer and Petzschner were bundles of energy, jumping and running around the court between points and games, athletic at the net, clinical on serve, returning too powerfully. Melzer and Petzschner won 6-1 7-5 7-5, Lindstedt and Tecau took 2 sets to find their chemistry as a team. By then it was too late.
So to the mens final. Many people said the match would be a close contest, some legendary players tipped Tomas to unseat Rafa! The players took to the court to find it was the windiest day of the fortnight.
Tomas began soundly enough, managing to hold serve comfortably early on. Both players made errors, as they tried to get used to the tricky wind.
Tomas made consecutive errors in the 7th game to hand the initiative to Rafa, who then made a superb forehand passing shot to leave Berdych with a mountain to climb. Rafa made a return winner to break, leading 4-3. He quickly consolidated the break, and then clinched the set with another break, hitting more returns that Tomas just couldn’t handle. Tomas wasn’t making enough telling first serves, and was being given the runaround, defending in vain against the rampant Rafa.
Rafa seemed to lose concentration slightly at the beginning of the 2nd set, some uncharacteristic errors gave Tomas 3 successive breakpoints, but a forehand winner, a biting 2nd serve, and an error from Tomas meant the door of opportunity was closed, and it was only briefly ajar again.
Games went with serve until the 11th game, a tie-break had looked likely. However, Tomas played another nervy game at a vital time, he surrended his serve meekly, Nadal won the 2nd set 7-5..no way back for the Czech.
One more breakpoint was offered, the last chance gone in the middle of the 3rd set. Rafa produced the necessary gear required to reach 4-3. He would not lose another game. Rafa made some great forehand winners to clinch the title, falling onto his back in the moment of triumph and then rolling forward. Irrestible!
The mixed doubles event was won by crowd favourites Leander Paes of India, and pocket dynamo Zimbabwe’s Cara Black, 6-4 7-6 (5) the margin over South African Wesley Moodie and American Lisa Raymond. Black and Paes had finished runners-up last year. Paes clinched the title for his team with a winning volley.
All 4 players in the boys doubles final were British! The winners were Liam Broady and Tom Farquharson. They defeated Lewis Burton and George Morgan 7-6 (4) 6-4 in the last final of this years Wimbledon.
Wimbledon 2010 was truly amazing! Hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did!!
Di
Two first time Grand Slam finalists go for glory at Wimbledon!
03 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
Vera Zvonareva of Russia and Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic have booked places in a Grand Slam final for the very first time!
They face a daunting task each facing an overwhelming favourite, Serena Williams and Rafa Nadal respectively!!
Vera’s semi-final against Tsvetana Pironkova, dark-haired, daring ball striker from Bulgaria. The Challenger struck the first blow, hitting her backhand with particular venom, and finding telling angles and serving well when she needed to.
Vera decided to up the pace, and dictate more from the forecourt. Tsvetana couldn’t find passing shots, returns or enough accurate first serves to live with the resurgent Russian.
In the 3rd set Pironkova only found brief flashes of inspiration, she became too tentative, her choice of shot grew naive, she threw in far too many short or misplaced dropshots, Vera sealed the match 3-6 6-3 6-2. Vera was through to her first ever Grand Slam final, and her delight was there for all to see.
The other womens semi-final also proved tougher than expected. Petra Kvitova was totally unfazed and fearless, she gave Serena all she could handle in the early stages. Petra returned serve with more than passing interest in the opening game of the match, even earning a break-point which Serena saved with a serve too powerful for the challenger.
20 year old Kvitova even broke serve to take a 3-2 lead in the opening set, giving pace that even Serena found too hot to handle, also showing touch at the net that even Petra’s idol, Martina Navratilova would have been proud of, to prevent Serena breaking straight back in the very next game.
Serena held serve to love to keep in touch at 4-3, in the next game Serena took her onslaught to Kvitova’s backhand…she was rewarded with the break back, score 4-4.
The World number 62 Kvitova continued to hold her nerve and her serve, twice serving to save the set, both games held soundly to force a tie-break to decide set 1.
Serena quickly raced to a 4-0 lead in the tie-break, Kvitova fought back with winners on serve, a stooping volley proving too good, Serena fired a backhand out to bring the score to 4-3. Petra missed a forehand when she had initiative in the rally..5-3 Serena. Serena slammed down a serve that overwhelmed Petra…the Challenger was 3 set points down. Petra held on as the American missed groundstrokes off both wings. Williams sealed the set with a powerful serve that Kvitova couldn’t get to.
Petra saved break-point in the opening game of the 2nd set…and got to 2-2 with good groundstrokes, her serve still proving tricky for Serena to read.
However Serena began to find her range, landing many heavy blows especially off her forehand. Petra couldn’t handle the pace…and failed to win another game. Serena won 7-6(5) 6-2.
In the mens semi finals, Novak Djokovic was expected to contest his first Wimbledon final. Tomas Berdych wasn’t in the mood to make it happen for Nole.
Nole could not find the range on his biggest weapon, his forehand. Tomas was firing on all cylinders other than a few nervy double-faults, and eased through the 1st set, winning it 6-3 after 33 minutes. Nole was left shruggling his shoulders, looking at his Supporters Camp with considerable anxiety.
Tomas broke Nole late in set 2, he had a lead of 6-5, leaving him serving for a 2 set lead. Tomas seemed to choke, missing easy shots. Nole was also proving how flexible his body was, playing incredible defensive chopped shots so close to the baseline, almost doing the splits! Nole’s defences helped him to break back and force a 2nd set tie-break. Both players were finally playing well at the same time, the crowd began to participate fully.
12th seeded Berdych raced to a 6-2 lead in the tie-break, serving well, stroking his groundies superbly, Nole couldn’t make any in-roads.
Tomas began to falter, and Nole defended for his life almost, he played a wonderful defensive lob to draw level at 6-6..but it was called out…Nole said Tomas had no play on it… so therefore the point should be his! Nole challenged the call..the lob was good! They replayed the point…Nole roared to his supporters as he drilled a backhand down the line to force a change of ends at 6-6 in the tie-break.
The score reached 9-9, Tomas secured another chance to take the set. Alas Nole delivered a double fault to hand the set to Tomas 11-9 in the tie-break.
Nole smashed his racket against a chair…angry that he had let the set slip by. The unsympathetic Umpire Carlos Ramos applied the rule book and warned Djokovic for racket abuse.
Games went with serve until the 8th game, tired and low in spirits, Nole threw in 2 double faults to give Tomas the chance to serve for a place in his 1st ever Grand Slam Final, the Wimbledon Final!!
Tomas served out clinically, smiled broadly, before consoling his opponent.
British hopes faded for another year, Andy Murray had opportunities in the 2nd and 3rd sets of his match with Rafa Nadal, but he couldn’t capitalise, in the 2nd set tie-break Nadal even double faulted, but still Andy couldn’t cross the line. At 4-2 Rafa broke back, and never looked back…the score 6-4 7-6 (8-6) 6-4.
Vera Zvonareva will be in a 2nd Final, she and Elena Bovina also of Russia, defeated Gisella Dulko of Argentina, and Flavia Pennetta of Italy. They will play Vania King of U.S. and Yaraoslava Shvedova of Kazhakstan in the Womens Doubles Final.
The mens doubles final line up is set. 16th seeds Robert Lindstedt(Sweden) and Horia Tecau from Romania will face Austrian Jurgen Melzer and his German partner Philipp Petzschner, both of whom had fine runs in the singles events.
In the mixed doubles Final, No 2 seeds Cara Black of Zimbabwe and Leander Paes of India face off against 11th seeded pair Wesley Moodie (South Africa) and U.S. veteran Lisa Raymond. Both pairs won their semi-finals comfortably, in straight sets.
Enjoy Saturday finals day!!
Di
Wonderful Wimbledon! New stars step up to the big stage!
01 Jul 2010 2 Comments
in Wimbledon
The past 2 days have been incredible. The sun has continued to blaze, new stars have emerged from relative obscurity, producing exciting tennis.
Day 8 began with the last remaining Latvian representative bidding farewell in the boys singles, Mikelis Libietis went out in 3 sets to Filip Horansky of Slovakia. Mikelis took the first set on a tie-break but ran out of steam, his long match in the 1st round taking its toll..Mikelis could only capture 4 games in the last 2 sets.
The womens singles produced surprises. Russian Vera Zvonareva kept her nerve and her serve through the closing stages against Kim Clijsters, moving as well as she has ever done, keeping her emotions in check, and outlasting the Belgian in the longer rallies. Vera ran out the winner in 3 sets, to reach her first Wimbledon semi-final.
The smart money had gone on an all Williams final! Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria had beaten Venus before at the French Open…but surely she wasn’t going to repeat it on the slick grass?? She did..Venus was off her game…Pironkova mixed up the play. Venus was often errant on serve and at the net. Tsvetana used changes in pace and shots to make the older Williams sister look cumbersome. An amazing victory was hers 6-2 6-3, through to her first ever Grand Slam semi-final!! A standing ovation was afforded her, deservedly so. She said afterwards that she always enjoys playing at Wimbledon, finally her enjoyment brings rich rewards!
Tsvetana will pit against Vera in the semi-finals. Vera lost their last meeting..so could yet another surprise be on the cards??
Serena came through easily against Chinese player Li Na. Her opponent came through an amazing match, saving 5 matchpoints against Estonian Kaia Kanepi. Petra Kvitova triumphed 8-6 in the 3rd set to her own disbelief. Kanepi had led the final set 5-2. Kvitova fought like a lioness..her lefty game clicking into gear when she needed it most…she has an all court game which is very exciting…I expect her to test Serena, provided the youngster from Czech Republic is not overawed by the occasion.
The mens quarter-finals were settled. Novak Djokovic had the easiest ride..coming through in 3 easy sets against Yen Hsun Lu. The outcome was never in doubt. Everyone expected the top 4 seeds to take their places in the semis, but it didn’t go to the script.
Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic has always been a very powerful hitter but somewhat fragile mentally, performing consistently at the smaller tournaments, but never producing his best at Grand Slams. In 2004 he won defeated Roger at the Olympics in Athens. He was expected to push on from there, but it didn’t happen until he clinched the final Masters Series of 2005 in Paris, defeating 5 consecutive seeds, outlasting Ivan Ljubicic in the final, in 5 sets!!
The consistency has been coming for Tomas already, he reached the semi-final of French Open this year. Tomas had no fear, striking searing, stunning forehands, moving well, and finding the courage to take to the forecourt. Federer looked stiff and uncertain. Tomas took the ovation of the crowd after a stunning triumph in 4 sets! He’ll take on Novak Djokovic for a place in this years Wimbledon final!! A first ever Wimbledon final is the prize for one of these two dynamic players.
Nadal was expected to have trouble with Swede Robin Soderling..and he did..for the 1st set at least. The 2008 Champion found himself a set down. Robin began to fire his flat shots wide of the court…Rafa gave him the runaround in customary fashion. In the end he ran out a comfortable winner in 4 sets.
Andy Murray also dropped the first set in his contest against extrovert Frenchman Jo Wilfried Tsonga, but British hearts weren’t to be broken…their man got the better of the remainder of the match, his variety of shot and cunning courtcraft proving too strong, running out a 4 set winner to set up a widely anticipated clash with Rafa Nadal.
The Bryan brothers were unexpectedly beaten by Wesley Moodie and Dick Norman. In the mixed Belgians Xavier Malisse and Kim Clijsters sent top seeded Nenad Zimonjic and Sam Stosur packing, in straight sets.
Enjoy Day 10!
Di
Latvian junior Mikelis masters a marathon at Wimbledon – Roddick goes out
29 Jun 2010 2 Comments
in Wimbledon
Day 7 began with JJ(Jelena Jankovic quitting in tears with a back injury, trailing 1-6 0-3 to Russian Vera Zvonareva.
The ladies matches were on paper more attractive than the mens….Kim Clijsters lined up against fellow Belgian Justine Henin…and there was also a match up between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.
Kim began her match making forehand errors, and with her serving toss awry. Justine fell and jarred her elbow early in the set…but she laughed with the trainer who had come out to treat her…so the damage wasn’t severe enough to bring about an early conclusion…the sun baked crowd breathed a sigh of relief.
Justine took control of the court, and controlled her aggressive, attractive strokes…way out of reach of Kim…1st set to Henin 6-2. Kim had double faulted at the end of 2 separate games to hand her feisty opponent easy breaks of serve. Not what was in the script…Kim looked rushed and flustered.
Kim held on to her serve at the beginning of the 2nd set…and suddenly the timing returned on the Graf like forehand she possesses. She began to wallop it into the corners, and used an ‘in to out’ stroke to great effect. As great a scrambler as Henin is…she couldn’t handle the accuracy and pace her opponent was now giving her. Kim was intent on going for her shots even more…and they came off. Justine looked afraid…and couldn’t impose her game. 2nd set to Kim 6-2.
Kim’s serving improved, and gave her the early initiative she likes in points..Justine’s graceful game was floundering…badly timed errors gave Clijsters the vital break at 5-3 in set 3. Justine bravely tried to force the play but Kim was too accurate for her…serving out to 30 and winning the final set 6-3.
Maria Sharapova had 2 set points against Serena Williams in the 1st set tie-break of their match, but Serena clawed back…Maria double-faulted to assist the American in taking an epic breaker 10-8.
Maria was never the same after that…Serena served brilliantly and achieved the only break of serve early in the 2nd set to take the set and match 6-4 the score.
On the outside courts a junior boys 1st round was taking place…17 year old Latvian Mikelis Libietis, born in Sigulda, residing in Cesis, Latvia, was up against 4th seeded Duilio Beretta of Peru…the marvellous ‘Slamtracker’ details scores from every court in play. They split the first two sets, the opener 6-3 to Mikelis…the 2nd 6-2 to Beretta.
Blonde Mikelis got the first break in the decider to lead 3-2…he was immediately broken back. He saved a match-point at 4-5!! At 7-7 he had a breakpoint which he couldn’t take. Then he broke to lead 14-13…and served out the match to 30!! Great win!!
Mikelis produced 21 aces, 51 winners, 9 Double-Faults and 43 Unforced Errors in the 2 hour 55 minute marathon!
Petra Kvitova continued her marvellous run, overwhelming Caroline Wozniacki the 3rd seed from Denmark 6-2 6-0!!! She next faces Estonian qualifier Kaia Kanepi for a place in the semi-finals!!! Kanepi beat Czech Klara Zakapalova 6-2 6-4.
It was looking like a straightforward afternoon in the featured mens matches. Federer made light of his first meeting with in form Austrian Jurgen Melzer, going through 6-3 6-2 6-3 in just 84 minutes. He’ll face Czech Tomas Berdych…who outlasted Daniel Brands of Germany 4-6 7-6 7-5 6-3..close!!
Robin Soderling edged Spaniard David Ferrer 6-2 5-7 6-2 3-6 7-5…a surprisingly tough work out for the Swede. He’ll face Rafa Nadal. Nadal ran out an easy winner over Paul Henri Mathieu of France.
Andy Murray looked good in his straight sets dispatch of Sam Querrey. He’ll face Jo Wilfred Tsonga, a winner over fellow Frenchman Julien Benneteau.
Novak Djokovic overcame typically stiff resistance from Lleyton Hewitt and stomach problems to advance to the quarter-finals in 4 sets.
Yen Hsun Lu of Chinese Taipei wasn’t expected to pose much of a threat to last years defeated finalist, Andy Roddick. Lu played the match of his life! There was no hint of a surprise when Roddick took a tight first set 6-4. But then…the underdog started to excel at Roddick’s game…taking tie-breaks!!! He took sets 2 and 3 both on tie-breaks…and led by 2 sets to 1!! When Roddick took the 4th set also on a tie-break…surely it favoured Roddick..didn’t it???
Lu was digging out spectacular low volleys to save himself…the drama went on…7-7 5th set…surely Roddick would break and seal the deal…well no…
Roddick was trying to close out points from the net…but Lu hit a backhand pass to hold for 8-7.
Andy found great placement on a forehand to make it 30-30…he was under pressure on serve…again. Roddick won’t have faced this much pressure on serve in a match for some time. Lu challenged a serve from Andy…it was called out…then a forehand from ‘A-Rod’ goes long. MATCHPOINT LU!! A forehand pass from Lu seals the match, 9-7 in the 5th set!! Amazing. Lu’s reward is a meeting with Novak Djokovic in the last 8!!
Day 8 womens singles quarter-finals day. Enjoy!!
Di
The long and short of it…Wimbledon day 5 and 6.
27 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment
in Wimbledon
Day 5 began with new cult hero John Isner going out with a barely a whimper..on Court 5, .in 3 quick sets to Dutchman Thiemo De Bakker…Isner was sore…very sore…feeling pain in his neck…and sorrow that his body could give no more to the cause of winning enough games..let alone sets to win further matches.
Roger Federer progressed very comfortably against the Frenchman Arnaud Clement, at last finding the solidity and consistency that has strangely been missing. Novak Djokovic had a far easier time too, defeating Spaniard Albert Montanes for the loss of just 9 games. Lleyton Hewitt is still going strong…playing the bigger points with greater belief than gallant Gael(Monfils) of France. Hewitt and Djokovic are set for 4th round encounter…that one could be very lively…and long!!
Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin set up their much anticipated 4th round showdown, easily despatching Russians Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova respectively. Venus Williams powered past another Russian, Alisa Kleybanova, conceding 6 games.
Jelena Jankovic made light work of one half of the Ukraine Bondarenko sister act, despatching Alona(seeded 28) in straight sets.
Day 6 had a lot of close matches, Nadal came through another 5 setter against Philipp Petzschner( who replaced Ernests Gulbis in the seedings). The German served magnificently, Nadal received treatment on elbow and knee injuries. The warrior he is..he’ll have a day of rest today(Sunday) and be firing for his next match against Paul Henri Mathieu of France…Mathieu has been struggling with injuries this year…and won only one match this year..prior to The Championships.
Jo Wilfried Tsonga and Julien Benneteau of France both won…to set up a 4th round meeting on Monday.
Andy Murray was way too good for yet another Frenchman Gilles Simon…winning in straight sets.
Viktoria Azarenka succumbed to Czech player Petra Kvitova on Court 18. ‘Vika’ was serving for the first set at 5-4…lost the game…and never won another…Kvitova showed more variety in her play, notably some very fine volleying…and won 7-5 6-0!!
Maria Sharapova overcame unexpectedly tough resistance from Czech player Barbora Zahlavova Strycova…BZS threw everything at Maria..angles..dropshots…trying to get into the net…Maria turned up the volume of her grunting…her unfailing tenacity and grit seeing her through to round 4, her straight sets win not telling the story of the match, her opponent gave a great account of herself, an emotional, eclectic player, full of ideas and imagination. A daunting task awaits ‘Shazza’ now…she takes on Serena Williams. Serena has barely broken sweat…yet..
British interest(other than Andy Murray) can be found in the mens doubles event. Top seeded Nestor and Zimonic(having almost been Brit-bashed in round one)..were finally beaten..by another British pair…wild card entrants Chris Eaton and Dominic Inglot. Eaton and Inglot won 8-6 in the 5th set!!!
If week two has half of the excitement then this Wimbledon will go down as vintage!!
See you for week 2!!
Di
longest match ever…ends…70-68 in the 5th to Isner..
25 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment
in Wimbledon
Finally..finally..the longest match in the history of tennis ended after11 hours 5 minutes of play, spread over 3 days…
The final shot was a backhand from John Isner…as Nicolas Mahut approached the net. The victor fell onto his back on the court…before picking himself up and going to embrace his opponent.
Bizarrely then the two warriors had to wait on court…there was an impromptu trophy presentation in recognition of such a feat. Both players received mementos on court as did the magnificent Umpire, Mo Lahyani.
Still the players were kept on court by TV..both were questioned by host broadcasters BBC TV…and then more photos…they were asked to pose in front of the scoreboard…showing the last sets incredible numbers…upon resumption they had restored the scoreboard and it ticked over the incredible numbers.
A few stats
- 16,000 – an estimation of the calories burned by the two players combined
- 138 games in the final set
- 112 aces from Isner
- 103 from Mahut
- 11 hours of play
- 3 days to complete the match
Then later the vanquished but lion hearted Nicolas was summoned back on court…accompanying fellow Frenchman Arnaud Clement…facing a British pair..Fleming and Skupski, right where the surreal drama of the marathon had finished just a few hours earlier, Mahut returning to court 18!!!. Cruel. And they lost the 1st set before play ended for the day.
Elsewhere Andy Murray served up a right royal treat in front of HM, impressively despatching Jarkko Nieminen of Finland…in straight sets. The bow he performed in line with custom..was just as good!!
Jo Wilfried Tsonga overcame a stern test, advancing in a 5 setter, so did Rafa Nadal over Dutchman Robin Haase.
Even mens doubles top seeds Nestor and Zimonjic were not immune to drama..only winning 15-13 in the 5th set against British pair Jonathan Marray and Jamie Murray(brother of Andy).
On the womens side Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams barely broke sweat in the blazing sun…
The last remaining Latvian went out…Anastasija Sevastova, pairing up with Regina Kulikova..lost on Centre Court to Elena Baltacha and Russian Olga Savchuk.
Wonderful Wimbledon 2010!
Enjoy day 5!!
Di
History made..the longest match..ever..still going on…at Wimbledon
23 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment
in Wimbledon
I don’t have words to describe what has been taking place today at Wimbledon…the continuation of a match between John Isner, the 23rd seed from the U.S. and qualifier Nicolas Mahut of France.
Most knowledgeable tennis folk would know that service breaks between these two would be at a premium…but never would anyone have thought there would be no breaks of serve in a 5th and final set that has lasted 7 (SEVEN) hours.
Isner had matchpoints leading 33 games to 32…but alas the plucky Frenchman saved them..with an assured volley and a big serve!!
As I write there have been no further break points since then…we now stand at 59-58in Isner’s favour…Mahut in the past few games…no surprise he is suffering from blisters.
There is excellent light still…so play may finish in another half an hour or so 9.30 pm (BST).
Another match point at 59-58 to Isner…Mahut saves it!!! Never ending story..Mahut hangs on, producing his 95th ace of the match!!! 59 games all!!!! Discussions taking place…between the referee and the players about carrying on…approaching 9.10 pm..now both players are at the net talking with officials..the players are gathering their things and leaving the court…with the score at 59 games all…5th set.. Incroyable!! Unbelieveable!!! Surreal!!
Part 3 of this amazing match…to be continued…match time thus far (TEN!!) hours long!!!!
When a winner eventually emerges in this match…they will face Thiemo De Bakker, a youngster from the Netherlands..he had his own dramatic 5 setter..winning 16-14 in the 5th!!!
Roger Federer dropped a set again today to giant Ilija Bozaljac, an engaging guy from Croatia with an unorthodox style…not quite in the Fabrice Santoro mode..but nevertheless very entertaining.
Andy Roddick dropped the first set to Michael Llodra before running out a comfortable winner..6-1 in the 4th set.
No such drama for the women…Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin negiotiated their 2nd round matches in straight sets.. Venus Williams dropped only 4 games to Eastbourne Champion Makarova of Russia. Glamourous Russian Maria Kirilenko also came through.
Tomorrow sees players past and present expected to meet HM Queen and then take to the stage to show off their skills on Centre Court, serving up tennis fit for… a Queen.
See you for Day 4…
Di
Wimbledon Day 2:-Top contenders shine in the sun…seeded Spaniards fade out
23 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment
in Wimbledon
Day 2 of Wimbledon 2o1o was on the whole a far quieter affair.
Big names Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Serena William, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki breezed through. Robin Soderling and Mikhail Youzhny names to watch…made sound progress through to round 2.
Spanish seeded players Nicolas Almagro, Fernando Verdasco and Juan Carlos Ferrero, all basked in the sun…but not in victory…all bowing out on day 2.
Most notable women’s seed to go out…Sam Stosur losing in straight sets to Estonian Kaia Kanepi.
Brit watch…other than Andy Murray more gloom and doom…Jamie Baker lost, Heather Watson, Anne Keothavong couldn’t salvage a win between them.
On Thursday many of the players who played yesterday can look forward to a royal guest admiring them…the Queen is expected to visit Wimbledon for the first time since silver jubilee year in 1977. How will the players do with the bows and curtseys?? Watch this space..
Day 3 top match-ups?? Recent Eastbourne winner Frenchman Michael Llodra faces last years finalist Andy Roddick…expect some tense tie-breaks…however I think Roddick in 4 sets.
Fellow Eastbourne winner Ekaterina Makarova takes on Venus Williams…I feel that Venus will come through in two tight sets.
Novak Djokovic will be hoping for an easier ride against Taylor Dent of the U.S. Taylor has a big serve, and often volleys…so a test for Nole…I see a 4 setter.
Elsewhere Kim Clijsters continues her Wimbledon return against Croatian Karolina Sprem…and Justine Henin takes on German Kristina Barrois.
Whoever you’re supporting.
Enjoy
Di
amazing opening day at Wimbledon…ending at 11 pm!!!
22 Jun 2010 Leave a Comment
in Wimbledon
What a wonderful start to Wimbledon 2010!!
Clear skies,dramatic matches,three of the top ten seeded men fighting back from deficits…not least defending champion Roger Federer…his opponent Alejandro Falla had the audacity to serve for the match!!!!
A great performance by Falla, serving with purpose, hitting forehands with precision, mixing sliced backhands with authority, to the bemusement of the for once flailing Federer. His combination of strokes bemused Federer to the extent that the 60th ranked Colombian led the Champion two sets to love!!!!
But then came an injury to the underdog…just when he had all the momentum in the match,leading as he did by 2 sets. Suddenly he felt pain in his groin and the physiotherapist became a regular visitor to Falla’s side of the court.
Falla’s movement became restricted…but still Federer made uncharacteristic mistakes and struggled to read the Colombian.
Federer saved breakpoints at 4-4 in the 3rd set…and the tide seemed to have turned…3rd set to defending champ 6-4.
There were more chances for Falla…and he took them..breaking in the 1st game of the fourth set and held the advantage right until it came to serving for the match at 5-4 in the 4th..suddenly he became a little nervous, Federer began to stay in the points…beginning to use drop shots and hitting backhands down the lines.
Federer had to save a further breakpoint…before a tie-break ensued. Federer turned up the heat on the tiring Colombian…using more angles and turned up the power and graceful hitting.
The last set was over in 20 minutes…the Colombian was a spent force and could resist no longer…and could not post another game on his side of the scoreboard, conceding the final set 6-0.
So not a stroll in the sun..rather the opposite…Federer conceded afterwards that he was lucky to get out of the match.
Nikolay Davydenko survived a 5 setter, going 2 sets down to South African Kevin Anderson…unable to do anything about Anderson’s ability to produce telling serves on key points.
Nikolay is a dogged competitor, and he began to return serve more effectively, getting the better of the longer rallies…Davydenko’s strength and better shot making helped to turn the tide to reach the 5th set.
A long battle ensued…Davydenko ran out the winner 9-7 in the 5th set…great escape indeed!!
Novak Djokovic was in the last match on centre court against diminutive Belgian Olivier Rochus…they began in sunny conditions at a time when many people are home from work and settled in front of the TV…little did many of them know the drama that was about ensue.
Djokovic was out of sorts at the beginning, breathing heavily, looking tired…Rochus has a stylish game and surprising power…and used it to subdue Novak..taking the 1st set 6-4 from the 3rd seeded Serbian.
Set 2 Novak found his range of shots…and hit the corners, putting many shots out of reach of the scrambling Rochus. 2nd set Djokovic 6-2 having led the set 5-0.
Rochus broke at the start of set 3 and held his advantage through the set..taking it 6-3.
At this stage the roof was closed because the natural light was fading..it was late in the evening…there was a delay whilst the lights were switched on and the air conditioning operated..a delay lasting 35 minutes
When they returned it was Djokovic who enjoyed the conditions more…the ‘indoor’ element suited him..he began to hit with assurance..and cut out so many of the errors..he broke early in the 4th set but missed chances to have an easier score to the set…he had chances to secure the set on Olivier’s serve…before having to save 3 breakpoints in the 10th game to clinch the set finally…6-4.
Novak showed his class in the 5th set..Rochus began to make mistakes..which Novak punished..running out the winner 6-2
In other news Marin Cilic surrended tamely to Florian Mayer of Germany…fellow Croatian Ivan Ljubicic also exited rd 1.
On the womens side..Kim Clijsters breezed her way to the 2nd round, dropping only 3 games against Camerin of Italy. Defeat for French Open champ Schiavone..losing in 3 sets to Dushevina. Ana Ivanovic could do nothing to raise her game against dogged Shahar Peer, the 13th seeded Israeli…unlucky Ana. Venus Williams strolled through, and Justine Henin overcame the spirited challenge of Latvian Anastasija Sevastova, who broke Henin’s serve several times… Anastasija just couldn’t handle the greater variety of shot from Justine. Henin won 6-4 6-3.
Brit watch: disappointing defeat for Elena Baltacha…losing to Petra Martic…Bally served for the match in the 2nd set…she lost the final set 6-3. Other British girls defeated were Melanie South, Laura Robson 3-6 6-7 (to Jelena Jankovic on Centre Court)..a respectable result for teenager Laura…and very late in the day Katie O’Brien losing to Alona Bondarenko(seeded 28)…Katie had provided magnificent resistance…winning the 2nd set tie-break 12-10..but then heartbreak losing the 3rd set 6-4 in the deep gloom on court 15, whilst two combatants were playing under the lights on Centre…
Phew!! One of the best opening days at Wimbledon I can remember…
If day 2 is half as good…
Enjoy!!
Di
Wimbledon….without Ernests…bit like strawberries without cream for me…
21 Jun 2010 1 Comment
in Wimbledon
Ernests as expected withdrew…he gave it his best shot getting ready…and was even in the draw for a day…as 27th seed he was scheduled to face Stephane Robert of France…however he decided to focus instead on getting ready for the U.S. hardcourt series, beginning in Los Angeles, in the last week of July.
He’s still ranked inside top 30, though he will lose 2nd round Wimbledon points (45) on the 5th July. That said he will still have over 1,400 points still attached to his ranking. However there are few points for him to defend during the U.S. hardcourt season so fitness permitting he should rise further. Its sad he won’t defend the Indy doubles title that he won with Dmitry Tursunov of Russia…they did hit and giggle tennis, mens style!:D (Indianapolis is no longer part of the calendar…replaced by a new event in Atlanta)
Hopefully we will see him refreshed, fully fit and firing on all cylinders when he returns.
Today Wimbledon commences…defending mens champion Federer begins on Centre against Alejandro Falla of Colombia…should be a nice stroll in the sun(yes sun) for the blazered one!!
Teenager Laura Robson, a former Wimbledon junior champion plays Jelena Jankovic…this looks tricky…Laura has an all-court game and a very decent serve and she could trouble JJ. However she is prone to rashes of double-faults. If the crowd can inspire Laura, and she can use it in her favour…a big surprise could be in the making.
Scheduled 3rd on Centre today is Novak Djokovic…taking on diminutive Belgian Olivier Rochus. Rochus is a fine grass court player who should not be underestimated. He reached the semi finals of Halle on the grass in Germany last year, before losing to…Djokovic in a tight 3 setter.
Elsewhere Kim Clijsters returns to Wimbledon..her last appearance was in 2006, where she reached the semi-finals. Since then a lot has happened, she has got married, had a child and tragically lost her father to cancer. And returning to tennis in 2009, she won the U.S. Open!!!!
Today Kim will face Italian Maria Elena Camerin, who has never advanced beyond the 2nd round at Wimbledon.
Taking a look at the seeds playing today in the mens tournament, Nikolay Davydenko of Russia, only recently returned from injury faces Kevin Anderson of South Africa, who is Karlovic like…standing at 2.03 metres tall!! He has a game made for grass…but Davydenko has one of the best returns in tennis…he’s gonna need it today.. I think this could be the first surprise of the tournament, given Nikolay prefers clay, hardcourts or indoors!!
In the ladies singles French Open champion Francesca Schiavone (seeded 5) takes on Russian Vera Dushevina. This is the weakest surface for Francesca, she lost early in Eastbourne….I think Russians will be centre of quite a few upsets today!!!
I’ll keep you posted on the tournament, bringing you notes, stats, and observations from The Championships!.
Enjoy the lawns of SW19!!
Di
