Stephen Topping
The final that many predicted in the gentlemen’s singles of Wimbledon is well and truly on the cards – but the sequence of events preceding it has certainly been interesting.
A nightmare draw for Britain’s Andy Murray saw a potential route to the final involving clashes with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – the man who defeated Murray in last year’s concluding match. However, in a tournament filled with shocks, the Spanish and Swiss stars were knocked out in rounds one and two respectively.
Tennis fans have been left looking forward to the prospect of a repeat of last year’s US Open final, with world number one Novak Djokovic facing Andy Murray. British fans will be hoping for a repeat of the result too, as Murray claimed his first grand slam title by defeating Djokovic 3-2.
Of course, with the semi-finals still to be played there is still a chance the dream final may not come true. On paper at least, Murray should stroll through his game against 24th seed Jerzy Janowicz, with the 22-year-old Pole competing in his first tournament at SW19.
Murray must step up his game from his quarter-final against Fernando Verdasco if he is to beat the rookie standing at 6 foot and 8 inches tall. He stuttered his way to victory against the Spanish number nine, coming back from two sets down to win in five sets. The ever-reliable Djokovic had no such problems, beating Tomas Berdych in straight sets in his last eight match.
The Serbian’s semi-final task is more difficult than Murray’s though, facing Juan Martin Del Potro on Friday. The Argentine defeated Djokovic in the third place play-off at London 2012 and is in decent form having beaten David Ferrer in straight sets in the quarterfinals, despite his injured and heavily strapped left knee.
Whilst the gentlemen’s final might include the usual suspects, there will be a new name on the trophy in the ladies’ singles, with early exits from defending champion Serena Williams and favourite Maria Sharapova, leaving the competition wide open.
Saturday’s final will see Marion Bartoli face Sabine Lisicki, two players who rank outside the top ten at Wimbledon. 15th seed Bartoli of France defeated Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets to reach this weekend’s clash, whilst 23rd seed Lisicki of Germany battled to a 2-1 victory against fourth seed Agneiszka Radwanska.
Britain’s Laura Robson reached a career best finish, with the 19-year-old making it through to the third round as she continues to show great promise. Heather Watson crashed out in the first round, however, in her return to competitive tennis after suffering from glandular fever.
With the singles competitions coming to an end this weekend, attention will turn to the doubles tournaments. Unfortunately for Sheffield’s Jonny Marray, he won’t be defending his title, having been knocked out of the men’s doubles tournament with his new partner, Colin Fleming, in the third round.
With the singles finals and the doubles tournaments still to come, there is plenty of action for tennis fans to look forward to at SW19.