The Semi-Finals of Wimbledon 2015 proved to be one of the most entertaining in years, with some truly scintillating tennis on display in all four matches. However, it was to be the last match in the tournament for British hopeful Andy Murray, whose impressive campaign was cut short by a formidably clinical Roger Federer.
The Semis began with what had been dubbed the “warm-up match” on centre court for the Williams versus Sharapova encounter later that same day, as number 13 seed, Agnieszka Radwanska took on the number 20 seed, Garbine Muguruza. The two players, however had clearly not been informed that their match was a mere appetiser, as what followed was a nail-biting three-setter with some of the most flamboyant tennis seen in the tournament so far. The 21 year old Spaniard began the match with both confidence and maturity that was seemingly unwarranted of a 20th seed, as she quickly broke her opponent’s serve and went on to win the first set in just 34 minutes. Radwanska responded well in the second set, but Muguruza’s blistering offensive style of play, meant that Radwanska had to fight for every point she won. The result was inspiring to watch, with the Polish 13 seed winning 6 games in a row in a defensive masterclass. Ultimately though, it was Muguruza’s offensive play that won the match, as Radwanska was unable to find answers to her opponent’s powerful ball-striking.
The following match between Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova was a far more straight forward affair. The five time Wimbledon champion defeated the Russian fourth seed in straight sets and proved too much for Sharapova, who struggled to cope with Williams’ powerful serve and surprisingly adept footwork.
The next day saw both Men’s Semi-Finals won in straight sets by Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who both appear to be in the form of their lives. Djokovic was playing the French hopeful, Richard Gasquet, who performed like a man with nothing to lose. The French underdog was not afraid to test Djokovic on all areas of this play: forcing the Serbian number one to attempt daring volleys, making him run to from the base-line to the service-line and putting his backhand under great pressure. Djokovic’s class shone through despite Gasquet’s best efforts and once again made pundits wonder as to whether or not this man has any weaknesses in his game.
Later that day, it was heartbreak for Andy Murray and Millions of British fans, as the world number three was unable to beat the 33 year old, who looked as dominant as ever. Whilst Murray once again showcased his athleticism and defensive finesse, Federer was quite simply a cut above. The Swiss managed a staggering 20 aces and it was this confident service game that proved too much for Murray. One 15 minute game in the second set in which Murray valiantly clung on to his own serve, was followed by a blistering string of aces in the very next game and this turned out to be a turning point for the whole match.
The finals then could not be a more fascinating and exciting prospect. In the women’s its two offensive players going head to head as Serena Williams seeks to achieve that elusive “Serena Slam”: winning all majors this year. The day after is sure to be a classic, with the in-form Novak Djokovic taking on Wimbledon legend Roger Federer, all in a weekend that is sure to produce some magnificent tennis.
James Candler
Image credit: sportpulse.net