by: Tom Cochrane
Defending champion and second seed Petra Kvitova is out of the tournament, the Czech upset by former world number one Jelena Jankovic in a tight tussle on Day 6.
Day 6 Recap
When Kvitova claimed the first set over Jankovic, it seemed as though the two-time champion was closing in on a spot in the second week of the tournament. But the gritty Jankovic capitalised on some loose play from the Czech, eventually claiming a hard-fought 3 set win.
Former finalist Sabine Lisicki was another casualty on Day 6, going down to Swiss seed Timea Bacsinszky, as Garbine Muguruza repeated her French Open win over Angelique Kerber. Caroline Wozniacki overcame Camila Giorgi in straight sets, whilst Agnieszka Radwanska rallied from 0-4 down in the second set to overcame Casey Dellacqua in straight sets.
In the men’s tournament, Sam Groth recorded the second fastest serve in Wimbledon history but ultimately succumbed to Roger Federer in 4 sets, as Andy Murray overcame shoulder concerns to defeat Andreas Seppi in 4 sets. Marin Cilic finished off John Isner 12-10 in the fifth set, and Vasek Pospisil outlasted James Ward 8-6 in the decider.
Viktor Troicki ended Dustin Brown’s gallant run from qualifying, whilst veteran Ivo Karlovic upset Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to book a fourth round showdown with Murray. Tomas Berdych also progressed, as Gilles Simon took down compatriot Gael Monfils in 5 sets.
*****
Matches of the Day – Day 7
1. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams
What can one say about two five-time Wimbledon winners, two sisters who have changed the dynamics of women’s tennis forever? It goes without saying, but there will never be another Serena and Venus. Love them or loathe them, they have transformed the women’s game.
Unfortunately, most of their matches against one another tend to be anticlimactic affairs, and I can’t imagine this one being any different. A few years ago, I would have given Venus a good chance on grass, but these days Venus is slower and less mobile and Serena is simply refusing to lose. Serena in 2.
2. Novak Djokovic vs. Kevin Anderson
Fresh from seeing off the crafty Bernard Tomic, top seed Novak Djokovic now faces a completely different test in the shape of lanky South African Kevin Anderson. The fourteenth seed made it through to the final at Queen’s Club in the lead up to Wimbledon and has a sufficiently ballistic serve to trouble the world’s very best.
But, whilst Anderson is amongst the best servers on the ATP Tour, Djokovic is hands down the best returner on tour. Look for the Serb to neutralise Anderson’s biggest weapon and to put plenty of pressure on the South African’s second serve. Djokovic in 3.
3. Ivo Karlovic vs. Andy Murray
At an age when most tennis professionals have been retired for several years, Ivo Karlovic is still producing world class tennis. The 36 year old Croat produced a powerhouse display of serving to defeat French Open semi-finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the third round and earn this chance to play former champion Murray.
Murray looked to have shoulder problems midway through his match against Seppi, but finished the match in fine style and, as with Djokovic against Anderson, I think Murray will find a way to lessen the impact of Karlovic’s serve. Look for Murray to sneak through a tricky match-up with a tight 4-set win. Murray in 4.
4. Garbine Muguruza vs. Caroline Wozniacki
This is a major danger match for fifth seed Caroline Wozniacki, with Muguruza having won 2 of the pair’s 3 career meetings. Muguruza is the bigger hitter of the pair and therefore dictates most of the rallies, leaving Wozniacki to fight and scrap for all of her points.
Muguruza isn’t at her most assured on grass-courts, but the Spaniard has tremendous potential and showed in defeating former Wimbledon semi-finalist Angelique Kerber in round 3 that she is a quick learner when it comes to grass-courts. I’ll back Muguruza to spring the upset and dump Wozniacki out of the tournament. Muguruza in 3.
5. Richard Gasquet vs. Nick Kyrgios
What a difference a point makes. Last year, Nick Kyrgios staved off an incredible 9 match points to defeat Richard Gasquet in the second round at Wimbledon, the Aussie then going on to defeat Rafael Nadal en route to the quarter-finals, announcing himself to the tennis world in the process.
Gasquet has won 2 of the pair’s 3 career meetings, but the loss at Wimbledon last year will still rankle the Frenchman. Unfortunately for him, I think Kyrgios will win again this year, and this time in more commanding fashion. Gasquet is an adept grass-courter, but Kyrgios has the power and the confidence and will be too strong in this one. Kyrgios in 4.
That’s it for today. Enjoy the tennis and I’ll be back with another serve tomorrow. In the meantime, follow all of the action on Twitter: @satelliteserve.
