Wimbledon 2012 : Djokovic VS Federer It Is
Day 9 Results:
There were no surprises during the quarterfinals of the men’s draw. The higher ranked player in each of the matches made it to the semifinals.
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer showed no mercy while they humiliated their opponents to set up a much anticipated semi-final showdown. A lot rides on the outcome of this match. For Novak, it would strengthen his hold on the number one spot and also give him a chance to claim his sixth grand slam title. It would seem that a victory in the semi-finals against Djokovic is extremely crucial to Roger Federer as it would define the remainder of his career which is overwhelming by itself. A victory would bring him one step closer to a seventh Wimbledon title, a feat that has only been accomplished by Pete Sampras.
As of today, Novak is first in the world and Federer is ranked third. With second ranked Rafael Nadal’s shocking second round exit, it is almost certain that he will be pushed another spot behind Djokovic and Federer. If Novak were to lose, he would gain only 720 points from the tournament that would bring his tally to 11,000 points. With Nadal out of the race, it can be said with certain confidence that the winner of this match-up would be the favourite to lift the title. If Federer were to win his semi-final match and eventually the title, he would be awarded 2000 points bringing his total to 11,075 points making him the highest ranked men’s player for the first time in over 2 years.
In the other quarterfinals, Andy Murray rallied from a set and a break down to defeat David Ferrer 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (4). He will face Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Songa who registered a victory over Philipp Kohlschreiber. This is Murray’s fourth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final. Although neither has reached the Wimbledon final before, “Murray Mania” will receive extensive support as the British number one aims to destroy the jinx.
In spite of being matched against 2nd seeded Azarenka, Serena Williams is considered a favourite considering that she whizzed past defending champion Petra Kvitova 6-3, 7-5. The other semi-final will witness a clash between Kerber and Radwanska. Neither of them has ever reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek fell in the third round after a 5-set marathon to lower ranked Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo. The score being 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-8. Although the Indian representatives have crashed out of the doubles event, they have been more than impressive in the mixed doubles. Rohan Bopanna and Jie Zheng secured a comfortable 6-0, 6-3 win to advance to the quarterfinals while Leander Paes and Elena Vesnina await their 3rd round match.
All eyes are on the first of the men’s semi-finals between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer as the outcome of this match will set the tune for the finals and possibly, the US open.
Day 8 Results:
The 2012 edition of the prestigious Wimbledon Champinoship has been anything but dull. From the shocking exit of Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova to Roger Federer’s narrow escape, this is shaping to be an exciting tournament.
Novak Djokovic on the other hand has been sailing through with considerable ease. The world number 1 has dropped only 1 set in the tournament so far as he gears up to face Florian Mayer in the quarterfinals.
Considering his 5 set struggle against Julien Benneteau and his difficulty in pulverizing his opponents in 3 sets, it is safe to say that it has not been the most comfortable of Wimbledons for Roger Federer who looks to regain his sublime form against the dangerous Mikhail Youzhny in the quarterfinals.
Fourth seeded Andy Murray has been impressive as always. His performance against Marin Cilic in the 4th round has kept alive the hopes of many that he will be the first Brit to lift the title since Fred Perry, who did it way back in 1936.
Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Mardy Fish 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal showdown with Philipp Kohlschreiber who crushed Brian Baker.
The women’s draw has been just as promising. With world number 1 Maria Sharapova given the boot in the 4th round, the competition has been blown wide open.
The first of the women through to the semi-finals is four time Wimbledon Champion Serena Williams who breezed past 4th seeded Petra Kvitova 6-3, 7-5. The younger of the Williams sisters is considered on the favourites to lift the title.
The next tie-up is between the Germans Sabine Lisicki and Angelique Kerber. Sabine Lisicki shocked the world of tennis by defeating Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3 in the previous round while Kerber defeated former champion Kim Clijsters 6-1, 6-1.
Leander Paes and partner Elena Vesnina were given a bye in the first round of the mixed doubles title. They face Ashley Fisher and Mona Barthel in the second round while the Indian duo of Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza crashed out in the second round in straight sets.
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