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Wimbledon 2018-Anyone For Tennis!

(Topic created on: 02-07-2018 12:20 AM)
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JAMES4578
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Wimbledon Starting tomorrow 2 July and so as we have the Lounge now, thought would set up thread for any  Fans.  Whilst there may be a buzz for the World Cup traditionally SW19  has been a big sporting event with fanatics too and some of us may  prefer the Tennis!    I have been a massive fan for many years and attended the Championships on several ocassions, though not for a few years with the lack of success on tickets.    Did queue  an odd time in younger days but not really for me now, did go to Queen's a few weeks ago though.   Anyway mind the first time I was on Centre and such a unique experience, mind a bit of an eerie silence just before the start of play, then the officials walk on court to some applause and then usually a great atmosphere when the players emerge.  can be good matches on outside courts though and if only have ground ticket may have time to see more of the place.

 

Suppose main talking point at moment is Andy Murray's withdrawal  (feeling not quite ready for best of 5)having said he was pumped the other day, however participation was never certain.  For me his win in 2013 following on from Us Open year before was just amazing!  2016 was more expected after Djokovic was upset and some great battles between these two over the years.   Whilst  doubt would have got far this year still a disappointment though understandable ,Kyle Edmund had some impressive result  this season but a bit inconsistent, is scheduled to meet Djokovic in 3rd Round (has win over him in Masters but here would be much tougher). Many seeing Federer as favourte as he opens centre court proceedings.    A lot of talk over 10th anniversary of Nadal getting better of him in rain delayed final, Rafa won 11th French recently but record not great here past few years, though draw seems reasonable for him and better weather may help.  Cilic and Djokovic would seem to have  reasobable shot, Zverev  has talent but yet to excel in slams.  Outsider Kygrios who does excite some though can flare up and focus can be challenge for him.   Serena back but some question marks over fitness even if tough on top form (Venus also can't be ruled out) , defending  champion Muguruza and Kvitova  have backing, Jo konta had good run last year but had limited success lately. French champ Halep good contender though grass not thought to best for her.

 

Anyway we'll see Fed,wozniacki, Dimitrov/Wawrinka on centre plus Slone Stephens, Raonic  v Brit Liam Broady and serena on Court 1.  Other notable one is  Monfils v Gasquet on court2.   See info on Wimbedon site

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


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JAMES4578
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Quarters Part 2   Plus Doubles News

 

It certainly turned  out to be a day of high drama in the Men’s quarter finals, so many twists and turns on a spellbounding session.

 

Federer seems to be making his usual smooth progress when he took the first set against Kevin Anderson, a player he has never previously lost. The first set was soon under his belt 6-2 and he was reading the South African’s serve very well.  However in the 2nd set he lost his serve for the first time in the championships with his game not being quite so fluid and whilst able to break back a close set decider on the breaker.  Nonetheless the defending champion was two sets up and at 5-4 had match point but this was saved and Anderson broke for 6-5 with a great backhand winner down the line. Roger had 3 bps for TB but made a few errors and we were into a 4th.  Fed’s timing had gone a bit awry and with Anderson shortening points and executing on more winners it became a tough battle, we were soon in for a deciding set which became a long and dramatic one.  Kevin was also using his slice in some of the longer rallies and his mix was effective.   Still at 4-3 Federer has bp with chance to serve it out but could not convert. At 11 all it was crunch time and Roger double faulted and netted after short rally. Question was would Anderson display any doubt, he confidently served it out.    Big surprise as defending champion out and only 5th player to beat him  from 2 sets down. The others are Djokovic,  Tsonga (also at Wimbledon 2011), Hewitt and Nalbandian.   

 

In the semis Anderson will face  John Isner  of US  who get the better of Canadian and 2016 finalist Milos Raonic in 4 sets.  In a battle of 2 big servers was going to come down to who was more effective on return. No great surprise a few  breakers but Isner but thereafter Isner gained upper hand taking 3rd and 4th 6-4,6-3.

 

Another classic between Nadal and the 5th seeded Argentine Juan Del Potro,full of breathtaking rallies the match was 12 minutes shy of 5 hours and longer than the Anderson/Fed battle.  Tight first set but DelPotro was a little bit predictable with his serving patterns and Nadal took it 7-5 , Delpo used his power game to greater effect and got  a break in 2nd after a few Nadal errors but failed to serve it out and Nadal was up 6-3 in TB, however double fault proved crucial and Juan his power game to greater effect to seize 2nd and also  take 3rd 6-4.  However Rafa was resilient and put the pressure on, though the Argentine did not help his case with a few forehand errors at crucial time and we were soon into a decider.  This is where the contest became riveting with many pulsating points. However Nadal appearing to have the more energy  gained break for 3-2. Del potro had break back chances in consecutive service games but could not convert and missed some of those with forehand errors. At 4-3 Nadal had to save 4 opportunities but at 5-4 served it out to 30.  

 

An old rival in the semis as he will take on Djokovic who beat Kei Nishikori in 4 sets but a far quicker match. A few breaks and entertaining exchanges throughout but the Serb’s defence coupled with formidable weapons  (was strong on first serve)was too much for the Japanese player  with the last 2 sets being 6-2 in Djokovic’s favour.  He did get a  Code conduct warning for bouncing racquet off baseline at one point to his annoyance but it did seem to fire him up subsequently.

 

 

In the doubles Jamie Murray and Vika Axarenka moved to quarters with 7-6,6-3 win over Middelkoop/Larsson-kept eye on this on another screen. First set was tight and 5-1 down in breaker but fought back to take it and 2nd was more straightforward, face 4th seeded Dutch pair  Rojer/Schuurs today. Other Brit pair Jay Clarke/Harriet Dart in quarters against 10th seeds.  Heather Watson/Maria though lost their doubles QF 6-4 in decider after strong start against 3rd seeds.

 

Today the main action is the Women's Semis with  Angelique Kerber v  Jelena  Ostapenko and  Serena Willimas v  Julia Georges. Three of them are Slam champions, Men's  on Friday. All semis on centre of course    Hopefully reports are not too long :robotwink:

 

 Some Wimbledon Videos  - If of interest.

 

 

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


AntS
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@JAMES4578 wrote:

 

An old rival in the semis as he will take on Djokovic who beat Kei Nishikori in 4 sets but a far quicker match. A few breaks and entertaining exchanges throughout but the Serb’s defence coupled with formidable weapons  (was strong on first serve)was too much for the Japanese player  with the last 2 sets being 6-2 in Djokovic’s favour.  He did get a  Code conduct warning for bouncing racquet off baseline at one point to his annoyance but it did seem to fire him up subsequently.


 

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JAMES4578
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Women's Semis and   Doubles News

 

The women’s semi finals turned out to be relatively short matches but we did see two impressive winners.

 

First on to centre were Angelique Kerber the 2016 finalist and the 2017 French champion Jelena Ostapenko.   Pundits view were mixed on this semi  though from those I heard more seemed to be going for the Latvian though I favoured the German.

 

Both players played well initially in a match of contrasting styles, Ostapenko the more aggressive player going for her shots whilst Kerber has great cefence  but could do damage with her lefty serve. Some good shots from both and Ostapenko had the first break point but could not convert at 3 all. At this point seemed might be at least  a relatively close contest but it was at this point that Kerber seized control.   Ostapenko started to miss more first serves and whilst coming up with winners  some wild errors at crucial times.    The German broke twice and soon had the first set 6-3.    In the 2nd Ostapenko’s game became more ragged and rather than changing tactics continued to go for broke becoming frustrated when she missed and at times going for the lines with little margin for error.  Now all had Angie had to do was to remain steady and she served for the match at 5-1.   Perhaps a few nerves coupled with Jelena relaxing extended the contest and Kerber had to serve again at 5-3.   Ostapenko had a chance for another break at 30-40 but missed and Kerber was eager to finish the contest. Rally ensued at match point but Ostapenko erred and Angie was in her second Wimbledon final.

 

When Serena came on court to face Julia Georges the 7 times Wimbledon was the clear favourite, whilst dropped set in Quarter finished match stronger and  had got better as tournament progressed.  Georges whilst 13th seed had not previously been beyond the last 16 of any slam and though had done well this tournament Wimbledon record had been poor in the past. She had also three times been taking to a decider, including a 10-8 battle in the 3rd Round. Serena also beat her fairly convincingly at the French on clay a surface which favours her more.

 

Anyway Georges held her own in the initial stages , she has one of the bigger serves on the tour , though from 40-0 in first service game she had to save bp but it was 2 all.   At 3-2 however Serena took her chance, she was reading the serve and sometimes fast ones came back with interest.  First serve percentages ended up much the same but George’s 2nd was more attackable.    When the rallies started to extend a bit  more often that not it was the German who broke down, she has an extended backswing which makes it more difficult when facing a strong opponent on this surface.   Serena’s movement at times was amazing, she would hussle and Julia was rushed.  By all accounts this was Serena’s best form since returning and stepping up from previous rounds.   Williams soon had the first set 6-2 and at 2 all in the 2nd she broke again when Georges trying something different failed on a drop shot.   This looked like being very routine but when Serena served for the match at 5-3 it wasn’t her best game and Georges came up with a great pass for 4-5.   Thoughts of a possible breaker though were quickly snuffed out with a few unfortunate errors coupled with Serena pressure gave her the match 6-2,6-4.      So Serena through to her 10th Wimbledon final and only Venus and Maria Sharapova  have previously been victorious over her on the 2nd Saturday.  Het last title was a win over the same opponent she faces this year  (Kerber in 2016).

 

BBC yesterday aired short  tribute to jana Novotna between matches , this year 20th anniversary if her win. 

 

A few double matches on the show courts yesterday for the crowd to enjoy. Jamie Murray and Victoria Azarenka into the semis after a hard fought 4-6,7-5,7-5 win over Dutch 4th seeds Rojer/Schuurs.  Initially it was an uphill battle as the Dutch team seemed to be serving/returning better  whilst also just a bit more in sync.  However Jamie/Vika stuck to their task and started to cope better with the power. A lot of tight points but the Brit/Belarus partnership took their chances to claim another win.  In the semis they will face the All Brit partnership of Jay and Clarke and Harriet Dart who have knocked a few seeds out had a win over 10th seeds Cabal/Spears.  A tense TB but Brits took it 12-10 and whilst close in 2nd they also took that 7-5 to advance.

 

Turned out being two tight ones in Men’s Doubles but no Brits left as Mike Bryan/Sock will take on Klassen/Venus. Ingllot/Skugor done well to battle back to decider after lost first two 6-3,6-1 by winning breakers.  However they went down 6-4 in 5th.  Klassen/Venus took 4th 6-4 over Nielsen/Salisbury 6-4.

 

Men’s semis today and Nadal/Djokovic on after Isner/Anderson.

 

 

Some Highlights

 

 

 

 

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


JAMES4578
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Reports for the last few days will be up a bit later, Wimbledon over now    though   😞  US Open six weeks away :smiling-face:   Only thing is Amazon prime now have the rights to this in UK.

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


JAMES4578
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Men's Semis Plus Doubles/Juniors

 

Men’s semis on Friday became a bit of a  Marathon day, first up was Isner and Anderson who are both big servers, other skills too but  would say Kevin has a bit more variety. Anyway in a contest such as such a few breakers expected and certainly turned out to be the case. First  breaker to Anderson and 2nd to Isner.  In this one Anderson was 4-0 but came close to turning it around.  Whilst many points serve dominated were quite a few interesting volleying exchanges and a few rallies did develop so we could see how they matched up in various fields.  In the 3rd set we got a few breaks of serves but they didn’t turn out to be decisive as Anderson tightened up somewhat.  And we were into another breaker. This one was tight and Kevin had chances but John took it 11-9.  In the 4th Anderson had break and was able to serve it out 6-4.   The 5th was the one everyone was talking about and lasted almost three hours as Wimbledon do not have TB in final set. Isner came within two points of victory at 6-5 and six times came back from 0-30 but in the end he succumbed at 24 all and a forehand put Anderson in a good position finally getting the break to take 5th 26-24.   Afterwards debate ensued after the 6 hour 36 minutes battle over whether Wimbledon should change policy.

 

Some times before Nadal and Djokovic could begin their semi and due to the hour would be played under roof, however there is a 11 PM curfew policy which meant the match may not be completed. This as expected was a different type of match and whilst both players could be effective on serve several lengthy rallies whilst waiting for opening to strike, though some great return winners too. Djokovic was a bit more aggressive in the first and took it 6-4 but whilst a few breaks his serve was no so effective in the 2nd and Nadal took it 6-3 Breaks points were saved in the 3rd set and were into a breaker. Djokovic went 5-3 up before Nadal had 7-6 on own serve but didn’t do enough and Novak took advantage to take it 11-9.  However that was it for the night and they would be back at 1 on Saturday. Some controversy as Roof would remain closed, common practice for match started that way unless both players wish it opened and Djokovic did not.  Novak had break points at start of 4th but couldn’t capitalise and Rafa took advantage with 2 breaks to 1 and despite trailing 0-40 served out the 4th 6-3 to force a decider.

 

This is where we seen the most drama both saving bp’s but it was the Spaniard who creates the most chances. At 7 all Nadal had 5 opportunities and on last  looked in control as he approached the net but Djokovic responded with a crosscourt passing shot. A few mistakes from the Spaniard and he slipped at 9-8 0-30, Djokovic then attacked his forehand to seal the win. In the Juniors Gb’s Jack Draper reached final after marathon 19-17 3rd set win in contest lasting 4 hours but would be up against top seed.

 

In other news Jamie Murray/Vika Azarenka reached final with crushing 6-2,6-2 win over Clarke/Dart. Jamie faced 2 bps in opening service game but thereafter pair untroubled as they controlled play whether at baseline/forecourt  and the Dart serve proved vulnerable. In final would face 11th seeds Peya/Melichar.

 

 

 

 

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


JAMES4578
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Women's Final and Doubles  Round  Up

 

 

There was half hour break after Djokovic won before Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber took to the court for the Women’s final, Serena bidding for 8th Wimbledon and 24th slam (which would equal Margaret Court record) and Angie seeking 1st title and 3rd slam.   An interesting feature of this match it that it was first final featuring two players in their 30’s  since Virgina Wade beat Betty Stove way back in 1977!  Anyway most pundits pretty much favouring Serena for this one, though I thought Kerber would have a chance if Serena a bit below par.

 

Serena did not have best start , her serve was not the most effective and Kerber was absorbing the power well and moving her around much better than previous opponents . Angie was up 2-0 but Serena  started to click into gear and with a bit  of uncertainty from Kerber moved up 3-2.   However the German levelled and broke again, her defence was impressive but also showed aggression at the opportune moments  and in extended rallies clearly had the advantage, Williams would often err  when required to hit the extra ball.  She broke twice more to take the set 6-3.  Of course you would expect Serena to step up and she was a bit steadier in the 2nd  but still some way from A game.   She would still come up with some great winners but the errors seem to come at the wrong time and there were some wild ones. 

 Serena came to the net a bit more  but  mostly without any real conviction and a few great passes from Kerber.  Angie got the crucial break for 4-2, strong serving from Serena for 3-5 but Kerber had chance to serve it out.   Seemed a few nerves as went to 30 all but reached match point and when Serena missed a makeable return fell to her  feet.     We had a new champion and in the end it was a fairly comfortable win. Credit to Kerber on her success and perhaps it was a match too far for Serena and lack of matches finally took its toll.  Due to the upsets she only had to face one top 20 player before the final. Still a good run of course and she later said it was only the beginning, even if disappointed  she could not raise her game as required.    In the new rankings  top 2 remain Halep and Wozniacki  whilst Sloane Stephens up a place to 3 despite first round exit.  Champion Kerber moves up  6 places  no 4, whilst Serena is now no 28 from 181. 2017 champ Muguruza  drops 4 to no7, whilst Venus down 5 to 14.

 

Afterwards on centre it was the Men’s Doubles Final,Mike Bryan/sock seem in control initially with superior serve/volleying but Klassen/Venus worked their way into the match taking 2nd on breaker and whilst lost momentum in 3rd came back strongly.   In the 4th Mike was foot faulted a few times and  one point at net deemed foul and were in a decider.  Another close one but the Sock forehand was a crucial weapon and the team broke and served it out 7-5. Afterwards Mike tribute the one to Bob who has been unable to play the past few months.  Women’s Doubles was played on Court 1 and Barbora Krejcikova and Siniakova got the French/Wimbledon double by getting past Nicole Melichar and Kveta Peschke (now 43)  6-4,4-6,6-0.   Two close sets but in the 3rd the Czechs served and returned most effectively and their opponents were never able to found a way back. Afterwards  Krejcikova dedicated the win to her former coach Jana Novotna   "I would like to dedicate it to her again. She really deserves [us] to think about her - in really good spirit, in really good way. I think it's really good that it was mentioned here, that she won title here 20 years ago. It was her biggest title. She really wanted to win it, as I know from the stories she told me”.

 

Earlier some Brit success as Gordon Reid and Alfie Hewitt took 3rd consecutive Men’s Wheelchair Doubles with 6-1,6-4 success over Gerard and Olsson.  Did not go so well for either in singles though.

 

 

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


JAMES4578
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Men's Final, Doubles,Juniors

 

An unexpected Men’s final and doubts Anderson could effectively compete after his marathon semi  and whilst Djokovic’s match fairly long too was over two days.  Wasn’t ideal no rest day as  would normally be the case but felt he would be in better shape.

 

Turned out to be the case as Anderson was a step slower and did not  have the same potency on the serve. A long forehand and double fault gave Novak a head start .  Meanwhile Djokovic was putting Kevin under pressure with his returns,in extended rallies there was only one winner with the Serbian’s movement far superior and his groundstroke play is one of the strongest.  Soon he had pocketed the first set 6-2. Was looking somewhat ominous when The south African then received treatment for a  right arm injury immediately afterwards . Anderson started to compete a bit better but Djokovic still controlled the rallies and the end result was the same scoreline.  However in the 3rd Kevin found the rhythm  on his serve and greater depth on the ground strokes and the crowd starting rooting for him but was it too late. Looked possible the match might be extended as Anderson generated five break points at 4-5 and 5-6 but could not covert. On one some in crowd that Djokovic was long and with spectators becoming more vocal at 5 all Novak was picked up shouting  “tell them to shut the “f*** up”  and will likely face a fine.   Mind you some felt some incidents fired up more than hindering and when he hit a forehand pass for 2-1 in the Breaker took control as Anderson was unable to find his best to extend the match.  Djokovic took it 7-3 for his 4th title,at ceremony three year old son Stephan applauded from stands.  However was not present during the match as under 5’s are not allowed on the show courts. In the new rankings top 4 remain the same in order of Nadal,Federer,Zverev and Del Potro. , Anderson moves up 3 to no5, whilst champion Djokovic jumps up 11 places to no 10.  Isner up a few places to no 8.  Whilst not much higher than his Wimbledon seeding this was because  was bumped up for that due to the grass court formulae.

 

The Mixed Doubles followed and the first set was a closely contested affair between Murray/Azarenka and Peya/Melichar  . The first few service games were fairly routine but then Jamie/Vika faced far more  pressure with returns,Peta/Melichar stronger on their delivery and on volleys though some good shotmaking on other side.  However the Austrian/American team seemed to combine better and got off to a head start in the breaker when Jamie erred on a volley and Peya hit a return winner off Vika’s serve.   In the 2nd the Brit/Belarus partnership had 3 break points on Peta’s serve but could not convert and when Jamie was broken  there proved to be too way back. The pair did not seem to have the same buzz as the set progressed and whilst saved a  match points at 2-5 Peya served it out for team to claim 7-6,6-3 win.    Jamie unable to defend title and said he didn’t return particularly well, Vika said whilst fell a bit short played some good matches and had fun.

 

Earlier in the day Jack Draper put up a good fight against top seed Tseng  in Boy’s singles but lost out 6-1, 6-7,6-4. However had trailed by set and break at point but was impressive fightback considering previous match. The son of the LTA chief can be hyper and entertained crowd  with hotdog between legs to take 2nd to breaker. At one point earlier racket was subject of his frustration whilst made a dance move at net when breaking back for 4 all in 3rd!   Girls title went to  Poland's Iga Swaitek over  Leonie Kung of Switzerland. British interest in Wheelchair Doubles with Lucy Shucker and German partner Ellerbrock but well beaten by De Groot/Kamiji. Kamiji won in tandem with GB’s Jordanne Willey last year. In Invitational doubles wins for Clijsters/Stubbs over Navratilova/Black (Martina not being able to defend title of last few years),Haas/Philippoussis over Malisse/ Fleming and  Bjorkman/woodbridge over Krajicek/Petchey.

 

 

So the curtain closed on the championships for another year, certainly some drama and excitement!   Hope a few have enjoyed these reports!

 

Link to Pics

 

Video Clips

 

 

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.


AntS
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Loved the tributes to Jana. She was one of the few players I’ve had the pleasure of watching play in person rather than just on the TV. :heavy-black-heart:

 


@JAMES4578 wrote:

 

 Afterwards debate ensued after the 6 hour 36 minutes battle over whether Wimbledon should change policy.


 

Well, I guess they could somehow arrange for Isner not to enter lol.



Some times before Nadal and Djokovic could begin their semi and due to the hour would be played under roof, however there is a 11 PM curfew policy which meant the match may not be completed. 

Should’ve known better than to watch Djokovic vs. Nadal before bedtime - not exactly relaxing stuff to wind down to. In my defence, I was genuinely curious as to how long the players would end up making that 3rd set and stretch the curfew boundary.

JAMES4578
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@AntS wrote:

Loved the tributes to Jana. She was one of the few players I’ve had the pleasure of watching play in person rather than just on the TV. :heavy-black-heart:

 


@JAMES4578 wrote:

 

 Afterwards debate ensued after the 6 hour 36 minutes battle over whether Wimbledon should change policy.


 

Well, I guess they could somehow arrange for Isner not to enter lol.



Some times before Nadal and Djokovic could begin their semi and due to the hour would be played under roof, however there is a 11 PM curfew policy which meant the match may not be completed. 

Should’ve known better than to watch Djokovic vs. Nadal before bedtime - not exactly relaxing stuff to wind down to. In my defence, I was genuinely curious as to how long the players would end up making that 3rd set and stretch the curfew boundary.


Yes was nice touch with the Jana tributes :heavy-black-heart:, was fortunate to see her live a few times.

 

Well Nadal/Djokovic an alternative drama, though a bit of tension involved :smiling-face:   Likely Isner around for wee while yet haha!  Do not think they would have stretched curfew much though would probably have to finish a long game :smiling-face:   At some point think they should  try and arrange a later finish if required at weekends,though would likely also depend on transport.  Only a few tube lines for instance currently have night services at weekends.     Whether or not that will happen another matter of course :winking-face:

I do not work for Samsung or make Samsung Products but provide independent advice and valuable contributions.