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4 Intense Questions that Wimbledon 2015 will Answer

4 Intense Questions that Wimbledon 2015 will Answer

  • Posted: Jul 06, 2015

The time has arrived when Tennis is not just a sport! Royalty, Tradition and Grass takes over the entire Tennis Cosmos for two week’s each year. The 2015 Championships started on Monday 29th July at 1pm when the defending champion Novak Djokovic walked out on the court to continue the custom that has been etched for the last 139 years. Be it the drilled movement of the ball kids or the tempting cream and strawberry, the famous white clothing or the historic royal box. The folklore of Wimbledon just inspires everyone. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships is well underway!

Players arrive at SW 19 after toiling in the scorching sun in Melbourne and combating memorable battles on the red dirt concluding at Roland Garros. The lush green lawns will take over from crumpled clay. Pimple-soled shoes will be laced up and players will now focus on knee-bending, light footwork and sliced shots. Half-way through the season most of the players are exhausted and look spent but the prospect of playing on the grandest stage will re-energize them and infuse new life as they all will now be part of history.

Roland Garros recently finished and prior to the mega clay court event all eyes were on the 2 heavyweights – World No.1 Novak Djokovic and 9-time Champion Rafael Nadal. But neither of them failed to lift La Coupe des Mousquetaires as it was “Swiss Rule – Confoederatio Helvetica” in France as Stan Wawrinka hogged the limelight in Paris. The Swiss No.2 produced arguably some of the most breath-taking tennis one has ever witnessed as he demolished the Serb in the finals. Thus, Wimbledon 2015 has too many juicy storylines to offer.

Djokovic’s loss in Paris denied him once in a lifetime opportunity to add the Musketeer’s Cup and join the elusive club of men who have completed the Career Grand Slam. His defeat at the hands of Stan has removed the aura of invincibility that had surrounded him since the start of the season. All eyes will be on the Serb to comeback from the haunting beat-down. Can Nole 2.0 rise and rule again?

Roger Federer is fighting the only undisputed force in the entire universe – TIME & AGE. It has been almost 3 years (since 8-July-2012) when Roger last held a major aloft – Wimbledon 2012. He seems to be stuck on 17 and the once booming grand slam tally finally seems to be stalled. Will his wait for 8 end? Can be win No.18 and more or less tilt the debate for the GOAT in his favour (for the time being)?

Andy Murray seems to have come back to life. He looks better than what he was 2 years back when he ended the 77 year wait for a NATIVE Champion. Can he repeat 2013 and become the 1st Brit to win multiple Wimbledon titles since Fred Perry’s three peat (1934-1936).

What can we expect from Stan Wawrinka – Will he continue his onslaught or will inconsistency disturb him once again?

The second week promises to produce historic, awe-inspiring and astounding tennis on the green lawns at SW 19. Tennis fanatics across the world wait for the answers?

1. Can Novak Djokovic stand-up from his Roland Garros disappointment?

Novak Djokovic comes into Wimbledon 2015 on the back of arguably his toughest loss in his career. Stan Wawrinka denied him a place in Tennis History as the Serb faded against the Swiss in the French Open Final 3 weeks back. Djokovic, who managed to shake the monkey of his back by demolishing Rafa in the QF (0-6 against Rafa prior to that match), was left standing as Wawrinka produced some ruthless power tennis to knock the World No.1 in 4 sets.

The Serb finds himself in a similar situation like 2011. He was denied by another Swiss Roger Federer at the 2011 Roland Garros (ending the Serb’s 43 match unbeaten run). But Novak came roaring back at SW 19 winning his 1st Wimbledon title and in the process becoming World No.1 for the 1st time in his career.

In 2015, the patterns are similar as Nole 2.0 was simply outstanding in the first half of the season as he won his 5th Aus Open title (Open-Era Record) and followed it up by becoming the 1st man to win the opening 3 masters titles (Indian Wells, Miami & Monte Carlo). He just seemed unstoppable prior to the French Open.

The question now is how will Nole comeback? Will the defeat to Stan haunt him or can he roar back into form? He has made the Wimbledon finals thrice in the last 4 years (winning in 2011 & 2014; losing to Andy in 2013). Novak is perched at the top of the ATP rankings and will look for redemption at this year’s championships. He will also try to become the 1st man since Federer in 2007 to retain the title. An annoyed Serbinator is expected to come out all guns blazing!

PREDICTION – SEMIFINALS (Djokovic will fail to exorcise his demons as he loses to Wawrinka again).

STATSMETER – Novak Djokovic (SRB)

  • Novak is 41-3 this season (winning the Aus Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo & Rome). He was on a 28 match streak prior to the French Open final loss.
  • Novak’s career win-loss record on grass: 60-15 (80%). His record at Wimbledon: 45-8 (85%); champion in 2011 and 2014.
  • Novak is on a 24 consecutive QF streak in majors (2nd best to Federer’s 36 in the Open-Era). He faces Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) in the 1R. Ironically, the German was the last man to beat Novak before the QF (2009 French Open; 3R).
  • Djokovic is now 8-8 in slam finals (only 50%) after his loss to Wawrinka. Only Lendl has an inferior record than him (8-11). Also Novak is 3-6 in major finals since Aus Open 2012.

2. Will Roger Federer turn 8 and 18 this year?

1085 days and counting!!  8-July-2012 saw Roger Federer lift his 7thWimbledon trophy after getting the better of native son Andy Murray. He tied William Renshaw and Pete Sampras for the most titles at the All England Club extending his overall grand slam tally to 17. He fell to the ground in victory, roared and embraced the British Crowd with respect for his opponent and wept in front of his twin daughters. Since that momentous day the wait for 8 and 18 continues…

An old saying – the one undisputed force in our universe is “AGE”. The harder you try to stave it off; it more or less gets hold of everyone with its aggregated effects. Roger Federer whose Tennis is immortal is not immune to this ultimate inevitability.

Federer, who will turn 34 this August, is firmly approaching the twilight of his legendary career. He is not as dominant as he used to be and his on-court success in recent seasons is slowly declining. You can possibly feel that the reason for his success’ becoming sporadic is “Roger is no more in his prime”. The Swiss man still produces many flashes of wizardry from his famed RF Wilson Wand (be it the 90 square inch or the recently changed Wilson Pro Staff RF97). But over the last few seasons, those brilliant moments are diluted which can be attributed to his inconsistency.

This year’s Wimbledon perhaps shapes up as the last legitimate opportunity to add to his record grand slam tally. He’s coming into good form after winning Halle last week for a record 8th time (defeated an inspired Seppi in the finals in straight sets).

The hiring of Swede legend Stefan Edberg seems too have done wonders when it comes to the best-of-3 format. The Swiss is a staggering 76-11 in this format since hiring Edberg but when it comes to the best-of-5 format, Federer is just 31-7.

The main objective behind Edberg’s hiring was to aid Federer to further enhance the grand slam tally but the combination is still in search of a major title. He did manage to reach the Wimbledon final last year losing to Novak in another classic 5 setter (coming back from match point down in the 4th set to push it to a decided). The focus for both Federer and his million fans will now be winning Wimbledon for a record 8th time. Is this Roger’s last chance for glory? Only time will tell.

(Federer and Superstition – Born on August 8; the Swiss is believed to be obsessed with the No. 8. He wants to serve eight aces before beginning a match, wants eight towel rubs at the end of a set, sets up eight bottles of water courtside and carries eight rackets)

PREDICTION – SEMIFINALS (Scot Andy Murray will stop the Swiss Maestro in the SF; expect that match to be a classic 5 setter).

STATSMETER – Roger Federer (SUI)

  • Roger is 34-6 this season (winning in Brisbane, Dubai, Istanbul & Halle). His victory in Halle saw him become the 3rd man to win titles at the same event (Rafael Nadal has nine Roland Garros titles and eight from Monte Carlo and Barcelona, while Guillermo Vilas has eight from Buenos Aires).
  • Federer is 136-19 (88%) on grass overall; the best win-loss % on grass in the Open-Era. He is 73-9 (89%) at Wimbledon; only Borg (51-4; 93%) Sampras (63-7; 90%) have better win-loss % than Roger; champion in 2003-2007, 2009, 2012.
  • Federer is 7-2 in Wimbledon finals (lost to Nadal in 2008 & Djokovic in 2014). He enjoyed a 40 match win streak at Wimbledon between 2003-2008 (Borg won 41 matches between 1976-1981). Also he won 65 matches on grass between 2003-2008 (until his loss to Nadal in the 2008 epic final).
  • Federer is 9-0 in Wimbledon SF and has won 27 out of the 28 sets he played in this round (Djokovic pushed him to 4 sets in 2012 SF).
  • The Paul Annacone – Federer combo had to wait 2 years to win a major. Federer hired Annacone in July 2010 and won Wimbledon 2 years later.

3. Will Andy Murray reign supreme at Wimbledon once again?

In 2012, Murray was standing on the opposite end of the podium. He had lost yet another grand slam final. The man who was tipped to become the 1st British male champion in the Open-Era was left stranded with tears in his eyes as he could not face the British crowd. He lost to Federer at the 2012 Wimbledon final. Then it was London Olympics 2012 at the All England Club and that was the beginning of good things for Andy. Murray went on win the Olympics (gold medal) and followed that up with his 1st Major win at the 2012 US Open.

Murray became the first British player since 1977, and the first British man since 1936, to win a Grand Slam singles tournament, when he defeated Novak Djokovic in five sets. This title made him the only British male to become a Grand Slam singles champion during the Open-Era. On 7 July 2013, Murray won the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, becoming the first British man to do so since Fred Perry, 77 years ago.

Switch to 2015, Murray seems to have recovered from the surgery (Lower back) that had hampered his 2014 season. The Scot seems to be in the best form of his life. He’s made a strong comeback this season with consistent results that had deserted him last year. To start the year, he reached the finals in Melbourne losing to World No.1 Djokovic in 4 sets. He went 15-1 on clay this season losing only to Novak Djokovic in the SF of the French Open. Also he managed to defeat clay court titans Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer for the 1st time in his career on the red dirt along with picking up his first 2 titles on clay (Munich & Madrid) thus proving that the Scot has comeback stronger & fitter.

With Wimbledon to kick off from tomorrow, Murray finds himself in the best for forms. He managed to win Queen’s Club for a record 4th time and now has Swede Jonas Bjorkman on his coaching staff along with Amelie Mauresmo.

The only major roadblock for the Brit is his Serbian rival Novak Djokovic. The Serb has not lost to the Scot since the 2013 Wimbledon Final and has already beaten Andy four times this season. (Aus Open Final, Indian Wells SF, Miami Final, Roland Garros SF). Novak seems to be in Murray’s head and can possibly be the only Achilles heel for Murray come this Wimbledon (Djokovic has won their last 8 matches).

His remarkable form this year has led to many believing that he can once again reign at SW19, where two years ago he became the first local man since Fred Perry in 1936 to triumph at the most prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

Thus, there is no reason why Murray cannot repeat the success he did twenty-four months ago as he seeks to win Grand Slam title number three. On the back of his impressive form so far this year, you can bet on it happening.

PREDICTION – CHAMPION (to defeat Wawrinka in the championship match; Murray’s seems to be playing his best tennis (in his PRIME!); expect the Scot to win Wimbledon for a 2nd time).

STATSMETER – Andy Murray (GBR)

  • Andy is 41-6 this season (winning in Munich, Madrid, Queen’s). He managed to beat Rafa in the finals in Madrid and thus picking up his 1st victory against any of his fellow Big Four rivals since defeating Djokovic to win Wimbledon in 2013
  • Andy’s career win-loss record on grass: 83-16 (84%); this is the 4th best win-loss % in the Open-Era on grass. His record at Wimbledon: 41-8 (84%); champion in 2013.
  • Since his 1st round defeat to Frenchman Nicolas Mahut at 2012 Queen’s Club, Murray is 34-3 on the greens. Also Murray is 20-1 since his marriage to long-time partner Kim Sears (April’15) winning all his season titles after tying the knot.
  • Murray is the only man in history to have won Olympic Gold and the US Open in the same calendar year, as well as only the third man to hold the Gold Medal and two majors on different surfaces (after Andre Agassi and Rafael Nadal).
  • Murray has made the QF of the last 17 majors he has entered (since 2010 US Open; although he missed 2013 French Open due to injury).

4. Can Stan Wawrinka upset the odds once again – Emergence of BIG 5?

Stan Wawrinka enters Wimbledon 2015 as a multiple grand slam champion. Two years back, Wawrinka was more recognised as Federer’s Davis Cup team-mate, gold medal winner with Roger at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Swiss No.2. He was enormously talented but lacked the grace and poise that Roger had. Then he hired Swede Magnus Norman as his coach and rest as they say is history. Wawrinka is now a 2-time grand slam champion, an ATP 1000 Masters champion and a Davis Cup winner with Switzerland.

Having upset Novak Djokovic to win his second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, Swiss number two Stan Wawrinka will be out to improve his record at Wimbledon, where he has yet to reach the semi-finals.

Grass has proven to be Wawrinka’s worst surface over the years, with his run to the QF at the All England Club last year being his best performance at the tournament following years of underperformance at SW19.

His preparations for Wimbledon took a hit when he went down to eventual finalist Kevin Anderson at Queen’s last week, thus leaving him short of any match practice ahead of what is historically his worst Grand Slam tournament. The only major issue with Wawrinka is consistency day-in & day-out which he still lacks at the highest level.

With QF points to defend this year, Wawrinka risks dropping back out of the top four, but if he was able to win the French Open twelve months after crashing out in the first round, then there shouldn’t be any excuses for him not to at least reach the semi-finals at the All England Club for the first time or possibly even go further. Can Stan repeat his heroics from Paris 3 weeks ago??Is he now part of a “BIG 5”?

PREDICTION – RUNNER-UP (to lose to Murray in the championship match; expect Wawrinka to now settle down in majors and put up a strong performance at SW 19; perhaps get the better of Novak in the SF).

STATSMETER – Stan Wawrinka (SUI)

  • Stan is 30-9 this season (winning in Chennai, Rotterdam & French Open). He enters Wimbledon as the new entrant to the multiple major club (Roger, Rafa, Novak, Andy & Hewitt). Also he has atleast made the QF of the last 4 grand slams (only Novak and Andy have achieved this).
  • Grass is Wawrinka’s worst surface. He has a 22-21 (51%) win-loss ratio on the greens. His record at Wimbledon is 13-10 (57%); best result – QF (2014; lost to Federer).
  • In 2013, Wawrinka began working with new coach Magnus Norman. The Swede has made Stan mentally stronger apart from being a beast already and guided him to his 1st major SF at the US Open 2013 after toiling through 34 majors (main draw) without making the last 4.
  • Wawrinka has managed to exorcise his demons against the Big 3. He ended momentous losing streaks against Djokovic (2014 AO; 14 match losing streak) and Nadal (2014 AO; 12 match losing streak) beating the Spaniard for the first time in 13 matches (having never won a set against him in 12 attempts). He managed to also defeat good friend Federer in the finals of the 2014 Monte Carlo Masters ending his 11 match losing streak against the Swiss legend.
  • With his victory over Roger in the QF of the French Open, Stan is also only one of 3 players to defeat the each of the Big 4 in majors (Tomas Berdych & Jo-Wilfried Tsonga being the others).

 

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Serena Williams vs Victoria Azarenka Preview and Analysis – Wimbledon 2015 QF

Serena Williams vs Victoria Azarenka Preview and Analysis – Wimbledon 2015 QF

  • Posted: Jul 06, 2015

Victoria Azarenka Wimbledon

A blockbuster match-up between world No. 1 Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka is set to take place in the quarter-final round of the Wimbledon Championships. Of their 18 previous meetings, Williams leads the head-to-head series 16-3, including a recent at the French Open last month. Given that Azarenka was a set up on the red dust, it will be interesting to see if she can translate that onto grass.

 

In a battle of siblings reminiscent of the good old days, Serena Williams faced her older sister Venus Williams in the first on Centre Court this Monday. Although many expected a thrilling encounter, Serena was able to toy with Venus’ serve and eventually closed out the encounter in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.

“It was just about the breaks, holding serve,” the former No.1 said. “I think we were both hitting really well off the ground. She was able to capitalize on some short balls – she’s been playing so well.

“It’ll be tough for anyone to defeat her. Maybe she didn’t have her best day in the last round, but she found a way to win against an inspired opponent, and that’s what it takes to win these championships.”

Williams will now come up against Victoria Azarenka, who defeated Belinda Bencic in straight sets to advance to the quarter-final round. She beat the rising Swiss s talent 6-2, 6-3 to continue her return to form.

Williams leads Azarenka in their head-to-head series, 16-3, including the most recent victory during the clay court portion of the season at Roland Garros. However, the pair split four meetings last year, Azarenka winning at Doha and Cincinnati and Williams at Rome and the US Open, making this a fantastic, compelling rivalry and a thrilling quarter-final on Tuesday. Azarenka is gradually returning to her 2012-13 form but she will have her work cut out for her to halt the incomparable Serena Williams.

 

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Agnieszka Radwanska vs Madison Keys Preview and Analysis – Wimbledon 2015 QF

Agnieszka Radwanska vs Madison Keys Preview and Analysis – Wimbledon 2015 QF

  • Posted: Jul 06, 2015

Agnieszka Radwanska

A tantalizing quarter-final that few saw coming is set to take place on Tuesday afternoon at the All England Club, as Agnieszka Radwanska and Madison Keys complete to determine who will advance to the final four at Wimbledon. This will mark the fourth time that the two comeptitors will cross paths on the professional tour and the second time at the Championships. Radwanska holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against Keys and will look to maintain that undefeated streak en route to the semi-final round.

After a terrible start to her season, Agnieszka Radwanska has started to look like her old self again. Following solid weeks in Nottingham and Eastbourne, Radwanska now has an opportunity to reach the final four at Wimbledon following her straight sets victory against Jelena Jankovic, who was playing fantastic tennis in her own regard. She eventually beat the Serb 7-5, 6-4.

“I think I was a little bit nervous at the beginning,” Keys said. “She was playing really well and I wasn’t playing as smart as I wanted. “But I sat down and gave myself a talking to, I started playing my shots and kind of got myself back in control.”

Radwanska’s quarter-final meeting will come against Keys, who reached that stage of the tournament after rallying from a set down to beat Olga Govortsova in three sets. After a slow start, Keys picked up the pace and managed to secure the 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 win.

This will mark the fourth time that the two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour and the second time at the Championships. Radwanska holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against Keys and will look to maintain that undefeated streak en route to the semi-final round.

“I think she’s an incredible fighter. She is a great mover, and her hands are unbelievable,” Keys added. “You know, I feel like she’s always there. She makes you play four extra balls. You know, she’s a really tough opponent.”

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Maria Sharapova vs CoCo Vandeweghe Preview – Wimbledon 2015 QF

Maria Sharapova vs CoCo Vandeweghe Preview – Wimbledon 2015 QF

  • Posted: Jul 06, 2015

Sharapova Wimbledon

Following a pair of tight two-setters, the first quarter-final of the 2015 edition of the Wimbledon Championships has been set, as 2004 champion Maria Sharapova and CoCo Vandeweghe will face off to determine who will advance to the semi-finals of the tournament. This will serve as the first ever career meeting between the two competitors and will certainly be an interesting, pressure-filled match, as one of these two will reach the semi-final round of the prestigious Grand Slam.

All looked well for Maria Sharapova as she stormed to a significant lead early in the match against Kazahkstan’s Zarina Diyas. Up 5-2 in the opener, Diyas showed some life and broke back before allowing the Russian to eventually close out the set. However, Diyas took an early lead in the second set but Sharapova eventually showed her trademark resiliency and reeled off four of the next five games to close out the match 6-4, 6-4.

Sharapova’s next opponent will be Coco Vandeweghe, who produced the shocker of the afternoon when she ousted the tournament’s sixth seed Lucie Safarova in straight sets. Vandeweghe won the match 7-6(1), 7-6(4) to add to her remarkable week that also included straight sets wins over No.11 seed Karolina Pliskova and No.22 seed Samantha Stosur.

“I think it’s been a tremendous effort for her to get to this stage,” Sharapova said. “Her game really revolves around that serve, and she’s been using it quite effectively in her previous four matches. “It’s always tricky playing against a really good server on grass, because a few points here and there can ultimately tell the difference in the winner and the loser. But I’m looking forward to that match-up.”

This is set to be the first time that Sharapova and Vadeweghe will cross paths on the professional tour. While the American is more than capable of pulling off the upset, particularly given that Sharapova has not historically done too well in the latter stages of the Championships, it may be a tough ask for her to complete yet another upset win. Sharapova shows trademark resliliency and will certainly make CoCo work for her win.

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Novak Djokovic vs Kevin Anderson Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

Novak Djokovic vs Kevin Anderson Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2015

 

Photo Ray Giubilo

For the first time since 2012, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and Kevin Anderson will meet on the professional tour to determine who will advance to the quarter-final stage of the Wimbledon Championships. This is their sixth overall meeting on the pro circuit, as Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 4-1 and has not lost to the South African since 2008. He also holds a win against him at Wimbledon from his winning season in 2011.

 

As though he had never skipped a beat, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round of the Championships following a straight sets win against Bernard Tomic. He defeated the Australian 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 with very little fuss overall, as he struck 38 winners in a total of one hour and 34 minutes to close out the affair.

“I managed to get a lot of returns back in play,” said Djokovic. “I think I executed tactically everything I intended before the match to move him around the court, mix up the pace, not really give him the same look. I think overall I played a really, really good match.”

Seeded 14th at this year’s event, Kevin Anderson defeated Leonardo Mayer on Saturday to advance to the fourth round of Wimbledon. He struck 51 winners, including 22 aces to close out the match 6-4, 7-6(6), 6-3 in two hours and 15 minutes.

“I think he is probably playing the tennis of his life,” said the Serb. “He’s reached the highest [Emirates ATP Ranking] now in his career. He keeps on going forward. I think he improved his movement and his game from the baseline. He always had a very good serve.”

This is their sixth overall meeting on the pro circuit, as Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 4-1 and has not lost to the South African since 2008. He also holds a win against him at Wimbledon from his winning season in 2011.

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Roger Federer vs Roberto Bautista Agut Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

Roger Federer vs Roberto Bautista Agut Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2015

 

© Ray Giubilo

Following an impressive week of tennis at the All England Club, Roger Federer stands tall as s the second seed en route to the second week of the Wimbledon Championships. With his opening three matches firmly behind him, Federer will next contest a fourth round encounter against Roberto Bautista Agut, whom he has previously crossed paths with twice on the professional tour. Federer leads the head-to-head series 2-0.

The world No. 2 and second seed at the Championships dropped his first set of the tournament on Saturday afternoon at SW 19, as he needed a total of four sets to work his way past Australia’s Sam Groth. The seven-time champion at this event beat Groth 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 on Centre Court in two hours and 16 minutes. The Swiss star had to withstand 21 aces from the youngster but only lost seven first service points, which emphasized his on-serve dominance during the encounter.

“The only thing I really have to change is my returning. The rest, the service games, I can control them myself. Once the return is played, then it’s about reaction, especially when he’s serve‑volleying… I think that’s the biggest effort for me anyway, when I play a big server, [is] understanding those patterns.”

Federer will next encounter Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili in straight sets to reach the fourth round. The No. 20 seed won the match 7-6(4), 6-0, 6-1 in one hour and 35 minutes. Although the first set was close, the Spaniard stormed through the remainder of the match.

This will mark just the third time that these two competitors will meet on the professional tour, with Federer leading the series 2-0 following relatively smooth victories at last year’s United States Open and Shanghai Masters. Although this is set to be their first ever meeting on grass, it should still be Federer’s domain comfortably.

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Tomas Berdych vs Gilles Simon Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

Tomas Berdych vs Gilles Simon Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2015

Tomas Berdych

Following a pair of relatively tiresome third round encounters, Tomas Berdych and Gilles Simon will cross paths for the eleventh time on the ATP World Tour when they meet in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships. Simon leads the head-to-head series 6-4. Berdych won their most recent encounter, which took place earlier this year in Rotterdam and ended 6-2, 6-1 for the Czech native as he advanced to the final of the tournament.

 

After dropping the opening set against Pablo Andujar, Tomas Berdych found himself rallying from that early deficit to defeat the Spaniard in four set and secure his place in the fourth round at the All England Club. It was a tough contest for the sixth seed yet he was eventually able to get a grip on the match and converted seven break point opportunities and struck 58 winners to close out the match 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 7-6(3) in two hours and 39 minutes. The former runner-up will now go on o the second week of the tournament.

France’s Gilles Simon was faced with the task of downing talented countryman Gael Monfils to advance to the fourth round of the tournament. He eventually did so in five sets but it was no easy matter. Simon needed three hours and 11 minutes to rally back and defeat Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6), 2-6, 6-2 on Saturday.

“It was great,” said Monfils. “I’ve known Gilles for a long time so it is always nice to play with him. First time we play in Wimbledon, so it was good. We always have fun.”

This marks the eleventh time these two competitors will meet on the professional tour, with Simon leading the series 6-4. The Frenchman is more than capable of a strong win here against his Czech adversary but has already played several grueling matches and simply may not have enough in the gas tank to complete the process this time around. Given that the two competitors have never stepped across the net on grass, that should add a layer of intrigue to this contest.

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Nick Kyrgios – Tennis’ next poster boy / bad boy

Nick Kyrgios – Tennis’ next poster boy / bad boy

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2015

 

Chuckles, Tantrums, breath-taking tennis, headband controversies, air-borne racquets and Batman. It’s all in a day’s work for new kid on the block Nicholas Hilmy “Nick” Kyrgios.

The 20-year-old Australian tennis star’s matches have become must-see sporting events at Wimbledon — and the world’s media is absolutely lapping it up. Debate rages as to whether Kyrgios is a troublesome tennis brat or a breath of fresh air for the sport but most agree he’s injecting a new wave of colour into the sometimes-beige world of men’s tennis.

Nick Kyrgios’ 5-7 7-5 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 win over 7th seed Milos Raonic had just about everything. Along with brilliant tennis and his trademark interactions with the crowd there was, of course, plenty of drama. He was told to turn an official Wimbledon headband inside out, because it violated the club’s all-white policy, and also he received a code violation when he tossed a racquet that bounced off the court and into the crowd.

​In the previous round, Next Gen Nick Kyrgios won his match against former Top 10 Juan Monaco of Argentina winning the match 7-6 (5), 6-3, 6-4 . The fiery Aussie was brilliant with his shot-making but as routine as the scoreline seems, the match did bring back some illustrious memories.

DEJA VU! John McEnroe – John McEnroe’s 1981 tantrum at Wimbledon gave rise to the classic phrase “You cannot be serious!” which he repeated at later matches and which even inspired the title of his autobiography. Turn the clock to 34 years later and Tennis might just be on the verge of producing its next version of “J-MAC”. Nick came up with his own version of tantrums as he got into an argument with the chair umpire after the umpire asked him a question during the change-over.

This is what Kyrgios had to say to chair umpire Ali Nili.: “Is that a threat? Does it feel good to be up there in the chair? Do you feel strong up there in the chair? You’re a real champion. Did you get your point across?” This exchange sounded threatening and intimidating as what McEnroe said almost 3 decades earlier. Also this comes after the Aussie No.2 had another piece of the chair umpire in his 1R match when he yelled “Dirty Scum” after another heated chat with the umpire Mohamed Lahyani. He later said he was referring to himself. Fair Enough!!

Kyrgios has already created enough controversy in the sport. He is full of arrogance – a behaviour which is hard to defend. In a sport where men play the game more professionally and formally as there ever was, Nick brings a breath of fresh, raw and wicked air to the atmosphere.

At this point of time, the sport needs another John McEnroe. It needs an antagonist, a brat who can attract millions of fans and can instil both love and hatred in them. The Big 4 is arguably the most sought out group in the world of sports. Though their tennis does all the talking, but on-court they all like to keep it clean and neat which is a little dreary at times.

The 20-year old knows how to make it to the headlines. At the start of Wimbledon 2015, the Aussie-Greek, brazen mohawked, tattooed super-star in the making who fired his coach just before Wimbledon and (thankfully) has little of the on-court sophistication that makes his sport’s top player so gentlemanly, has something to say: “I don’t really like tennis.” He expressed his love for basketball but was pushed by his parents to take up the sport. His tendency is to use decidedly non-tennis language or demeanour on the tennis court, but Kyrgios stands out.

Next up for the mercurial Aussie is a date with France’s Richard Gasquet (Both Players have knocked out last year’s SF; Gasquet dispatched Dimitrov in straight sets). It is a repeat of last year’s 2R match where Kyrgios defeated 13th seed Gasquet in a five set thriller in which he had to come back from two sets to love down, and save nine match points over the fourth and fifth sets.

Kyrgios fits the position as a top-rated warrior and could possibly go onto the take the mantle from the Big 4. As we all know McEnroe’s most famous tantrum in 1981 was followed by one of Wimbledon’s biggest moments as the American went to defeat unflappable Ice Man Swedish Legend Bjorn Borg (5-time defending champion) in the final.

History might just repeat itself.

DÉJÀ VU! John McEnroe’s 1981 Wimbledon: During a first-round match against fellow American Tom Gullikson, McEnroe disagreed with umpire Edward James over a call, arguing he had hit the ball inside the court. “You can’t be serious man, you cannot be serious!” he bellowed, rising to a spectacular crescendo that elicited an audible gasp from the audience. “That ball was on the line. Chalk flew up! How can you possibly call that out?!” He later called James the “absolute pits of the world,” The umpire responded by awarding a point against the 23-year-old. The audience applauded. McEnroe then swore at the tournament referee, prompting another point penalty. McEnroe went on to defeat his Swedish arch-rival Bjorn Borg in the final, earning his 1st Wimbledon title and angrily smashing a racket in the process.

Nick Kyrgios STATSMETER

  • Kyrgios became the first 20-year-old to beat Federer (Madrid 2015) since Juan Martin Del Potro did it in the 2009 U.S. Open final.
  • When he beat Nadal at Wimbledon 2014 (4R), he was the first teen to upset a No. 1 player since Nadal himself pulled the feat in 2005. He also became the 1st male main draw debutant to reach the QF since German Florian Mayer achieved that feat in 2004.
  • He won the Aussie Boys’ Title in 2013 beating compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis in the final.
  • He also reached the QF at the 2015 Aus Open becoming the 1st Teenage  male to reach two Grand Slam quarterfinals since Federer in 2001 and the first Australian male to reach the quarterfinals since Lleyton Hewitt in 2005, and the first Australian of any gender since Jelena Dokić in 2009.

 

 

 

 

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Andy Murray vs Ivo Karlovic Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

Andy Murray vs Ivo Karlovic Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2015

Andy Murray

Following an impressive week at the All England Club, Andy Murray is through to the second week at the Wimbledon Championships, where all eyes will be on him to determine how far he can advance this season at the prestigious grass court Slam. He will continue his campaign for a second title at this event when he meets towering Croat Ivo Karlovic for a sixth time on the professional tour. Murray holds an impenetrable 5-0 record in the head-to-head series and will look to maintain that undefeated streak en route to the quarter-final.

 

World No. 3 Andy Murray needed four sets to get past Andreas Seppi on Saturday but it was not an exceptionally difficult encounter. He called on the trainer to help work on his right shoulder and then resumed play to oust the Italian in a quick fourth set. Murray struck 32 winners, including 10 aces. He will now move on to challenge the big serving Croat in the fourth round.

“He served extremely well this tournament,” said Murray about Karlovic. “A couple matches here where he served over 40 aces. In Halle, as well, he served I think the record for three sets with his match with Berdych. Extremely tough match. I’ll need to be very sharp on my returns and try and find a way to get as many of his serves back in play as possible and see what happens. But it’s obviously a very, very tricky match.”

Karlovic has proven to be a serving sensation on the grass courts of SW 19, as he struck more than 40 aces for a third time this week to defeat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in four sets. He won the match 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(9) on Saturday.

“I know every game is different,” said Karlovic. “I always try to begin good and if it’s a lot of aces like this, then of course it is easier. Each point is a new one, so I don’t feel like nobody can beat me. I just always go on to the next one.”

This marks the sixth time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour, with Muray leading the series with an undefeated 5-0 record. This includes a previous win at the 2012 Wimbledon Championships, so Murray should still be the heavy favourite to come out victorious in their clash on Monday.

 

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Stan Wawrinka vs David Goffin Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

Stan Wawrinka vs David Goffin Preview – Wimbledon 2015 Round 4

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2015

 

Photo © Ray Giubilo

A highly intriguing match-up between Stan Wawrinka and David Goffin is scheduled to take place in the fourth round of the Wimbledon Championships on Monday. This will serve as the third meeting between the two competitors, as they crossed paths twice previously – both meetings in Chennai, India. Wawrinka leads the head-to-head series 2-0.

 

As one of the few players remaining in the draw yet to drop a set, Stan Wawrinka stormed into the second week at Wimbledon following a straight sets win against Fernando Verdasco, a player he held a losing record against (1-2). Wawrinka struck 32 winners to close out the match 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 54 minutes.

“I’m playing better and better,” said Wawrinka. “I’ve been serving really well since the beginning of the tournament, being really aggressive. Starting to feel more comfortable for moving and in defence also. Today was a really solid match. I’m really happy with the match today.

“I think since a few years now, I feel really, really good on the grass. I still think I can play my best game. Last year I played a really good, good tournament, being in the quarters. So far it’s been great. I can see that I’m there in the second week playing good, not playing my best tennis, but playing good and still there. Feeling strong on the court. Hopefully I can play some great match on Monday.”

On Saturday, David Goffin ousted former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis in straight sets to advance to the fourth round at the All England Club. He won the match 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 to set up the encounter with Wawrinka.

“He is really talented player,” said Wawrinka of Goffin. “He loves the grass. Has amazing backhand, returning well. He’s dangerous because he like to stay on the line, playing really fast. We’ll see how I’ll have to play my game to be aggressive, serving well, mix a lot, making him going back a little bit.”

This will serve as the third meeting between the two competitors, as they crossed paths twice previously – both meetings in Chennai, India. Wawrinak leads the head-to-head series 2-0 and will look to maintain that undefeated streak en route to the quarter-final round.

 

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