After all the crazy upsets the first week of Wimbledon, here we still end up with the predicted (by many) final, for the men anyway. The fans of Roger Federer still were adjusting to him not being at least in the quarterfinal, and couldn't help but wonder what the outcome would have been if he had been in the semi, but that's irrelevant at this point. The fact is that it is again Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray facing off on Sunday.
For those who didn't get a chance to watch the match between Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro you missed an epic! Everyone was wondering how Delpo would fare with his knee injury against the greatest mover in the game. How about if we just say "no issue." The level of tennis in this match was one rarely seen. The amount of power, the jaw dropping gets with awe inspiring returns, the sheer determination on both sides was no less than incredible. I kept thinking I had seen the best and then they would come up with something more. It was really a shame someone had to lose that one, as they both gave it their all and both deserved to win it. And I never realized Delpo could be so funny. From his instruction to the ball of how to go over the net after a barely missed shoelace volley, to jumping up on the edge of the player stands and giving a guy a high five, along with a few others really gave the crowd a new appreciation for the gentle giant, along with his amazing tennis. I would have loved to see him make it through to another final, but if nothing else this showed himself as well as the fans what he is capable of. Hopefully he will be able to put a run together again soon. It would be fun to see him with another grand slam trophy - well, as long as it's not Roger Federer he's beating, that is. :)
The second men's semifinal wasn't the same high level of tennis as the first one, but it still had its drama. For some reason I was expecting this to be a fairly easy win for Andy Murray. Jerzy Janowicz had other ideas, however. After splitting the first two sets I was pretty surprised when Andy gave up a break in the third, thinking once he had found his game he would cruise. But all of a sudden things turned around again. I think Janowicz's drop shots were starting to really irritate Murray, and when Jerzy acted rather unsportsman-like by hitting the net with his racquet after a missed shot, with boos from the crowd, I think it triggered something in Andy, causing an amazing round of aggressive play getting the break back and also another break, finally closing out the third set. There was no coming back after that, in spite of the delay for the roof to be closed (much to Andy's frustration) and he closed out a quick final set at 6-3 to seal the deal.
I really don't know who is the favorite between Murray and Djokovic. Personally I would like to see Andy get his win at home after last year's heartbreak.
As for the women, the first semifinal ended up being a blow out match for Bartoli to reach the final, followed by a see-saw match in the next one which Lisicki finally took. Either way we will have a first time grand slam champion. In spite of the fact that Marion Bartoli can about drive you crazy with her quirkiness on the court, when you actually listen to her in interviews she can be rather endearing. And of course who can't love Sabine Lisicki's contagious smile, plus the fact that one of the giant killers finally came good and actually followed up their big win. What a Cinderella story that would be for her to end up holding the trophy in the end.
So even though Wimbledon was full of surprises and disappointments the first week, we still have ended up with some compelling tennis and some good stories. I am looking forward to a weekend with some very good matches that really could go either way. And even the men's doubles final has some excitement to see if the amazing Bryan Brothers can hold all four grand slam titles simultaneously. Should be an exciting next couple days.
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