Wimbledon Diary: Day 8
Originally published on: 04/07/12 00:00
No one remembers who comes second (or third or fourth)
After her 6-3 7-5 defeat of defending champion Petra Kvitova on Centre Court, Serena Williams likened playing under the roof to playing a video game. “I loved it,” she commented “I mean it was amazing for me. There was no elements, no excuses. I loved it. I loved the sound it was really cool.” The four-time Wimbledon champ means business, revealing: “I hate losing. If I lose I don’t keep the trophy. So semi-final, it’s great in a way, but at the end of the day if you’re not first, you’re last.”
Last night a line call challenge saved my life
Angelique Kerber, who today defeated Sabine Lisicki for the fifth time on the bounce, reckons that a successful line challenge marked the turning point for her in a tight final set. Serving at 4-5 she successfully challenged a call on the second point to level the score 15-all. With memories of squandering five match points in the final of the AEGON International in Eastbourne earlier this year, she was not going to make the same mistake again. Kerber, currently ranked No. 8 in the world, will rise at least one place on the basis of her performance here and she’s paying heed to past experiences. “I actually don't know what to say right now because Sabine was playing also unbelievable in the third set,” she said. “She (Lisicki) saved the match points in the second set. It was just with my mind a little bit in the final in Eastbourne where I lost with match points. It was a very tough, tough and important match for me.”
Cool as a cucumber
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga today defeated Mardy Fish 4-6 7-6 6-4 6-4 in a stop-start match on Court No.2. The weather was not kind to any of the players who were scheduled to compete on an outside court but the Frenchman, who was completing a match that was unfinished from Tuesday, said that he doesn’t feel any pressure. “You know, if my life I try to stay positive, to have the smile every time, to enjoy every moment I spend on this earth.” Playing well and with this laid back attitude he is a real contender for the title. His American opponent commented, “I wouldn't be shocked if he won the tournament.”
Where are my teammates?
David Ferrer, who defeated Juan Martin del Potro to take his place in the quarter-finals against Andy Murray, admitted he was missing the presence of other Spaniards. “Of course I prefer Rafael [Nadal] or another Spanish [player] here with me because I am only with my team,” said the 30-year-old, but he acknowledges that even without his mates around, Murray is under the more pressure. “Maybe he has more pressure than me because he play at home with your people. Sometimes is not easy. But I think Andy, he's a very great player.”
People’s Monday
Even with rain forecast for Thursday too, we don’t anticipate a Monday final because the roof, about which many stories have already been penned this week, is paying back the investment in especially quick time. We can dream about the people’s final 11 years ago, when Goran Ivanisevic entertained us all, but we’d happily settle for a Sunday indoor final, even if it finished at 11pm! Think of the drama.
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