2013 Wimbledon Day Nine

Janowicz Join Djokovic, Murray, Del Potro in Wimbledon Semi-finals

British hope Andy Murray cameback from 2 sets down to defeat Fernando Verdasco 7-5 in fifth

No.8 seed Juan Martin Del Potro. Photo: lta.org.uk

July 03 2013 ITS Staff: Wimbledon, England - World No.1 Novak Djokovic barged to the semi-finals of Wimbledon after a phenomenal performance beating No.7 seed Tomas Berdych 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday at the famed grass courts of the All England Tennis Club.

 

The 2011 champion Serb, who now reached his fourth straight Wimbledon semi-finals, hit 36 winners and served 16 aces against the 2010 finalist Czech in the two hour and 15 minutes on No. 1 Court. Berdych was eyeing his second straight win over the Serb at Wimbledon, having ousted Djokovic in the 2010 semifinals to make his first and only Slam final. The reigning Australian Open champion will now face Argentine No.8 seed Juan Martin del Potro who upset No.4 seed David Ferrer of Spain also in straight sets 6-2 6-4 7-6(5).

Janowicz became first Polish male player to reach a Grand Slam semi-final. Photo: lta.org.uk

Polish sensation Jerzy Janowicz joined the elite semi-final group at Wimbledon after defeating his Davis Cup teammate and elder buddy Lukasz Kubot 7-5, 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday on No. 1 Court. The 22-year old Janowicz played solid tennis serving 30 aces while saving all 6 breakpoint chances he faced against the 31-year old Lubin resident.

 

The World ranked No.22 Janowicz, who is competing in only his fifth Grand Slam, also delivered an amazing 58 winners while committing only 14 unforced errors in the two-hour and 7 minute match. The win marks the first time that a Polish male player reached Wimbledon semi-final, or any major tournament.

 

After the last point, both players, who are good friends, hugged one another warmly and exchanged shirts like soccer players do as Janowicz tearfully sat back in his chair to relish the moment.

Murray was down but not out. Photo: lta.org.uk

In a post-match interview, Janowicz said, "Right now, I'm the happiest person in the world making it to the semi-finals of Wimbledon. This is what I was waiting for and what I was dreaming about. If you are dreaming about something really hard it can really happen."

 

Kubot, meanwhile, was all support for his teammate, "I said, 'Let's go, let's exchange shirts. Let's make our tennis more famous and popular, and show that Poland tennis is in the map of tennis because this never happened before.

 

“I think it just shows how important is the fair play and shows the friendship on the court. We're just fighting with every point, but when the match is finish, we are friends. We are just showing that this is only sport. I just want to wish him good luck, and of course I'm going to cross my fingers for him."

 

Janowicz will next play local hero No.2 seed Andy Murray who came back from two sets down to beat Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, 7-5 in three hours and 26 minutes. 

Wednesday Gentlemen’s Singles Quarter-finals

1-Novak Djokovic beat 7-Tomas Berdych 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3

2-Andy Murray beat Fernando Verdasco 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5

8-Juan Martin del Potro beat 4-David Ferrer 6-2 6-4 7-6(5)

24-Jerzy Janowicz beat Lukasz Kubot  7-5 6-4 6-4

Wimbledon: Lukas Kubot Interview

Holabird Sports!

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July 03: Janowicz Join Djokovic, Murray, Del Potro in Semis

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