We are watching a significant morphing at Wimbledon as Andy Murray contemplates his semi-final against Andy Roddick tomorrow following his crafty defeat of Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Murray at last feels at home here, I sense. He used to say that about the US Open where he had his first international success as a youngster. The family feeling at SW19 has been a gradual process at first suspicious on both sides. It seems to me as well that providence is still on Murray's side.
Murray: Settling in at Wimbledon
It might have dealt him a second helping hand yesterday. First there was the removal of the injured champion and world number Rafal Nadal even before the off, then yesterday evening it gave him a semi-final not against Lleyton Hewitt, whose nous and tenacity might have posed him many problems, but against Roddick who is a uncomplicated hustler
A word about the other quarter-finals. Reduced to the most elementary diagnosis, one was virtually decided almost before we had even settled into our seats. Could the massive Ivo Karlovic 's serve hold out against the
There is one thing about tomorrow that may seem trifling but isn't. How will the Brits shout Murray encouragement tomorrow? Come on Andy? Think about it. Perhaps come on Scotland is the answer although that may choke in many a Sassenach throat.
Gerry Williams
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peerless Roger Federer? From the early moments when Federer first lurched to his left and launched one winning return and then bulleted one wide of Karlovic's forehand we had our answer.
As for Tommy Haas outlasting Novak Djokovic, well in that heat the German may have been helped by the fact that he lives in Florida. As for the Serbs, well my favourite Serbian commentator assures me that they are now at last running out of talent. "All the kids are doing now is playing video games," he said.
There is one thing about tomorrow that may seem trifling but isn't. How will the Brits shout Murray encouragement tomorrow? Come on Andy? Think about it. Perhaps 'Come on Scotland' is the answer, although that may choke in many a Sassenach throat. Let me know your answers asap please!
Girl power
Today it is the ladies semi-finals which turn out to be the United States against Russia - super power stuff.
First up in the Monte Carlo-based Elena Dementieva against Serena Williams and you had better know their vital statistics. Serena leads 5-3 in their rivalry, with Serena winning three of the last four including most notably at the Olympic Games, where she won the gold medal.
As for Venus the champion is against the relative new girl Dinara Safina, Venus won both of their encounters last year but in Rome this year Dinara beat here in three tight sets - although that was on clay.
I am not convinced that Dinara has yet to discover how to play on lawn. Grass hardly influenced her service toss which was a nightmare the other day and her general confusion is very debilitating.
Finally a line about our pretty new hope in the juniors Laura Robson. She was beaten yesterday by a similarly talented Dutch girl in the U18's. It could have gone either way and Laura was not helped by an injury.
Let us just leave her alone now to learn her trade - she is going to be a very good player indeed...
Comments (3)
Don Stewart says...
Cheering Andy Murray with "Come on Murray" would seem to be the most appropriate. "Come on Scotland" as you suggest would be wholly inappropriate as he is not representing only Scotland but the whole of the UK.
Posted 12:02 2nd July 2009
Nicholas Iwuchukwu says...
The whole draws were manipulated for Murray to have his way but then see whats happening while Federer is becoming more majestic cutting down feared opponents Murray is wilting facing less fancied opponents and now has his first major text in Roddick and i want to see him break the Roddick serve. He will never be on the same pedestal with Federer no matter the manipulationand somehow the tables are turned as Federer has a potentiallt easier semi final. I have never seen any of the other slams so blatanlty manipulated to give home players a massive advantage.
Posted 11:34 2nd July 2009
Douglas Mckenzie says...
"Come on Scotland" would be good but I just can't see the crowd shouting that!. "Come on Murray" is also good - Sir Andrew Murray was the joint commander with Wallace when the Scottish army won their famous victory at Stirling Bridge .Sir Andrew died of his wounds and is one of the great unsung heroes of Scottish history. I'm sure our modern day knight of the grass court is well aware of this and would relish his illustrious surname being shouted with vigour just as much as his first name (and maybe more - "Come on Murray has an aggressive edge that "Come on Andy" lacks. Whatever the crowd shout, let's hope he delivers what will be a great day for Scottish AND British sport.
Posted 10:28 2nd July 2009