Tennis World Number 1 Novak Djokovic (Serbia) won a classic Wimbledon semi-final against Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro (8th seed), for another shot at a Grand Slam trophy this year. The marathon semifinal took 4 hours and 43 minutes. Djokovic eventually dominated the scoreboard at 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.
The Djokovic-Del Potro semifinal made Wimbledon history as the longest men’s semifinal match to date. The two players beat the record set in 1980 by Boris Becker and Ivan Lendl in a 5-set match that lasted 4 hours and 1 minute.
Marathon semifinal highlights
Djokovic’s first chance to win the match came at the fourth set when he led at 6-4. However, Del Potro reminded everyone that he was once a Grand Slam champion (US Open 2009) and won three succeeding points thus forcing the game to a fifth set. In the deciding set, Del Potro managed a break point after losing his service to Djokovic. But the World #1 put an end to the marathon with a backhand on his third match point opportunity.
The Djokovic-Del Potro match was characterized by long rallies, its unrelenting pace, Djokovic’s defensive maneuvers and reliable serves, and Del Potro’s heroic tiebreaks and match speed forehands. Djokovic said in a post-match interview that it was among the best and most exciting matcesh that he has been part of. He commended Del Potro for his “unbelievable shots,” big forehands, and for “a very high level of tennis.” For Del Potro, who played in his first Wimbledon semi-final, it was a very close deal. Both players left the court with a tremendous ovation from the overly thrilled spectators.
Another final for Andy
Meanwhile Britain’s own World #2 Andy Murray triumphed over Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz (24th seed) and will play at Centre Court on Sunday for the gentlemen’s singles championship on Sunday. This is Murray’s second Wimbledon final. After a dramatic loss to Roger Federer at home court last year, the Scotland native will be cheered on by his countrymen on what is being dubbed as a dream final match between the top two players.
Murray’s 2012 Wimbledon achievement last year was a boost to British tennis fans. He was the second Briton to reach a Wimbledon final since Henry Wilfred “Bunny” Austin in 1938.
Head-to-head
On Sunday, July 7, World #1 Novak Djokovic and World #2 Andy Murray will play for the highly coveted Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles trophy. This is the final that many tennis fans have been waiting to see. The All England Club has prepared a generous purse for the winner, reportedly 1.6 million pounds or around US$2.4 million, a 40% increase from last year’s prize money.
Djokovic and Murray previously faced off three times in a grand slam final. All matches were in the Australian Open from 2011 to 2013, the most recent of which was won by the top seed at Melbourne in January. Andy won their only match on grass when he beat Novak at the Summer Olympics held at the All England Club last year.
Photo Credit: Top seed Novak Djokovic
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