A first Wimbledon final, then, for Garbine Muguruza. Who will she face, Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova? Follow that game live on Guardian Sport soon.
A star is born
says Tracy Austin of Muguruza
But great credit to Muguruza who turned the tide after going down in the second set. She started absolutely brilliantly, if she can keep that level in the final then the Spaniard certainly has a chance
What a controversial end to that match. Lord knows how Radwanska is feeling, she was still in the point on deuce in the final game when the “out” call appeared to emanate from her box. She duly challenged but the ball was just in, resulting in her glaring up at the stand! Harsh words to be had later I’d wager...
Updated
I don’t have words to explain. I’ve worked all my life to achieve this moment. I was playing really good, I had to stay calm. I was pretty nervous in the second set. It’s a dream, I’m in the final of this tournament. I want to win Wimbledon.
Says Garbine Muguruza
Game, set, match Muguruza!
What a way to finish and the Spaniard is in her first Wimbledon final. 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
Updated
Muguruza wins the final set 6-3
The Spaniard advances in dramatic fashion
Final set: Radwanska 3-6 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
That’s it! Muguruza is in the final, holding serve with the tension palpable on Centre Court and with Radwanska putting the Spaniard under pressure. Radwanska earned a break point with a stunning return, but Muguruza showed no signs of crumbling at 30-40, producing a powerful wide serve before stepping into the net and finishing with a forehand volley. But what’s this ... a double fault on deuce! Not the right time to do that, Garbine, and Radwansksa so nearly capitalises, seeing her return agonisingly drop back on her side of the court after hitting the net cord. Huge moment on deuce again, as Radwanska challenges a Muguruza shot that just clipped the line, I think as a result of advice from her people in the stand! Muguruza takes advantage and drops to the floor after winning the next point. She’s in the final.
Muguruza serving for a place in the Wimbledon final, with new balls...
Updated
Final set: Radwanska* 3-5 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
Excellent from Radwanska. She holds serve under pressure with some remarkably-placed shots, steering Muguruza from one end of the court to another when the Spaniard was looking to attack. Muguruza fought her way back from 40-0 down to force two deuces, but Radwanska hung on without conceding a match point.
Final set: Radwanska 2-5 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
Muguruza takes a 30-0 lead on serve but what a point next up! These two players are giving it their all now, scampering back and forth and this time it was Radwanska with a great lob that eventually ended up with the No13 taking the point. No matter, however, as Muguruza takes the game and seems to have found her range again. A brilliant serve out wide and a smash to finish ensures she is one game from the Wimbledon final...
Final set: Radwanska* 2-4 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
15-15 on Radwanska’s serve and a 77mph second serve is given the treatment by Muguruza. She has a foothold in this game and suddenly two break points, coming into the net and smacking backhand winner crosscourt. Can she take it ... yes she can! What a point to end the game! It had everything, a brilliant lob from Muguruza but Radwanska recovered before the Spaniard hit a brilliant winner from the baseline with her feet seemingly static. Could be a crucial break.
Updated
Final set: Radwanska 2-3 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
Interesting stat: Muguruza has hit 21 baseline winners compared to three from Radwanska. Brilliant hustling from Radwanska here, hanging in points and continuing to ask the question of her opponent, who at 15-15 misses an overhead volley with a woeful attempt. It’s getting tense out there and Muguruza needs a slice of luck to win the following point thanks to the net cord. Radwanska forces two deuces from her opponent’s serve but some deep hitting and a failed challenge from the Pole ensures the game is held.
Final set: Radwanska* 2-2 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
Three slice backhands in a row from Radwanksa, and her variation seems to be causing problems for Muguruza, forced to put her own pace on the ball. The Spaniard misses two easy chances and Radwanska wins the game to love, finishing off with a deft backhand at the net. Excellent stuff from the Pole.
Final set: Radwanska 1-2 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
Muguruza seems to have settled after a sticky period. She begins this service game with an ace and improving her range from the baseline. Oh no though, she misses a clear chance to win the point at 30-15 up, sending her forehand just long thanks to some great defence from Radwanska. A power serve saves Muguruza next up, though, before Radwanska nets a return to take the game and regain the lead.
Final set: Radwanska* 1-1 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
Another break! We’ve got a game on now, one that is swinging back and forth. Muguruza was back to her potent best in there, battering a backhand crosscourt to set up three break points. She takes the second with a powerful return which forces Radwanska to steer wide.
Final set: Radwanska 1-0 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2, Radwanska the second 6-3
The Muguruza forehand is definitely not working at the same level now. Radwanska is getting much more joy from the baseline, and waiting for the opportune moment to attack the net. A break point for the Pole, but Muguruza aces out wide. That was a brilliant serve. But after a long rally she pulls a backhand into the tramline, providing her opponent with another break opportunity. Can she take it ... yes she can! Muguruza goes long with a forehand and this match has turned on its head. Six game in a row for Radwanska!
We’ve got a game on now and it’s tough to call. Muguruza was in such control, I couldn’t see Radwanska turning it around but she has done, quite brilliantly
Radwanska wins second set 6-3
Great resolve from the Pole to claw her way back in
Updated
2nd set: Radwanska* 6-3 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
Radwanska takes the set! She has found her rhythm now and is beginning to dictate the points. 40-15 up and with two set points, the first is saved by Muguruza with a crosscourt forehand winner. Great defence from Radwanska though on the second, counter-punching and forcing the error from the Spaniard. We’re into a final set...
2nd set: Radwanska 5-3 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
Radwanska is getting Muguruza working now, and the unforced errors are creeping in. The tide is slowly turning here away from the Spaniard but, to her credit, there is no let up in the power or aggression. Yet it’s another break point for Radwanska, who hangs in a lengthy rally and waits until Muguruza goes long by a foot with a forehand. And she takes it! The Pole demonstrates brilliant variation with slice and flat backhands, smashing an overhead volley to take the game!
Updated
2nd set: Radwanska* 4-3 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
Wait a minute... just when you thought Radwanska was back in the match, Muguruza steps it up a notch. But well done Radwanska, who holds serve despite going 15-30 down. That was a crucial game and she seems to have stopped the barrage of Muguruza baseline bombs. Her dip also seems to be of the Spaniard’s own doing, though, as victory becomes more than a possibility.
Updated
2nd set: Radwanska 3-3 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
Aha. A sliver of an opportunity for Radwanska, who goes 0-30 up on the Muguruza serve. But no, the Spaniard keeps being aggressive and pegs her back to 30-30 before netting with a forehand to give the Pole a rare break point. Big chance this, and Radwanska takes it! Excellent tennis from the No13 seed, who seems to have stepped up her returns. 3-3 on serve now!
Updated
2nd set: Radwanska* 2-3 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
It’s almost too good for Radwanska who, remember, is seeded seven places above her opponent. She’s holding on here but at the moment every Muguruza service game seems to fly by without the whiff of a break opportunity, while Radwanska is having to dig deep to just stay in with a shout. She does well here, though, surviving deuce when a break threatened.
2nd set: Radwanska 1-3 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
Nope. Nothing to see here. Muguruza, just when you thought things may be tightening up, sends down successive aces and holds to love. So, so impressive from the 21-year-old
2nd set: Radwanska* 1-2 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
That’s more like it from Radwanska, holding serve to love. She finishes the game with an overhead smash and how she needed that! Will it prove decisive? It all depends on whether Muguruza can maintain her phenomenal level. You would imagine she may tighten up as the final draws into view, but there are no signs of that happening so far.
2nd set: Radwanska 0-2 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
A half chance for Radwanska, who takes a 0-30 lead on the Spaniard’s serve. It’s swiftly snatched back, though, with Muguruza not letting her aggression wane despite being under pressure. She wins four successive points without looking back and leads 2-0 in the second.
2nd set: Radwanska* 0-1 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server) Muguruza won first set 6-2
Will Muguruza’s level drop? Not on this evidence. She is totally and comprehensively outhitting Radwanska here, earning three break points with some brutal returning. Radwanska really looks unnerved, but Muguruza nets on a reasonably tame second serve. That was a chance, but she takes the second break chance! She is moving so well around court and that’s an early lead in the second set!
Muguruza wins the first set 6-2
Total domination from the Spaniard
Updated
1st set: Radwanska 2-6 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server)
Muguruza takes the first set! She holds her serve comfortably and wins the game to love with some fierce serving. What an impressive performance so far from the Spaniard, hitting freely without pressure. She seems at home on Centre Court.
1st set: Radwanska* 2-5 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server)
Radwanska looks bereft out there, short on ideas. After losing the opening point, she attempts a drop shot which Muguruza reaches but sends the reply long. That’s what Radwanska has to do more, you feel, but perhaps it’s too late to save this opening set. Muguruza earns two set points and should have taken the first, selecting the wrong option when at the net and in a strong position. Radwanska saves the second and, fair play to the Pole, she stays strong on her serve. That will give her some confidence as she holds and takes the game, even if she ends up losing the set.
1st set: Radwanska 1-5 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server)
Muguruza opens the game with an arrowed forehand winner down the line. It’s all too easy for her at the moment, despite the best efforts of Radwanska. 30-15 now on serve and the two players produce a wonderful exchange, a baseline rally that ends with a brilliant Muguruza winner. She holds, comfortably again, and Radwanska is serving to stay in the set...
1st set: Radwanska* 1-4 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server)
Wonderful double-handed backhand pass from Muguruza! What a way to open the game, with Radwanska seemingly in control of the point before advancing to the net. The Pole then pushes a forehand into the tramlines and suddenly her serve is under pressure again. 0-40 now and Muguruza has three break points, this really is impressive from the youngster. She just goes long with a forehand on the first, before Radwanska nets with a sliced forehand and points at the court! Bad bounce perhaps, but it’s a double break for Muguruza!
1st set: Radwanska 1-3 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server)
This is better from Radwanska, whose returns are certainly become more accurate. She goes 15-30 up but, yet again, Muguruza’s power comes to the rescue. The Spaniard holds serve having wobbled slightly, winning the game emphatically with an ace.
1st set: Radwanska* 1-2 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server)
Thumping crosscourt forehand return from a 75mph second serve puts Muguruza 15-30 up in this game, and despite Radwanska battling back to 30-30, the Spaniard’s power secures another break opportunity. Ah! She wastes it with a long backhand from a second serve. Missed chance, that, and Radwanska must be mightily relieved not to go two breaks down in this opening set. She aces her opponent down the middle before coming to the net and taking the game with a volley.
1st set: Radwanska 0-2 Muguruza* (*denotes most recent server)
You can already tell the difference in power between these players. Muguruza holds her serve comfortably and has rattled Radwanska early on. It’s pretty brutal hitting, if truth be told, and the Spaniard has looked at ease in her new Centre Court surroundings. She wins her first service game to 30.
1st set: Radwanska* 0-1 Muguruza (*denotes most recent server)
It seems we’re in for some long rallies today. The match opens up with both players on the baseline for a lengthy slug, a point that Radwanska wins after Muguruza hits the net cord and sees the ball just bounce back onto her side of the court. The Spaniard, though, is well in this and takes her opponent to deuce with some aggressive hitting. She wins a break point with a fierce backhand that Radwanska can only volley into the net, but the advantage is not taken. Another break point, however, as Muguruza advances to the net and smashes an overhead winner. This is impressive stuff from the youngster who breaks Radwanska with a thumping forehand winner!
Updated
Here we go. Radwanska to serve...
These players have contested four matches in the past, winning two apiece
Let’s face it, whoever wins this match will be the underdog in the final on Saturday afternoon. But, at that stage in a grand slam, anything could happen. It could be a S Williams v Radwanska repeat, unless the Spanish sensation causes another upset here. This has been billed as the guile of Radwanska versus the power of Muguruza and we’re almost ready to go...
The players are out on Centre Court. And so is Stephen Fry
Here’s my colleague Jacob Steinberg reporting on Muguruza’s rise on the grass...
Muguruza eyed grass with suspicion the first time she encountered it. She struggled to deal with the speed and remembers thinking she never wanted to see the green stuff again after her first experience on it ended in defeat to Australia’s Casey Dellacqua in Birmingham three years ago. “The bounce of the ball was weird,” Muguruza said.
Experience is going to be a huge factor in this match
Says Lindsay Davenport. It’s going to be fascinating to see how Muguruza settles under the spotlight
Elsewhere at SW19 at the moment, Andy Murray is having a knock with Jonas Bjorkman. He, of course, plays Roger Federer tomorrow afternoon in a huge match.
The sun is shining on Centre Court. There will be no need for the roof today
Rising like a bullet
So says Tracy Austin of Muguruza. The Spaniard, 21, has certainly enjoyed a memorable year so far, reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open before a second quarter-final in successive years at Roland Garros.
This is Muguruza’s first appearance on Centre Court. How she handles the occasion will be key today, given that Radwanska is vastly more experienced.
Women’s semi-final day is here, and Saturday’s showdown on Centre Court for the Venus Rosewater Dish is within touching distance for four players. Two of those were not seeded in the top 10 when the Championships draw was made but, while the more glamorous semi is second on Centre this afternoon, this match could be a corker.
Spain’s Garbine Muguruza has already beaten Timea Bacsinszky, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki en route to the semi-finals, all ranked above her. No Spanish woman has reached the last four of Wimbledon since Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario in 1997. No Spanish woman has reached the final since Conchita Martínez in 1994.
That says it all about Muguruza’s tournament already and what she stands to achieve if she wins today.
Standing in her way, however, is Agnieszka Radwanska, a Pole who is no stranger to SW19. Radwanska has overcome Madison Keys and Jelena Jankovic among others here this year, and lost in the final here to Serena Williams back in 2012. This is her third semi-final at Wimbledon.
James will be here soon …
