So there we go: Barty v Kerber and Pliskova v Sabalenka is our semi-final line-up, and there’s a lot to look forward to there. Barty v Kerber, in particular, should be a belter, but if Sabalenka and Pliskova play as they did today, that could be even better. Naturally, we’ll be back to bring you that, but in the meantime, join me again tomorrow for the joy of the men’s quarters.
Barty says it’s exciting to be in the semis – her first at Wimbledon – and says Tomljanovic is such a tough competitor, she knew she’d bring out the best in her. It was a pleasure to share the court with her, she adds, and to be where she is a dream come true. She’s grateful to have the opportunity to do what she does and is loving every minute, but reckons Kerber is “the ultimate test”. She loves playing “Angie”, calls is a “great matchup”, and hopes to do herself justice.
Barty [1] beats Tomljanovic 6-2 6-3!
*Barty 6-1 5-3 Tomljanovic Barty begins with an ace, then sends Tomljanovic out wide to retrieve a serve, cleaning up with another forehand winner. Seconds later, she has three match points, but waits on a low bounce and can only slice into the net. That forces her to slam down an ace, and there we go. The players enjoy a nice hug at the net, friends again, and Barty meets Kerber next.
Barty 6-1 5-3 Tomljanovic* Barty finds yet another forehand winner for 0-15 but Tomljanovic clumps one of her own into the net cord and over; there’s a different feel to the match now, because Barty is playing less well and Tomljanovic is playing less badly. But Barty’s still better, and on 30-40, Tomljanovic goes long. She challenges, but she knows the truth, and if she can’t break again, she’s out.
*Barty 6-1 4-3 Tomljanovic Well done Ajla Tomljanovic! She fights her way to 30-40 and although Barty finds a first serve, she gets a good return back and a mistake follows. We’re back on serve in set two!
Barty 6-1 4-2 Tomljanovic* I almost worry for Barty, because almost every forehand she hits is doing what she wants it to do, a situation that won’t necessarily recur; I hope she’s not wasting such groove on this match because she’s going to need it in the next one. On 30-15, BBC show a stat which tells us Barty’s got 93% of returns in compared to 57% for Tomljanovic, then Barty hits her 12th forehand winner of the match – it’s rare you see one dictated by a shot as thoroughly as this has been. And when Tomljanovic responds to another goodun with a backhand winner down the line, there it is again to make deuce. But Tomljanovic hangs in there to struggle through, confirming her hold with a big service winner down the middle.
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*Barty 6-1 4-1 Tomljanovic Tomljanovic gets to 30-all with the help of a double fault ... so Barty immediately eradicates it with an ace. A shovelled forehand to the corner follows, and she’s playing very well indeed.
“Barty consistently just blocking back the return of serve,” tweets @Mysteron_Voice, “as if she’s entirely confident that Tomljanovic isn’t strong enough to take any advantage from it...”
I think there’s a bit of that, and a bit of wanting to get into the rally to unleash her forehand. If the block is well-directed, and goes deep, it can be a pretty effective shot.
Barty 6-1 3-1 Tomljanovic* Tomljanovic gets to 40-30 only to drill a forehand into the net, and when Barty attacks her second serve, she goes long with another. Barty, though, nets one of her own, but raises a further break point when ducking out the road of another poor forehand. This time, Tomljanovic sends a backhand long, and she’s very close to the door.
“Tomljanovic had that late match last night with Raducanu and now is playing on very short rest,” emails Craig Gaydos. “I would not have expected her to play well and while Barty probably wins easily anyway, this is becoming a farce. Wimbledon is now putting TV ratings ahead of scheduling fairness like the US Open has been doing for the last 40 years.”
It’s a tricky one because there’s a need to grow the game, and a responsibility to those at work during working hours. Also, she only played a set and a bit, but I guess she could’ve come on before Auger-Aliassime played Zverev.
*Barty 6-1 2-1 Tomljanovic Tomljanovic is playing better this set, a tricky lob giving her 15-30, parlayed into 30-40; this time, the break point is saved – by way of overhead – and Barty rushes through deuce to complete her hold.
It happened to me playing for the national team in U16s against Wales. I remember it to this day. No explanation for it and it never happened again. You should be very proud of yourself. The country is proud of you. Glad to read your feeling better. Onwards and upwards 🎾🏴 https://t.co/sokkubBlLN
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) July 6, 2021
Barty 6-1 1-1 Tomljanovic* I mean that was sort of a rhetorical question because Barty breaking back seems the likeliest course of events. Between games, we saw Matteo Berrettini in Tomljanovic’s box – they’re a couple – but I didn’t know that Tomljanovic’s sister is with Felix Auger-Aliassime, who Berrettini plays tomorrow. And yes, there’s Barty dispensing two big forehands at 30-40 that allow the easy putaway.
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*Barty 6-1 0-1 Tomljanovic I feel for Tomljanovic, I really do. In most matches at this stage, you can devise a way for the weaker player to win, whether by doing what they do best or by taking away what their opponent does best. But I’ve not a clue how this could happen because Barty is as solid as the class differential is cavernous ... except she takes her eye off it in the opening game of set two and a backhand slice into the net hands Tomljanovic the break! Do we got ourselves a ball-game?
Barty [1] wins the first set against Tomljanovic 6-1!
Barty 6-1 Tomljanovic* Barty’s forehand really is an absolute monster, and it’s dictating this match along with her serve. However, Kerber won’t allow her to dictate with it and it doesn’t have the pop of Sabalenka’s, so those matches, if they come, will be fascinating. But in the meantime, a colossal strike to the forehand corner allows the simple putaway, and this is a total mismatch.
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*Barty 5-1 Tomljanovic Tomljanovic gets 0-15, for all the good it’ll do her ... but then after a longish rally, Barty slices a backhand into the net. In the context of the match, this is a chance, but Barty knows that too, running around another forehand to crack a winner down the line. Tomljanovic then earns break point, only for Barty to bang a second serve onto the T that she can’t return – Barty’s been much more aggressive in that aspect of her game this Wimbledon, and another forehand soon takes her one away from the set.
Barty 4-1 Tomljanovic* Oh dear. Consecutive errors from Tomljanovic give Barty 0-30; I say errors, and they’ll go in the unforced column, but they came as a consequence of pressure. Anyway, Tomljanovic challenges the call on the second point and her forehand was indeed in, forcing Barty to hit an extra winner by running around her backhand to paste down the line. Tomljanovic then plays a similar shot to the one she investigated, an inside-out forehand from the middle, and this time she definitely misses, handing Barty two points for the double break ... and she only needs one another forehand, into the bottom of the net, effectively settling set one in just over a quarter of an hour.
*Barty 3-1 Tomljanovic Tomljanovic finds good power in her groundstrokes at the start of the game but it makes no difference at all because Barty is right there. In particular, the hooked forehand that makes 30-0 is divine, her stance opening up to achieve the perfect angle, and she consolidates with total mastery.
Barty 2-1 Tomljanovic* Time’s up. Barty gets herself to 15-40 and a fault leaves her a second serve to attack. She doesn’t do much with it though, and eventually nets a forehand ... but that was just a sighter. Two bigguns, the second of them a winner, and she breaks.
*Barty 1-1 Tomljanovic Barty does likewise, and both players are on the match.
Barty 0-1 Tomljanovic* This is Tomljanovic’s first major quarter but she starts perfectly, holding to love.
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Tomljanovic to serve, and ... play.
And the thing is, Barty can play a lot better than she has so far. If she wants to win this thing, she’s going to have to.
I’ve been really impressed with Barty over the last week and, if I’m honest, I’m not sure what Tomljanovic has for her. But that’s why we play: to find out.
And here they come......
Barty and Tomljanovic should be with us in the next few minutes – I’ll be back with you as soon as that’s so.
Tell you what though, Kerber v Barty with the winner to play Sabalenka sounds absolutely banging to me.
Kerber says she enjoys every moment at Wimbledon and knows that Muchova is a good grass-court player. She then thanks the crowd – I can’t imagine what its been like competing in front of empty stands – and talks about how hard she’s worked to enable her to leave her heart on the court. It doesn’t matter who she plays next, she reckons, but she’s looking forward to it.
Kerber [25] beats Muchova [19] 6-2 6-3!
Kerber is a serious problem. She didn’t play as well today as she did in the previous two rounds, but she got the job done with something to spare, and will meet Barty or Tomljanovic in the semis. It’s an absolute buzz to see her back in body and soul, and no one left in the draw knows their way around a grass court better than she does.
Kerber accelerates to 30-0 but Muchova yanks her back to 30-all; can she make it happen? Well, she’s got a second serve to go at and it’s a real pat too ... but the return isn’t good enough and eventually she goes long, giving Kerber match point. Kerber, though, goes long herself, taking us to deuce...
Muchova’s not had much for Kerber, but she forces her to serve for it by performing the splits to catch a terrific pass on the volley, diverting a winner towards the opposite corner. Muchova 2-6 3-5 Kerber
On No1, Kerber now leads Muchova 6-2 5-2, with Muchova serving to stay in the match.
Next on Centre: Barty v Tomljanovic.
Ah man, that was truly beautiful to see– Sabalenka is so, so talented and so, so loveable. Her consistent failure in majors, though, made you worry she didn’t quite have the mental strength to win the biggies, but today, she came out against an opponent playing the best tennis of her life and blasted her off the court. Then, when the time came to see it out, she didn’t choke as might’ve been expected, and I can’t wait to see her again.
Sabalenka says it’s always hard to beat Jabeur, a great player and person, and she’s so happy to win. She thanks the crowd for making it special, noting that it might look like everything’s working for her, but it’s not as simple as that. She is, though, enjoying every minute of her run and reckons Pliskova to be a great player with a great serve who’s good on grass.
Kerber, meanwhile has broken Muchova and now leads 4-2. She’s close to the last four too.
Sabalenka [2] beats Jabeur [21] 6-4 6-3!
Power beats touch, and Sabalenka is into the last four of a major for the first time! She’ll play Pliskova, and it’ll be a serious performance that stops her if she keeps this up.
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At 30-15, Sabalenka leaps into a forehand that’s slightly behind her and slips, allowing Jabeur to hit a winner into the empty court. We see a flash of desperation and despair pass Sabalenka’s face – past disappointments are not far from the surface – and when Jabeur hits a forehand winner, she’s facing break-back point. But she saves it well, then a service winner raises match point!
Meanwhile, Kerber has broken Muchova back and held too, so she leads 3-2 and by one set to love.
And she gets to 0-30 too, but Jabeur finds a service winner, then another – that’s outstanding behaviour. But a backhand return, annihilated inside-out, earns her break point ... saved with another booming serve. Jabeur, though, is running out of ideas, and a netted drop that looked an easy way out of the point hands Sabalenka another go ... and this time she takes it, turning up the volume to hammer a bakchand winner that allows her to serve for the match. She is playing beautifully. Jabeur 4-6 3-5 Sabalenka
A love hold for Sabalenka underlines her superiority in the match, and she’s loading up the pressure now. If she can win the first point of Jabeur’s next service game, we might be close to the end. Jabeur 4-6 3-4 Sabalenka
Sabalenka is hinting at another hot streak, pushing Jabeur to 40-30 on her serve. But Jabeur clinches the hold courtesy of a trademark drop, and knows she needs to hang in the set because at some point things will get nervy. Jabeur 4-6 3-3 Sabalenka
“Earlier on in the tournament, I questioned Sabalenka as number two seed,” tweets @Mysteron_Voice, “and you very politely pointed out the error of my ways. It being women’s tennis, though, will she be able to maintain this level until Saturday afternoon?”
I’ve not a clue! But this is by far the best I’ve seen Sabalenka play at a major – not just this afternoon – so perhaps the kopeck has dropped.
It’s kicking off on No1, where Muchova has broken for 2-1, while Sabalenka thinks she’s held for 3-2 only for Jabeur to challenge, late, and discover that she contacted the outermost fibre of the line. Sabalenka, though, continues cleansing the cover off it, and eventually elicits the backhand error. She now leads 3-2 and by one set to love.
My internet drops out, and in the time it takes it to return Muchova and Kerber both hold, so they’re at 1-1 in set two, while Jabeur and Sabalenka are at 2-2.
Don’t mess with Ons Jabeur! No sooner broken than breaking, she draws Sabalenka to the net with a drop and the riposte drops long. That was a classically meek Saba surrender, and might that switch momentum in this match? Jabeur 4-6 2-1 Sabalenka
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Kerber [25] wins the first set against Muchova [19] 6-2!
The only Wimbledon champion left in the draw is looking ominous and scary.
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Jabeur’s service first service-game of set two could be key, and Sablenka races to 0-40. As her opponent did just a few moments ago, she closes to 30-40, but then sent to the forehand corner, she slips and nets! Sabalenka is four holds away from the semis! Jabeur 4-6 0-2 Sabalenka
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Kerber looks to have just that bit too much for Muchova, again forced to save a break point before holding again. She’s navigating the big moments really well. Kerber 5-2 Muchova
Immediately, Jabeur makes her change, chipping her first return of the set to take the pace off the ball. It’s enough to win her the point and she’s soon at 0-40 – holding it down to take the first set then tossing her serve at the start of the second would be classic Saba – but not today. She makes deuce, then eventually closes out thanks to a pair of substantial serves. Jabeur 4-6 0-1 Sabalenka
Back on No1, Kerber still has her break, leading Muchova 4-2. Outside, it’s caning it down with rain.
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Sabalenka [2] wins the first set against Jabeur [21] 6-4!
Yet another crime against humanity of a forehand sends Jabeur to the forehand corner, and she can’t get her racket around the ball! That’s a great set from Sabalenka, and Jabeur needs to change something or hope she chokes.
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Now then. Sabalenka waits for a second serve and, with a yell that’s almost a cackle, she runs around her backhand to punish a forehand winner down the line that gives her set point ... so Jabeur rattles down an ace. Sabalenka, though, is on, and a nails backhand return facilitates a backhand winner for a second go ... but this time she nets. Never mind: a transcendental forehand earns another shy ... only for her to go wide with a far more makeable one! Jabeur then spurns two game points and we must just be at a crucial juncture ... and as I type that, a half-court ball allows a backhand winner from Sabalenka, which raises her fourth set point, ruined with a long backhand. Still, here come the fifth...
Again, Kerber has to got through deuce to hold, but hold she does. Muchova 0-3 Kerber
Back on Centre, both players hold again – we’ve only had one break point so far – and this is an odd thing to say, but in a way they’re playing too well for the game we’d like to see, so dominant on serve that there’s been no jeopardy yet. Other hand, a breaker will be hot, if we get there – the pressure is on Jabeur now, serving to stay in the set. Jabeur 4-5 Sabalenka
Kerber works her way to 30-40 and then picks Muchova’s drop, flipping a telling pick-up towards the back of the court. All Muchova can do it waft a riposte towards the net, where Kerber puts away easily to break at the first time of asking. Muchova 0-2 Kerber
Sabalenka is getting her grunting game going and she’s really attacking the ball now – in commentary, they reckon she’s shortened her takeback on the forehand side – and, though both players are playing nicely, she’s in slight ascendancy at the moment. Jabeur 3-4 Sabalenka
A lovely forehand down the line, right onto the corner, gets Sabalenka 0-15, and she has chances in the game. But Jabeur holds to 15 and this has been a confident start from both players – it’s now 3-3 – while, on No1, Kerber has to fight through deuce for her hold against Muchova.
Sabalenka is serving beautifully and she holds again. Jabeur 2-3 Sabalenka
On No1, Muchova and Kerber are underway.
Now Jabeur rushes through a hold. Neither player has their return game quite grooved so far. Jabeur 2-2 Sabalenka
Jabeur nobbles Sabalenka with the drop-lob double team, but Sabalenka holds to 15 anyway. I don’t like to say it too loudly, but she’s settled much quicker than I feared, which is great news for the quality of match we’re going to see. Jabeur 1-2 Sabalenka
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Daniil Medvedev said he wasn't upset at all with how he was scheduled yesterday, only disappointed by today's performance in losing to Medvedev.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) July 6, 2021
"Played really bad today. Not much more to say."#Wimbledon
Jabeur picks up where she left off against Swiatek, rushing to 40-0. But then on 40-15, Sabalenka punishes a weak second serve with a backhand winner ... only for Jabeur to clean up in short order. This is cooking. Jabeur 1-1 Sabalenka
Sabalenka gets to 30-all but then a double and a netted volley invite Jabeur into the match. Another double follows, the break point saved with a banging serve out wide, but as they struggle through deuce, Jabeur finds her range, leaping into a forehand that saves game point. Again, Sabalenka retorts with a mass-murderous serve – it needs a forehand to cement it – then another, that very much does not. Jabeur 0-1 Sabalenka
Sabalenka to serve and ... play.
Jabeur is the first Arab woman to reach a Wimbledon quarter, and I’m absolutely certain that in so doing, she’ll inspire even more people than she has already. If both players are at it here, this’ll be a classic.
I can’t get Medvedev’s performance out of my head. It’s so odd to see him completely no-show, but he did just that today and I’d really like to hear his take on what happened. But I also can’t get Hurkacz’s performance out of my head because he saw a chance and he absolutely climbed all over it, which was great to see. Baby this is serious.
Here come Sabalenka and Jabeur. I can’t wait for this one.
On Centre, Sabalenka and Jabeur should be with us shortly, while on No1 we’re waiting for Muchova and Kerber.
Pliskova notes that this is her first Wimbledon semi and she’s had to work really hard for it. The score, she says, looks comfortable but the match was tough and she feels she’s improving with every match. When not on court, she’s had time to hone her footwork and reckoned that her game is in shape even before Wimbledon started. She’s not going to stress about who she faces next, she’ll enjoy the moment and then get ready.
Pliskova [8] beats Golubic 6-2 6-2!
Golubic saves three match points but on the fourth, Pliskova’s forehand is too much for her and she moves into the semis - where she’ll face Jabeur or Sabalenka – having not lost a set. She was much, much too good today, but she’ll need to improve on today if she’s to keep it going.
...but Golubic does a great job of saving match point, thanks to a backhand onto the line backed up with a clever drop.
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Pliskova works her way to 30-40...
Next on Centre: Jabeur v Sabalenka
Back on No1, Pliskova has battled through a tough hold, including Golubic’s first break points of the match. But her serve is there to save her, and she’s now a game away. Pliskova 6-2 5-2 Golubic
Hurkacz is so happy and says it was a tough match against an unbelievable player – he’s meant to be an extremely sound individual – and worked with his coach and physio to prepare for today, trying to solve problems he’d encountered yesterday. Federer, who he meets tomorrow, is his hero, and he says it’s going to be fun and he hopes to get a little bit of support. But when asked about that match he’s coy, saying he needs to speak to his coach, and given what happened today, that sounds like a decent plan.
Hurkacz [14] beats Medvedev [2] 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 6-3!
That’s an unbelievable win for Hurkacz who came out today and attacked everything. But Medvedev was really poor, subsiding weakly – on match point, he netted a volley – and he still awaits his first major title. Hurkacz, on the other hand, now meets Federer in his first major quarter-final!
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Hello! Medvedev, serving to stay in the match at 3-5 in the fifth, finds himself at 30-40...
Medvedev is Wile E. Coyote running off the cliff and frantically laying road while running out of tiles. He and Hurkacz both hold – Hurkacz has yet to perpetrate a single unforced error in this set – and when Medvedev misses a chance to secure his latest service game, we reach deuce. I think this is the worst I’ve seen him play, including before he got proper good, but he holds eventually; Hurkacz, on the other hand, has never beaten a player ranked higher than 36 at a major – it was Dusan Lajovic – but this is beginning to feel like a belated coming out party. Hurkacz 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 4-3 Medvedev
Another love hold from Pliskova, who completes the game with a 111mph ace. This is not remotely close. Pliskova 6-2 3-1 Golubic
Pliskova is all over Golubic, consolidating easily then, at 40-30 and after Golubic has flicked a backhand drop across the face of the net, mirroring her shot for a winner! That is brilliant, and though Golubic closes out from there, the effort she had to expend does not bode well for her immediate future. Pliskova 6-2 3-1 Golubic
Hurkacz races to 40-0 before a Medvedev winner followed by a forehand error make things tight. So he reaches into his toolbox, removes a gigantic serve, and allows that to do the rest. Hurkacz 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 3-1 Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev is in terrible trouble. Hurkacz is starting to read his drops, a skill that helps him to 0-30, and then at 0-40 Medvedev can only send a backhand long. This is so unlike him, but it must also be said that Hurkacz is playing really well, growing in front of our eyes. He’s five holds away from the last eight! Hurkacz 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 0-2 Medvedev
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Goodness me, a double fault then a barrage of forehands take Pliskova to 15-40 ... but she then misses a forehand from close to the net that only needs to go in. That is a terrible miss, except it doesn’t matter because Golubic quickly goes long on the backhand. She looks lost out there, and unless she changes something quickly, she’ll have lost out there. Pliskova 6-2 2-0 Golubic
Medvedev slips, then hoiks a simple forehand long from close to the net, which brings him from 40-15 to deuce. He quickly compensates by hammering down an ace and closing out, but he doesn’t look especially happy out there – unusual for him. Hurkacz 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 6-3 0-1 Medvedev
Pliskova holds to love in the first game of set two, sealing it with an ace. She’s much too good for Golubic at the moment. Pliskova 6-2 1-0 Golubic
Pliskova [8] wins the first set against Golubic 6-2!
Pliskova is seeing it really nicely and Golubic can’t put her under pressure. If she can’t put some pop on her second serve, she’s not long for this match.
Medvedev has nipped off, which is odd given they’ve only been going three games. Hopefully he’s ok.
Hurkacz [14] wins the fourth set against Medvedev 6-3 to set up a deicder!
Hurkacz started well and aggressively, and this is his reward.
Pliskova consolidates easily and is one game away from securing the first set. Pliskova 5-2 Golubic
Now then! Hurkacz is aggressive in attacking Medvedev’s serve and he breaks for 5-3! He’ll now serve for a deciding set! Hurkacz 2-6 7-6(2) 3-6 5-3 Medvedev
Aaarggghhh! At 0-30, Golubic dumps a simple overhead to give Pliskova three break points, saving the first when a poor drop is patted back leaving half the court open for a retort. I’ve got to say, the standard in this match, relative to the standard Barty, Sabalenka, Kerber and Jabeur have been producing, is low, a sentiment underlined when Pliskova goes to put away an easy smash of her own, only doing so via the net cord. But she won’t care – she leads by a break, and unless something big changes, will soon be a set in front. Pliskova 4-2 Golubic
Medvedev won’t want to be back out there today, but we can assume he’ll handle the situation with his usual equanimity. Hurkacz, though, is the man under pressure because if he doesn’t start fast he’ll be out in short order.
Meantime, Pliskova again holds comfortably. She’s looking the likelier at the moment, but there’s not loads in it. Pliskova 3-2 Golubic
On Centre, Medvedev and Hurkacz are getting ready.
Golubic fights back from 0-30 for 40-30, but her second serve is weak and Pliskova attacks it. She ought to win the point and does, though it takes a wild forehand from her opponent to make it happen. So they work through deuce, Golubic unable to convert a succession of advantages, before a clever slice from Pliskova earns her break point ... saved by a luscious single-handed backhand pass swiped cross-court, and Golubic closes out from there.
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On which point...
Being a champion is about more than winning championships.
No question mental toughness can be what separates the best in sport but surely both of you aren’t judging her mental toughness on yesterday’s match?! https://t.co/83tLG5F9ca
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) July 6, 2021
Pliskova’s serve is grooved now and she holds to love, finishing with an ace down the T. If Golubic can’t find an answer to it, she’s in big trouble. Pliskova 2-1 Golubic
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A terrific backhand return gives Pliskova 0-15, but Golubic retorts well and holds via deuce. Pliskova 1-1 Golubic
During the course of these championships, we’ve been sharing life enhancers, so here are today’s: Raven Leilani’s Luster, Sour Patch 2 flavours in 1, and coming at you all the way from Pernambuco Brasil, Cachaça Sanhaçu.
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Hello! Pliskova begins with what looks like an easy hold, but from 40-15 she winds up at deuce, a lesser-spotted foot-fault sealing the deal. But she responds with an ace and closes out from there. Pliskova 1-0 Golubic
Pliskova to serve, and play.
I should say, the roof is on. I don’t think it’s raining at the moment, but there’s weather around.
Pliskova has only dropped serve twice in the tournament, and in Zidansek, Vekic, Martincova and Samsonova, she’s met some decent opposition too. If she’s firing today, she’ll win.
And the pair are now stood waiting to come out ... and here they come!
I’m really looking forward to seeking what Pliskova makes of today. This is already her best Wimbledon performance, and well though Golubic is playing, had she been offered her to reach the last four, you can bet she’d have taken it. I’ve not seen much of Golubic, but she’s beaten Collins, Brengle and Keys, who are no mugs, might also think that Pliskova is a friendly draw, and will absolutely be aware that this is the chance of her life. Make no mistake, there’s a lot going on here.
I guess Jabeur is the more natural grass-courter, but Sabalenka’s ability to whack it translates pretty well to any surface. Meanwhile, in the studio, Billy Jean just noted that this is the first Wimbledon since 1977 in which no quarter-finalist reached the same stage at Roland Garros – that is ridiculous .
Jabeur v Sabalenka is proper Bran Flakes gear. Jabeur has so much flair, is playing so well and is so damn likeable, while Sabalenka isn’t all that different. The question with her is whether she can produce her best – or anything approximating to it – when the pressure is on. Her progress through the draw has been tricky – she lost sets to Boulter and Rybakina – but where she might previously have lost the match too, she’s gone on to win. However she’s yet to meet a player as good or as grooved as Jabeur, who’s come from behind to beat both Muguruza and Swiatek. I guess I’m leaning towards her, but it’s so, so tight.
Order of play
Centre Court (from 1.30pm BST)
Daniil Medvedev [2] 6-2 (2)6-7 6-3 3-4 Hubert Hurkacz [14]
Ons Jabeur [21] v Aryna Sabalenka [2]
Ash Barty [1] v Ajla Tomljanovic
**
No1 Court (from 1pm BST)
Karolina Pliskova v Viktorija Golubic
Karolina Muchova [19] v Angelique Kerber [25]
Preamble
Wimbledon is a funny thing, an annual treat that gives us something in which to immerse without the pain and anguish that comes with team sport. Though we might have favourite players, they’re transient – they come, they go, and in the meantime represent their families and their values, not our families and our values.
Consequently, in the process of simply enjoying we can sometimes forget what’s at stake ... but not anymore. As Celine Dion noted, baby, this is serious.
Once we get down to the last eight, all those remaining will fancy themselves to leave as champion – particularly on the women’s side, women’s tennis having overtaken MMA as the world’s least predictable sport. Ash Barty, the No 1 seed, has improved through the rounds and looks strong ... but she’s playing her mate, Ajla Tomljanovic, who’ll have a good idea of how to hurt her; Karolina Pliskova, one of various who’ve been No1 in the world without winning a major, has slunk silently through the draw and with the pressure off will feel she has the game ... but like Jelena Ostapenko, Bianca Andreescu and Barbora Krejcikova, Viktorija Golubic is in the form of her life at just the right time; Angelique Kerber is back in love with the game and the only previous winner left in the draw ... but Karolina Muchova has beaten quality opponents to reach this point; and, in the match of the day, Ons Jabeur has finally put together her bewildering selection of spins and angles ... but Aryna Sabalenka finally looks comfortable in the big moments.
Add to that the end of Daniil Medvedev’s match against Hubert Hurkacz, and we have yet another silly day of brilliance. Welcome to Wimbledon day eight!
