Wimbledon Day 11 - Richard With a Vengeance? Call the Kops-Jones or it'll all end in Spears.

First topic message reminder :

Order of play

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/tennis/22713811

Easy enough. He'll take some beating on sunday

As CC said, Gasquet hasn't got the stones mentally like so many others before and after him too.

Well, it was the straight-set win most people predicted. Sure that most people would rather see Gasquet even when he is losing than some players when they are winning.
Now for the main event....

Hands up those who want to see Federer/Djokovic for a 40th time or Murray and Djokovic for the 28th time?!

A decent, solid performance from Novak, with some very good serving but overall nothing to really set the blood pumping.

I think both Roger and Andy have causes for optimism should they make the final.

Right how will this semi go? Depends a lot of a couple of things really. Andy's mindset - if he can avoid mental lapse/self-doubting then it enhances his chances. For Roger it will be if he can shorten the points/rallies and ground strokes firing - that is his road map to victory. The player who plays the most aggressive at key points wins. Heart says Andy. Head says Federer.

I don't think there's a sport where being rated as one of the top eight players in the world... TWICE isn't outrageously talented.

I don't think there's a sport where being rated as one of the top eight players in the world... TWICE isn't outrageously talented.

They might as well hand Djokovic the title now. He plays the earlier semi and meets virtually no resistance. Whoever wins out of Murray and Federer will have something taken out of them and less time to recover

As long as Murray maintains a good percentage of first serves, and doesn't overdo the amount of drop shots, he's got this.

Murray in four.

kingraf wrote:I don't think there's a sport where being rated as one of the top eight players in the world... TWICE isn't outrageously talented.

Are Berdych? Ferrer? Tipsarevic?

Murray should win this easily enough. Perhaps in four.

I'm amazed that they are so close in the betting. Murray clear favourite for me.

LuvSports! wrote:

kingraf wrote:I don't think there's a sport where being rated as one of the top eight players in the world... TWICE isn't outrageously talented.

Are Berdych? Ferrer? Tipsarevic?

Of course they are.

I'd say serve is the key in this one.

If Federer serves as well as he has done in recent weeks, he'll be tough to break.

At Andy's end, first serve % has to be high. I've thought his second serves have been poor in the last couple of games but he's got away with it because he hasn't been facing a strong returner.

I think if Andy takes the first, he becomes a strong favourite. If Roger takes the first, it's anyones.

I'm also enjoying being one of the very few people on this forum who can enjoy watching this match as a neutral. I hope all your nerves hold up!

This must be the most ridiculous discussion ever. How many guys you know with a Backhand like Gasquet, and a 115mph serve? It's not rocket science. These guys are elite level athletes.

kingraf wrote:This must be the most ridiculous discussion ever.  How many guys you know with a Backhand like Gasquet, and a 115mph serve? It's not rocket science. These guys are elite level athletes.

I just don't agree that you have to be outrageously talented amongst your peers to be in the top 8. Simple.

It's ridiculous how the BBC are trying to equate Murray's OG with Federer's W title in 2012.

I know which one either of the players would want.

Wimbledon, the greatest tournament in the world.

OG in tennis which no one cares about.

Over a thousand paid professionals on the ATP, and you don't think it takes outrageous talent to make the top 1%.

Andy Roddick is doing a very good job as a commentator - if there is one minor criticism he could talk more slowly. But much as when he was a player he comes across as intelligent and generous with a self-deprecating sense of humour.

Animalfan wrote:It's ridiculous how the BBC are trying to equate Murray's OG with Federer's W title in 2012.

I know which one either of the players would want.

Wimbledon, the greatest tournament in the world.

OG in tennis which no one cares about.

It is there only two grass court meetings - that is why they look at them.

kingraf wrote:Over a thousand paid professionals on the ATP, and you don't think it takes outrageous talent to make the top 1%.

I think there are guys who are ranked much lower that are more talented.

Murray should have the beating of Federer here - 4 sets I'd say. Federer has only beaten Murray on grass when the roof has been closed.
Murray should be able to neutralise Federer's serve and net play.

Murray needs to win one of the first two sets - if he gets it into a 4th he starts to become favourite IMHO.

So why haven't these guys who are much lower shown any inclination to perform then? It's a strawman argument. There's always someone faster than Bolt, or who plays football better than Messi. We never see them, but they exist... lurking. Deciding to use their talents to chase criminals, or step on grapes in vineyards.

theslosty wrote:Murray should have the beating of Federer here - 4 sets I'd say. Federer has only beaten Murray on grass when the roof has been closed.
Murray should be able to neutralise Federer's serve and net play.

He won the 2nd set outdoors.
Not his fault he was better in the Wimby final to win under the roof in the last 2 sets.

Of course not but Murray has the edge outdoors, particularly with a decent wind swirling.

Federer missed half a chance then netting that forehand.

If Fed keeps serving like this, he'll win.

Something's got to give in the next 3 games......

Fed's serving is the better, Murray's rallying is the better.

The wrong shot Andy!!

Gosh the margins are tight in these matches.

And Roger finds a way to break, although hi returning has been dreadful in the match thus far

Amazing set of tennis from Federer

Reminds me of the second set in their W final.

Federer producing the magic when required.

Federer got to up the aggression and keep the foot down.

Andy you feel will dig in and hang on in not to lose.

I think both were playing their best there.... Feds won

It's such a knife edge - Federer can't let his service drop because he's being out-rallied. Murray's serve is not quite dominant enough. Fed throws in 3 loose serves in a game and he's handed a foothold.

LuvSports! wrote:I think both were playing their best there.... Feds won

There's a long way to go yet, an of course there is the customary Roger Walkabout that is sure to come...

Course but I think that set dispels the belief that Murray's best is better.

If pick fed against almost everyone in a one set shoot out. Then again I would pick Sampras over anybody in a one tiebreak set.  Must keep his service up

Why challenge that??!!

Never known a player to waste HE like he does!

LuvSports! wrote:Course but I think that set dispels the belief that Murray's best is better.

On grass - yes, on outdoor hard not so sure at the moment

3 serves right up the T.

Ridiculously and scarily good!

Think Andy might blink here

This is grass court tennis like it used to be almost 20 years ago - it's all about the serve, and Fed's 1st serve is marginally better than Murray's first, and his second is better by a larger margin.

Get

out

of

Jail

Free

Roger letting Andy off there. Especially at 15-40.

Nervy times.

That FH is becoming more powderpuff by the minute!

Another let off....

Roger can't keep forgiving these short balls!!