Wimbledon- Tsonga’s epic, Azarenka survives, and Konta wins
Tsonga’s and Querrey’s Marathon
Tsonga and Querrey had an epic match in 2014, where their match spanned a length of two days. They suspended play at 9-9 in the fifth set, and the next day Tsonga would win 14-12.
History seems to be repeating itself this year, where once again Tsonga and Querrey have battled hard and tough to prolong their match to the next day, the match stopped at 2-6, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-1, 5-6, with Tsonga to serve.
When their match stopped at two hours and 54 minutes, both players were practically equal in the stats. The number of points won were almost equal, with Tsonga at 149 and Querrey at 141. The number of unforced errors were equal, at 27, and Tsonga had 51 winners, while Querrey had 52.
Overall the match so far has not only been entertaining but also extremely close, with both players using their owns strengths to counter their opponents strengths.
Just like in 2014, this match finished with a mental battle more than a physical one. Both players were physically refreshed when they stepped onto the court on Saturday, but this time around Sam was able to get the break quickly and close it out 5-7 in the fifth. Sam now has the chance to play Kevin Anderson at the start of the second week.
Azarenka vs. Watson
In what could be one of the closest matches Azarenka has played in a while, Heather Watson came inches close to winning the match and bringing about an end to Azarenka’s Wimbledon run.
Heather Watson managed to thrill the crowd with some great play, but was unable to win the match, losing in three sets 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The last four times that the two had played, Watson was unable to win a set, but this time she managed to control most of the match. At 5-1, Watson however was broken at love, but she managed to dig deep into her mental reservoirs and eke out the set.
However, Azarenka would make a smart change in strategy. Instead of hitting to Watson’s backhand, which can pack quite a punch, she began to direct the ball to her forehand, which was more error prone and less effective.
Azarenka would win the second set and continue to put pressure throughout the third with big forehands and serves, pushing Watson farther behind the baseline. Watson would eventually lose the match when Azarenka hit a massive serve to her backhand, which Heather would end up hitting long.
Azarenka will go on to play Simona Halep, which will be the sure test deciding whether Azarenka is back in form or not.
Konta beats Sakkari to keep British hopes alive
Konta has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon for the first time, beating Maria Sakkari of Greece in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 on Court one.
Konta is the first British woman since Laura Robson to reach the round of sixteen at Wimbledon. Konta was playing well, not feeling any pressure or nerves even after her tough second round match against Vekic.
She did not lose a point on serve till the sixth game, and handled the pressure well to save break points and then go on to win the set.
Konta would take control in the second set, going up 3-0 with a double break and hitting some screaming forehands. With a ball flying out, Konta would win match point and proceed to the round of sixteen .
Apparently an avid U2 fan, Konta is very happy to still be in the running, and will be playing the French woman Caroline Garcia in her next match.
“Everyone’s a potential winner here. I am here to be involved until the very end and I am happy to still be here,” said Konta.
“The support is amazing. It’s truly humbling and it’s what we all dream of, to play on the biggest stage.”