Mikhail Youzhny did what no other player has done this tournament - namely, take a set from Roger Federer. The problem for the Russian was that Federer breezed through the next three to take the match 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.
That's pesky six-time Wimbledon champions for you. They have a habit of winning.
Federer even came up with a repeat of his own signature flourish, - his superb "hot dog" shot, first seen at the US Open in 2009 and repeated in Australia in January .
Not the variation on the theme recently favoured by Andy Murray - played while facing the court on a point that looks eminently winnable - but Federer's superlative version, running away with his back to the net to reach the ball on the baseline, playing the ball through his legs so fast that even though Youzhny was poised at the net, all he could do was dump the ball on the netpost. To say the No.1 Court crowd loved it is an understatement.
There was no such levity in the first set, which was a hugely intense affair. Youzhny's concentration, as he refused to give ground, was tangible. It hinged on an eventful tiebreak, with challenges, overrules, swings of fortune and momentum changes.
At 4-4 Federer attempted to pass Youzhny at the net but the Russian sent a winner down the line. Then Federer sent a forehand way long to give his opponent two set points. On the second Federer sent the gentlest of backhands too long, and Youzhny had the set.
But the Swiss had not lost to Youzhny in 10 previous jousts spread over 11 years and he was not about to start now. At 2-2 in the second he stepped up a gear and broke. Federer pushed on, forcing the pace to take three set points. Youzhny would not yield but a fourth tested him too far and he pushed a volley wide on the run. The match was level.
Frustrated, Youzhny notched up four break points at the start of the third, only to see them all go by. Instead it was Federer who broke for 2-0, courtesy of a double fault at the worst moment. Then came the hotdog, on his way to 4-0. At 0-5 the set looked as if it would inevitably be a whitewash, but Youzhny clung to his self-respect, delivering successive aces to get his name on the scoreboard.
Federer unexpectedly gave away break point, and when Youzhny sent the winning point down the line, he galloped back to his chair as if the cause was not lost. It was an illusion. Federer not only took the set and then, to be certain Youzhny was stripped of any misplaced optimism, stole a break at the start of the fourth.
They have something in common, these two 29-year-olds - fatherhood. Federer's twins turn two next month, while Youzhny's son is almost 17 months old. Perhaps they have chatted about parental issues in the locker room. But on court, there is no room for sentimentality.
At 2-4 a Federer return hit the net, and yet somehow still trickled over, leaving the waiting Youzhny raising his arms and eyes to heaven. But Wimbledon crowds love a fighter, after all, and Youzhny did not give up the battle. But he has now played Federer 12 times, and lost 12 times. In tennis, one set is not enough.
wimbledon website
All top 4 players are still in it on the men's side. Should make for some awesome semi's at the end of the week.
Lots of upsets on the women's side however, for the first time in forever both Williams sisters are out before the quarters (woo-freaking-hoo!).
Why, oh why did Kim Clijsters have to get injured again darn it!. This title could have been hers!.
World #1 Caroline Wozniacki squandered her chances at a first grand slam falling to Cibulkova (too bad she was actually my pick to win).
If Maria Sharapova manages to win I'll be happy for her, although that's a big if. Otherwise I'll be happy for whoever ends up winning it for the first time in their career.
Definitely looking forward to the men's matches more then the women's once again this year.
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