“This is a dream from when I was kid,” Radwanska Advances to Wimbledon Final

WIMBLEDON –Agniezska Radwanska became the first Polish woman in the Open Era to make the final of a major when she defeated German Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals of Wimbledon on Thursday.

The last Polish woman to make a major final was Jadwiga Jedrzejowska in 1939 when she lost in the French Championships.

The third seed had a nervous start to the match, she needed to rally from 1-3 down to capture the opening set.

“First of all, just very happy that it was my first semifinal,” Radwanska said. “Of course in the beginning also a bit nervous, of course.  I think we both were.

“But then, uhm, after a couple of games I was really feeling good, of course.  I really had tough quarterfinal, so it’s always tough to rest for just one day and come back and trying to play the best tennis.

“But I think I really did great job today.

“This is a dream from when I was kid,” said the 23-year-old Radwanska after the victory. “I’m playing tennis almost 18 years, and of course everybody’s dream is to play the final of a Grand Slam.”

“I think it was a good match,” said the defeated German.  “I mean, she played very well today.  I give my best, but she was better today.

“I lost today also against a very good player.  She played very well.

So actually it was a great tournament for me.  I mean, I’m in the semis here in Wimbledon.  I give today everything I can.  Yeah, so it’s okay.

“I mean, sure, I’m a little bit disappointed.

Kerber continued ans spoke about her approach to the match, “I was maybe one, two steps slower.”

“My plan was playing aggressive tennis and make the points, but she moved very well and makes not so many mistakes, so it was really tough to play really constant, you know, and make winners against her today.

“But I try to fighting until the last point.  I mean, yeah, what can I say?  I mean, she played a very, very good match.”

This will not be Rawanska’s first Wimbledon final, she won the Wimbledon Junior title in 2005.

“I remember 2005, of course,” said Radwanska..  “It’s been like one year and it was seven years ago.

“Of course I will try everything in my power to hold the trophy again.”

Radwanska will face Serena Williams for the Wimbledon Championship on Saturday.

Kerber was asked about Radwanska needs to do to beat Williams:

“She needs to play, yeah, her game.  I mean, she played very well.  She moves very well on this court, make not many mistakes.  So if she will play like today, I think she has a good chance.”

Radwanska offered her own thoughts on playing Williams: “well, I played Serena a couple of times, but it was long time ago.  I didn’t play her I think in last two years.

“But, well, uhm, it’s always tough.  She’s a very tough opponent and hitting the ball very well.  Of course she’s playing great tennis on the grass.

“I think I don’t really have anything to lose, so just going to try my best.”