(July 5, 2013) During a Wimbledon fortnight which saw the upsets of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the first and second rounds, respectively, chaos has come full circle to become order as No. 1 Novak Djokovic will face No. 2 Andy Murray for The Championships on Sunday.
Djokovic was pushed to five sets to best Juan Martin Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (8), 6-3 in a semifinal record 4 hours and 43 minutes.
Del Potro saved two match points in the fourth set tiebreak to extend the match to a fifth set.
“I’ve had some epic matches in my career and some long five‑setters,” said Djokovic. “Especially the one that stands out is the finals Nadal Australian Open a few years ago. It went for six hours.”
“But was a really high‑level match during four hours,” Del Potro said. “He hit so hard the ball. I think was unbelievable to watch, but, of course, I’m sad because I lost and I was close to beat him.”
“But credit to him,” Djokovic continued, “because he show his fighting spirit. He came up with from back of the court some amazing flat backhands and forehands that you cannot say anything but congratulate him on that and move on.
“But I managed to hang in there, stay tough, and really glad to win.”
For Djokovic it will be his 11th major final. Djokovic holds 6 majors – 1 Wimbledon, 4 Australian Opens and a U.S. Open title.
Andy Murray was pushed by No. 24 Jerzy Janowicz 6-7 (2), 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to earn his second straight Wimbledon final. Murray is trying to become the first man from Great Britain to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry did in back in 1936.
Murray rallied from a 1-4 down in the third set to win the next five games in a row to take the set 6-4. After the third set ended, after 8:30 p.m. the Wimbledon roof was closed. Murray complained to officials about the decision due to the oncoming darkness. Play resumed about 30 minutes after.
Murray quickly jumped on Janowicz’s serve and broke to take a lead in the fourth set which he would not relinquish.
“Such a shame I didn’t play my best tennis today,” Janowicz said. “I was struggling a little bit with my serve. Everything basically collapsed after this one point when was 30‑All, third set, 4‑1 for me. He did the tape. The ball just roll over.
“But I’m still deep down really happy. This was my first semifinal in Grand Slam, so tomorrow I’m going to be okay.”
“I think there is some similarities there in terms of if you look at stats and stuff,” Murray said in caparing his game to Djokovic’s. “I mean, both of us return well. That’s probably the strongest part of our games. Both play predominantly from the baseline.
“We both move well, but a different sort of movement. You know, he’s extremely flexible and he slides into shots ‑ even on the courts here. He slides more. He’s quite a bit lighter than me.
“So I’d say I probably move with more power and he’s much more flexible than me.
Murray and Djokovic take Centre Court on Sunday, Djokovic has a 11-7 record against Murray.