The two Wimbledon ladies semi-finals took place today and all the talk has been centred on the hugely intriguing contest between Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, and you would be forgiven for forgetting there was another match taking place before on centre court between Agnieszka Radwanska and Garbine Muguruza.
These two have met on four previous occasions, Agnieszka Radwanska winning the first two and Garbine Muguruza the last couple so it was all set to be a very closely matched contest. Taking the early initiative Muguruza broke Radwanska at the first time of asking with some powerful ground strokes. Not to be overawed by the occasion she set off at blistering pace and showed strength, resilience and fine hitting as she sailed through the first set to win it 6-2.
With a strong response needed early by Radwanska none was forthcoming immediately as she was broken for the fourth time in the match in the first game. But she found some grit and determination and showed she was ready for a fight and broke Muguruza for the first time in the match to bring the set back to 3-3 and then broke again to make it 5-3 and continued her renewed confidence to take the match into a deciding set!
Muguruza under real pressure buckled in the first game of the set and was broken by the more experienced Radwanska. But not dwelling on the lost game, Muguruza provided the best response by immediately breaking the serve of Radwanska to give the match another twist. At 2-2 with the match evenly poised Muguruza served and was taken to deuce twice but managed to hold and the next game Radwanska’s serve was broken again. Holding her nerve Muguruza served out the match and she will be on cloud nine after a brilliant performance that will stand her in good stead for the final on Saturday.
