A Brit stars in defeat, two former champs, Venus and Sharapova, solidly progress and an unseeded American continues to make waves.
Who looked good:
Coco Vandweghe (def. Stosur 6-2 6-0)
In taking out her second straight seeded opponent, the American played a nearly perfect match, winning 76% of her first serve points (16/21), 80% of her net points (8/10) and converting 6 of her 11 break points. Vandeweghe’s best surface is grass and her spectacular play in Week 1 of The Championships is further evidence of that.
Venus Williams (def. Krunic 6-3 6-2)
The 5-time champion was at her sharpest so far this fortnight and it showed against the talented Serb. In losing only 4 points on her first serve (22/26) and producing an efficient 21/29 at net, Venus showed she is indeed ready for the challenge her sister Serena will pose to her on Monday.
Heather Watson (l. to S.Williams 6-2 4-6 7-5)
The Brit was expectedly blown out in the first set, but played (in sports terms) a heroic match in nearly taking out the #1 player in the world. Despite blowing leads of 3-0 (double break) and 5-4 (serving for the match), Watson committed only 11 unforced errors, took 5 of her 7 break point chances and was a staggering 9/10 at net. There may not be moral victories in sports, but the positives she can take from this near miss could carry her to new heights in her career.
Who looked bad:
Samantha Stosur (l. to Vandweghe 6-2 6-0)
Although the Aussie has never done well at Wimbledon with her farthest progression the 3rd round, This was a legitimate opportunity for her first second week at SW19. Unfortunately, she played one of the worst matches of her career, did nothing right and crashed out of the event in spectacular fashion.
Andrea Petkovic(l. to Diyas 7-5 6-4)
The score may indicate this was a close match, but it was not. The German was a measly 2 of 11 on her break point chances and one of those was at a set and 5-2 down. Petkovic’s rather mediocre season continues and a good showing during the US summer season is imperative.
Match Of The Day:
#1 Serena Williams def. Heather Watson 6-2 4-6 7-5
The 5-time champion escaped with her 24th straight Grand Slam win, but not without difficulty. After a routine opening set win, Watson scraped out a break at 4-all and confidently served out the set to level the match at a set all. Trailing 3-0 double break in the 3rd set, Williams battled to level the final set at 3, despite the Brit having chances to stretch her lead to 4-0. After getting broken at love to give Watson the chance to serve out the upset at 5-4, the #1 player in the world responded one final time, winning the final 3 games to escape much in the same manner as she did numerous times in winning the French Open. All in all, Serena showed her champion’s heart while Watson showed her grit and spirit in what may have been the best match on the ladies’ side so far.
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