The #1 player in the world comes from behind again, two Americans fall just short and a Spaniard reaches the semifinals for the first time.
Who looked good:
Garbine Muguruza (def. Bacsinszky 7-5 6-3)
In what was easily the biggest match of her career, the 20th seed defeated the in-form Swiss to become the first Spanish woman to reach the Wimbledon semifinals since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1997 and advanced to her first major semifinal. In playing with power and control, the 21-year old struck 17 winners and won 73% of her first serve points. Holding her nerve, Muguruza now has an opportunity for her first Grand Slam final on her first attempt.
Serena Williams (def. Azarenka 3-6 6-2 6-3)
The 20-time major champion once again followed a familiar script in recording her 26th straight victory at a Slam. In recording 35 winners and winning 10 of 12 points at net over the final 2 sets, the #1 player in the world rallied against her great rival for the 3rd time this year to keep her Serena and Calendar Year Grand Slam hopes alive.
Who looked bad:
For the first time since I started writing this piece, this space will remain empty. I thought all 8 ladies played fairly well.
Match of the Day:
#1 Serena Williams def. #23 Victoria Azarenka 3-6 6-2 6-3:
In what was the most intense and highest-quality match of the tournament so far, Williams battled back against Azarenka for the third time this year, adding this match to her wins over the Belarusian in Madrid and Paris after dropping the first set. The two combined for 66 winners, 24 aces and won 21 of 27 points at the net. This is probably the fiercest rivalry on the WTA Tour when Azarenka is in top form and as the Belarusian continues her climb back to the top of women’s tennis, Williams again showed the heart and character of a champion in this wonderful rivalry.
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