The semifinals of Wimbledon 2015 on the men’s side are upon as Novak Djokovic will face Richard Gasquet, and Andy Murray will duel with Roger Federer. Niall Clarke and Steen Kirby provide their picks and preview both of the matchups.
Novak Djokovic vs. Richard Gasquet
Niall:
Djokovic has seemingly awoken after being pushed to five by Kevin Anderson in round four. The world number one made light work of Marin Cilic. Gasquet has had a fantastic run to the semi-finals, even beating Stan Wawrinka in an epic five setter. However, the Frenchman’s run looks like it is destined to end here. Gasquet struggles against the top players and how is better right now than Djokovic? The Serbian owns the Frenchman and that is why I cannot see Gasquet mounting a challenge. Djokovic in 3 sets
Steen:
Djokovic has dominated the h2h 12-1 in this matchup, and he looked comfortable against Marin Cilic in the quarters, having just dropped just the two sets against Anderson all tournament long. By contrast, the underdog Gasquet played one of the best matches of his career when he took out Wawrinka 11-9 in the 5th, and he’s had great wins over Dimitrov and Kyrgios as well. The Frenchman may be fatigued from that grueling quarterfinal though, and though his one handed backhand is a beautiful weapon Djokovic has an edge in almost every other category, with that in mind, Djokovic should roll into the final. Djokovic in 3 sets
Andy Murray vs. Roger Federer
Niall:
It is a repeat of the 2012 final which saw Federer crowned champion for the seventh time after a four sets victory over Murray. A lot has changed since then, especially with Murray who then went on to win Olympic gold and two grand slams over the following 12 months. Federer has looked in fantastic form, especially on serve. He has only dropped one set and has only lost serve once the entire tournament. Murray has not been at his best but he has still gotten the job done so far. I just do not see this level being enough to overcome an in form Federer however. So I think we are going to see a 2014 final rematch. Federer in 4 sets
Steen:
Since back surgery Andy Murray has lost three times against Roger Federer, taking just one set out of the eight they have played. That said, he’s in the form of his career, and the home fans will be in full voice as they try to push him into yet another Wimbledon final, that will hopefully result in his second title here on the home grounds. Murray has dropped jut two sets this tournament though he’s had a rather weak draw and he’s currently on a 10 match grass court winning streak while Federer has also won 10 straight on grass and has dropped just 1 set this week, against similarly weaker than expected competition. Both are in great form and Federer has been brutally efficient this week, thus I don’t see him bowing out with ease, but Murray should be able to out physical him and win enough of the long rallies to pull this out, perhaps in a long fifth set. Grass is his best surface, and if there is a time he’s going to win Wimbledon it’s this year. Look for the Scot to conjure up the way he played in the 2012 Olympic final and win this. Murray in 5 sets
Enjoy what you see? Check out our full Wimbledon coverage here.
Main Photo:
