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The second blog for The Yorker from the University of York Riding Club
Djokovic took to Centre Court first on Friday for his semi-final encounter against Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, who knocked out Roger Federer in the quarter finals.
After neither player managed to gain an advantage, the first set went to a tie-break; Djokovic took control, winning the tie-break 7-4 to give himself a one-set lead.
This was quickly doubled as he dominated play in the second set, out-rallying and out-running Tsonga all over the court to take the set 6-2.
Tsonga battled back in the third set, however, winning three games in a row to turn the set around from being 2-4 down to 5-4 in his favour. He then saved two match points as Djokovic pushed for victory and the set played out to another tie-break.
The tie-break was as close and tense as the rest of the match but Tsonga came out on top after some excellent play, winning it 11-9 to take the third set.
Second seed Djokovic, however, looked quicker and lively in the fourth set and, capitalising on Tsonga’s errors, he broke his opponent to take the set 6-3 and seal his place in his first Wimbledon final, as well as gaining the world number one ranking.
Andy Murray faced defending Champion Rafael Nadal in the other semi-final, with the British hoping their number one could also reach his first Wimbledon final.
Murray started brightly and broke late on in the first set to win it 7-5. He looked sharp, outsmarting Nadal with drop-shots and sending him scramble all over the court.
Nadal, however, found his stride in the second set and turned the tables, leaving Murray floundering as Nadal quickly took the set 6-2.
The third set followed the same pattern, with Murray looking lost and frustrated against the power of Nadal’s shots. Nadal won the set 6-2 to give himself a 2-1 sets lead.
Encouraged by his camp and the Centre Court crowd, Murray battled on but Nadal proved why he has been the world number one for the last few years: his pace, skill and play was superb and Murray could do nothing to stop him taking the fourth set 6-4, winning the match.
So, Djokovic will meet Nadal in the final on Sunday and it promises to be a spectacular match. With both players playing well, it should be a long and close game that could go either way.
The Yorker’s Prediction: Nadal to win – he is playing very well and, despite Djokovic overtaking him in the world rankings, Nadal has won this competition before and so perhaps has the edge over his opponent on grass.
Player of the semi-finals: Djokovic – he is quick, exciting and entertaining to watch and played some fantastic points against Tsonga.
Point of the semi-finals: Djokovic-Tsonga rally and diving volley:
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