Ana Ivanovic defeats Nicole Vaidisova to reach Wimbledon semifinal for the first time

Amazing Ana Ivanovic came from a set down, and a break down in the third set by saving three match points, to finally overcome No. 14th seed Nicole Vaidisova 4-6 6-2 7-5. I’m speechless!

Both Ana and Nicole are young, but they demonstrated fantastic mental strength in this match; still, Ana proved to be a bit stronger when it came to fighting off match points.

Ana has improved a lot, and we can see a major step in her becoming a mature player, both in technique and in mind. Let’s not forget that Vaidisova has also had a magnificent performance at this year’s Wimbledon, especially in the previous round when she overcame defending champion Amelie Mauresmo.

Since Ivanovic and Vaidisova are rising stars, they will definitely meet many times in the future and there will be some great rivalry if their fast progress continues.

World No. 6 Ivanovic is now only one step away from reaching her second successive Grand Slam final. The teenager from Serbia will next face No. 23 seed Venus Williams who defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 6-4 to advance to the last four.

Serena and Venus Williams withdraw from doubles at Wimbledon

After a loss to Justine Henin in the quarterfinals, injured Serena Williams announced that she pulls out of doubles.

"I've sprained my thumb and can't really hit backhands," said world No. 8 Williams.

The Williams sisters were an unseeded pair in the doubles, and the fact that they have withdrawn gives Spanish eighth seeds Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual a second round walkover. (via Reuters)

Jelena Jankovic’s mother can’t watch her daughter’s tight matches

During Jelena Jankovic’s tough three-setter against Czech Lucie Safarova, Jankovic’s mother had to leave the players' box since she wasn’t feeling well — she has a heart condition and such a stressful match was too much for her.

Here’s what world number three Jelena Jankovic said about this:

"Watching me is not the best thing for her, although I just want to try and get through without giving her anything to worry about. She has problems with her heart and she hasn't been great for a while. She's not healthy and I want her to go and see a doctor as soon as possible. Read more »

Justine Henin overcomes Serena Williams to advance to Wimbledon semifinals

In a thrilling quarterfinal match, top seed Justine Henin beat seventh seed Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Both Henin and Williams were magnificent; we were enjoying a real battle of nerves. But after all, the better player came out as a winner. There is no doubt Serena is a tough opponent and we can’t forget her great achievements, but the one better at the moment is definitely the Belgian.

Note: I don’t think Serena was affected by her injury since she moved very well.

Justine Henin is unquestionably a favorite for the trophy. Now that she has overcome Serena Williams, probably her most difficult obstacle, she is highly likely to complete a Career Slam.

Henin’s next opponent No. 18 seed Marion Bartoli of France shouldn’t be a big challenge, despite her fantastic performance (more than anything her fourth round victory over third seed Jelena Jankovic).

Venus Williams defeats Maria Sharapova to reach Wimbledon quarterfinals

Venus Williams, seeded 23rd, beat second seed Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-3 without any major problems.

The first set was quite boring, the 2004 Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova made five double faults, twelve unforced errors, and not to mention her first serve percentage (58%).

In the second set the Russian played much better, but it was not good enough to defeat the three-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams. Sharapova had difficulty holding her serve, while Williams did that easily.

The third game of the second set, Sharapova’s serving game, was the most interesting part of the match – it lasted as much as 22.5 minutes, and Sharapova managed to hold her serve. However, Williams broke Sharapova in the seventh game of the second set, and from that point on her victory came very quickly.

All in all, I had expected a lot more excitement from this match.

Venus Williams will next face fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova who defeated Tamira Paszek in the fourth round.


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