In what was supposed to be an epic clash between two Wimbledon champions, turned into a one-sided and rather sad affair. Maria Sharapova has now lost 17 times in a row to Serena Williams and there were not too many positives to take away from the match either. There was however, some uplifting story lines from Thursday’s play at Wimbledon.
Biggest Upset
At this point I don’t think anyone was surprised that (20) Garbine Muguruza continued her winning ways, this time over (13) Aga Radwanska for a spot in her first Grand Slam final. Throughout the past two weeks Muguruza has impressed with her supreme athleticism and heavy backhand and these tools were on full display during a convincing first set. Though she dropped the second set, and Radwanska started to show off her signature shot making ability, she shook off her nerves in the third set. In all of her interviews and her on court demeanor Muguruza comes across as a very confident, but self aware individual, which is always good to see from a promising young player.
#GarbineMuguruza – five fun facts you may not know about the shock #Wimbledon finalist. Read: http://t.co/6WgGtjyGNh pic.twitter.com/kynTyQ9e9S
— Live Tennis (@livetennis) July 10, 2015
Title Watch
The year Grand Slam is still in play for Serena who never looked like losing against Sharapova, as she took their semifinal matchup 6-2, 6-4. She worked a break in only the second game of the match and Sharapova deflation was palpable through the TV. At this point in their 11-year “rivalry” Sharapova looks resigned to defeat. It isn’t fun to watch as a subjective viewer and isn’t good for the game of tennis as a whole. Women’s tennis is begging for a challenger to make Serena uneasy on her throne, but Maria certainly isn’t that player.
Nobody beats @MariaSharapova 17 times in a row — except @serenawilliams http://t.co/1OGHYFRUK0 pic.twitter.com/llVJ62Bnw4
— TOI Sports News (@TOISportsNews) July 10, 2015
What to Watch for Saturday
The last time Serena Williams was on the court with Muguruza she was walking off a loser at Roland Garros. Up to this point that 4th round victory at the French Open was the biggest moment of Muguruza’s career. Not many players head into a meeting with Serena Williams knowing they can beat her but Muguruza has that leg up already. Unfortunately playing on grass and playing on clay are very different challenges and Muguruza’s strengths also happen to be Serena’s as well. I expect Muguruza to take the first set but Serena will cruise in the third set for her fourth straight grand slam title.
Serena Williams will be ready for Garbine Muguruza in Wimbledon final, according to latest @Voya #BenchTalk. http://t.co/hI86Ts9H2t
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 9, 2015
