To all of those who saw six-time Wimbledon champ Roger Federer cruise through the first set against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and dash off to work, what a shock it must have been to see Federer lose. His perfect record in Grand Slams after winning the first two sets will forever be tarnished now by 1 loss at Federer's home court, Central Court at the All England Lawn Tennis (and Croquet) Club. From what I heard it was worth watching, and I plan on doing just that - good thing I remembered to record the match!
In other news, I think everyone expected #2 Novak Djokovic and #3 Andy Murray cruise through to the semis easily. You do have to give credit to the 18-year-old up-and-comer Bernard Tomic for taking a set off Novak. Tomic has an eccentric game, so I look forward to seeing him around more. Murray, meanwhile, took care handily of Feliciano Lopez (nicknamed "Deliciano" by Murray's own mother!).
Last but not least, the #1 and last year's defending champ, Rafael Nadal, held his nerve against Mardy Fish who was broken on serve only once in all his matches leading up to the Quarters (including an upset against last year's finalist Tomas Berdych!). Expect to see Mardy move up the rankings a little bit, and enter the summer US Open Series with serious confidence. By the way, Mardy had a phenomenal summer last year and I actually have an autographed ball from when he was at the Atlanta Tennis Championship - hope to see him around again!
So, Gentlemen's Semifinals at Wimbledon are set: repeating 2010's semifinal, #1 Rafael Nadal will take on #4 Andy Murray. We can expect a high quality clash between #2 Novak Djokovic and #19 Jo-Wilfriend Tsonga, who beat Novak the last time they met at a Slam (2010 Australian Open QF). I can't wait for Friday!
