The Emotional Lisicki Is Back

The last couple of months have definitely not been kind to Sabine Lisicki. After twisting her ankle during her quarterfinal clash with Serena Willaims at Charleston, the German has failed to win back-to-back matches at any of the events she entered. Consequently, her Wimbledon campaign was seen with disbelieve by many. 

It shouldn't be forgotten though, that grass is a surface that brings out the best in her. Last year's semifinalist took it baby steps, and, little by little, she fought her way back again. After a relatively straight-forward victory over dangerous Croat, Petra Martic, Sabine found herself in deep trouble against the shooting star, Bojana Jovanovski, in the second round. Recovering well after the loss of the first set, she eventually managed to succumb the Serbian's ressistance, winning 8-6 in the decider. Things didn't get any easier though, but after battling young American, Sloane Stephens, Lisicki managed to set up a meeting with her 2011 Wimbledon nemesis, world number 1, Maria Sharapova. 

The head-to-head record, the current rankings, the form, all seemed to indicate an easy passage to the quarterfinals for the Russian. However, rediscovering the Wimbledon magic that carried her to the semifinals the year before, Lisicki was fierce from the get-go. After overcoming a minor mid-set crisis, the German regrouped to take the opener 6-4. It was a simpler affair in the second, an early break of serve proving decisive in sealing a 6-4,6-3 victory. In the trademark Lisicki fashion, pure happiness and strong emotions followed, a picture we've seen so many times during the 2011 edition, and so few on other occasions. Next up is compatriot Angelique Kerber, who ended Kim Clijsters' last bid of adding an elusive Wimbledon crown to her resume. Kerber has won all four previous encounters with Sabine.

For Sharapova however, the consequences of losing so early are huge. Starting on Monday, Agnieszka Radwanska or Belorussian Victoria Azarenka will take over as the number 1 player of the world.

Sabine Lisicki obtained a well-deserved revenge over Maria Sharapova, beating the world number 1 6-4,6-3 to continue her Wimbledon adventure.

photos: GETTY IMAGES