Sabine Lisicki seems to come to life every year at the beginning of the grass-court season. The German has tasted success at Wimbledon in the past, reaching her first major quarterfinal in 2009, before a dream run to the semis in 2011. Last year, the German produced another great outcome, stunning then world No.1 and reigning French Open champion, Maria Sharapova, in the last 16th to reach the quarterfinals. Unfortunately she lost the next match, but just barely, falling to her compatriot, Angelique Kerber.
This year, Sabine got herself into the same situation. After a great win over big-hitting Aussie, Samantha Stosur, the German got herself a date with world No.1 and current French Open champion, Serena Williams. Following Vika's withdrawal and Sharapova's shock exit, the American was the overwhelming favourite to retain her title. Lisicki had another plans though. Unimpressed by her opponent's pedigree, she stormed through a great first set 6-2. The American responded in style though, taking the second act 6-1 to level the match. It was vital for Sabine that she did not lose her nerve at this point. Although her opponent went 3-1 up, she continued to fight hard, twice recovering from a break down to eventually serve out a superb 6-2,1-6,6-4 victory.
It requires tremendous guts to overcome Serena, especially at Wimbledon where she is a five time champion in singles, as well as doubles, but Lisicki showed she has what it takes, ending her opponent impressive 34 match winning-streak. "I went out on the court to win the match," she said afterwards. "That's my goal. That's what I do every time I go out on the court. Of course it gave me a little more energy knowing she won the French Open and I've beaten the French Open champion three times in a row in my last three appearances. It was a good omen. They always happen to be on the side of the draw I'm on."
I think this year Lisicki can definitely crown herself the new Wimbledon queen, but she shouldn't lose her head too early though. She still has three matches ahead and she needs to take a step by step. Next up for the German is a clash with Estonian Kaia Kanepi, who crushed Laura Robsons' dream.
It requires tremendous guts to overcome Serena, especially at Wimbledon where she is a five time champion in singles, as well as doubles, but Lisicki showed she has what it takes, ending her opponent impressive 34 match winning-streak. "I went out on the court to win the match," she said afterwards. "That's my goal. That's what I do every time I go out on the court. Of course it gave me a little more energy knowing she won the French Open and I've beaten the French Open champion three times in a row in my last three appearances. It was a good omen. They always happen to be on the side of the draw I'm on."
I think this year Lisicki can definitely crown herself the new Wimbledon queen, but she shouldn't lose her head too early though. She still has three matches ahead and she needs to take a step by step. Next up for the German is a clash with Estonian Kaia Kanepi, who crushed Laura Robsons' dream.
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| Relying on her grass-court pedigree, Sabine Lisicki produced the shock of the tournament, stunning world No.1 and defending champion, Serena Williams, to reach her fourth Wimbledon quarterfinal in the last five years. The German ended Serena's 34 match winning streak, defeating the American 6-2,1-6,6-4. |
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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