2012 Wimbledon Championships: Week One Recap
As week one of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships comes to a close the drama is just beginning to unfold.
The first day of the Championships was already bursting with storylines. Several big names were sent packing in shocking fashion. Two Americans, John Isner and Wimbledon legend Venus Williams, were perceived as threats going into the tournament, however both were eliminated by lesser-known players. Williams lost quickly in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 to Elena Vesnina, while Isner fell to 73rd-ranked Alejandro Falla, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 3-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5.
Although both were surprising results, neither Williams nor Isner proved to be the most disappointing of the day. No. 6 seed and 2010 Wimbledon runner-up Thomas Berdych was defeated in a below average performance against Ernest Gublis. Going into the tournament Berdych was deemed a strong force on the grass courts; however, this forecast was quickly abandoned.
As the week progressed, the rest of the matches seemed to be moving according to plan. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga overcame a single set deficit to win in four against Guillermo Garcia-Lopez. Murray advanced with a win over big-man Ivo Karlovic. Ferrer breezed past Kenny De Schepper in straight sets and Juan Martin del Potro knocked Go Soeda in four. On the women’s side, world No. 1 Maria Sharapova defeated Tsvetana Pironkova. It took her three sets to do so. Petra Kvitova, Victoria Azarenka, and Serena Williams all defeated their opponents in straight sets.
After the surprise loss of Thomas Berdych on the first day, some might have deemed it the most shocking result of week one at Wimbledon. However, on day four, no one could have predicted the upset that took place. Going into the match, all odds were against No. 100 Lukas Rosol from the Czech Republic. Having just come off a win at Roland Garros, Rafael Nadal was expected to roll through his second round matchup. Defying all rational explanation, the 26-year old was able to defeat the two time Wimbledon champion in five sets, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Rosol had never before won a single ATP Tour-level match on a grass court. Nadal claimed another spot in tennis history, but one he won’t be proud of.
With this result, I think its safe to say that the British fans will be rallying for Murray as his side of the draw has significantly opened up.
On Friday of the Championships, Novak Djokovic was able to defeat Radek Stepanek to setup a matchup with fellow countrymen, Viktor Troicki. Richard Gasquet played a brilliant match against his higher seeded opponent Nicolas Almagro, defeating him in three sets 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Veteran Xavier Malisse was able to upset the No. 17 seed Fernando Verdasco in a tough five-setter, 1-6, 7-6, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3. A third surprising upset came when Mikhail Youzhny defeated the No. 8 seed Janko Tipsarevic. Youzhny made a strong comeback considering he was debating whether or not he was going to quit the game a few years back. On the women’s side, Maria Sharapova continues to roll through her draw. Unfortunately two Americans, Sloane Stephens and Christina McHale were both eliminated making Serena Williams the only American to remain in the draw. Kim Clijsters continues to move on in her last Wimbledon appearance. After she won the first set today 6-3, her opponent, Vera Zvonareva retired from the match due to injury at 4-4.
The most dramatic match of week 1 came when Roger Federer squared off against Julian Benneteau. It appeared for a while another upset was in the makings at this year’s Championships if Benneteau was able to capitalize on his two sets to love led against No. 3 seed. Federer kept his usually level-headed composure to rally back and win the third set 6-2. Both players were able to hold serve in the fourth set causing it to be decided in a heart- wrenching tiebreaker. Federer was two points away from losing the match, however he secured a mini-break at 6-6 to allow him to serve for the set at 7-6, which he did. With the momentum on his racquet in the fifth set, Federer secured the win 6-1. Once again this match is just evidence of Federer’s distinct belief and inner confidence.
With the stakes increasing with each passing day, one can only expect more drama to come from week two in London.
