So it’s that time of year yet again, where the strawberries meet the cream and the grass is uncovered for two weeks of world class tennis.
Here is how the first day shaped up:
R.Federer V A.Falla
Centre Court
Returning champion and number 1 seed Roger Federer graces the centre court hoping to match Sampras' seven Wimbledon titles. Today he faced Columbian Alejandro Falla who turned pro in 2000 ranked 65th in the world, who has yet to get past the second round- so drawing Roger first round may have knocked his confidence or did it?
Falla gave a brilliant performance taking the first set 7 games to 5, stretching Federer to the limit. Steaming into the second set where the trouble deepened for Federer as he lost on the 4th set point, much to the suspire of the crowd and the number 1 seed.
However, the third set saw a shift of power but not with ease, as Federer battled to take the 3rd 6 games to 4, putting him back in the driving seat or so it seemed?
Falla reinforced his intentions in the fourth set- leading him to match point, but the world number one was having none of it as he dropped a beautifully placed drop shot to keep him in the running. Thus taking it to a tie break, where it was all one sided from then on as Federer won 7 points to 1, where it seemed he finally put his foot on the accelerator in the final set.
After 3 hour and 18 minutes the Swiss took the fivith set 6 games to none, ending a nervy start for the Wimbledon Campion. But also a huge confidence boost for Falla, who gave the best performance of his career- and may have caused the biggest upset to the start of the tournament.
Final Score:
5 4 6 7 6
7 6 4 6 0
A.Roddick v A. Ram
Court 1
An all American battle was commencing on court number 1, as the fifth seed Andy Roddick took on fellow American Rajeev Ram for a brief hour and 20 mins- As Roddick clearly had his Wheatbix this morning.
Starting off with two aces Roddick seemed comfortable on court 1 as in less than half an hour he closed the first set, a perfect start. Not letting up on the second set as Roddick didn’t give Ram a chance as he held his serve, steaming ahead 4 games to nil leaving Ram bewildered.
Coming so close in 2009 could this be Andy’s year, well if he carries on like this Federer better prepare himself, as Roddick’s serve reached a staggering 142 mph.
Ram’s best attempt at slowing Roddick down came at the start of the final set as he took it to 2 games to 2, but Andy was having none of it- as he proceeded to take the rest of the set with ease. Ending on an ace- saw the fifth seed in fine shape for a good year at Wimbledon, an all round brilliant performance.
Final Score:
3 2 2
6 6 6
Woman’s first round:
L.Robson v J. Jankovic
British young hopeful Laura Robson winner of the junior title in 2008 has her first professional Wimbolden game against former number one Jankovic.
A nervy start for Robson as understandably she was facing Jankovic who found the lines throughout the first set, however Robson broke serve taking three games off the top ten seed- showcasing her young talent. However, Jankovic went on and took the first set 6 games to 3.
Into the second, Robson gave some good rallies showing a brilliant fighting attitude at only 16 the future looks very bright for the young British hopeful. But Jankovic always seemed to have the upper hand, not that it stopped Robson taking it to a tie break as she went on to saved three match points- but finally clinching match point JJ took the final set 7 games to 6.
A commendable effort for Laura Robson who I’m sure we’ll see a lot off in the future.
Final Score:
3 6
6 7
V.Williams V De Los Rois
Venus Williams begins her 14th Wimbledon campaign against the Portuguese De Los Rois, however she is yet to get past the second round.
Progression to the second round seemed unlikely as Venus was on top of her game as she took the first four games as she broke De Los Rois’s serve. However, Rois showed some resistance as she began to break Venus’s serve gaining a respectable three games of the former number 1.
But Venus’s strong aggression took hold yet again, as she sealed the first set with an ace- stamping her authority back in the game. Taking it into the second, Venus didn’t look that pleased with herself- however gained composer and took the final set 6 games to 2. With her sister playing today lets see if it turns out to be another William’s final.
Final Score:
3 2
6 6
