Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic upset fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula of the US, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, in a single hour and 55 minutes, to succeed in the semifinals of Wimbledon.
Vondrousova, a long-limbed lefty, performed with artistic selection, mixing it up with slice, tempo, and heavy topspin. She hit deft dropshots, typically bringing Pegula in after which passing her with ease or hitting an ideal lob simply out of attain. Her serve was improbable. She struck seven aces within the match. She moved effectively. She defended effectively.
Within the first set, due to all this selection, Pegula had hassle getting right into a groove. She made too many errors and performed too far again within the court docket.
Within the second set, Pegula modified her techniques. She performed extra aggressively. She moved in, began coming to the web on her personal, as a substitute of being dragged in by Vondrousova. Pegula has superb volleys. She’s nonetheless within the doubles draw with companion Coco Gauff.
Alberto Pezzali – stringer, AP
Within the third set, Pegula was forward 4-1 and even had a break level for 5-1. However Vondrousova turned issues round by enjoying extra aggressively. She hit ferocious lefty serves, punishing forehands, crushing overheads, artful drop pictures and drop volleys.
In her post-match press convention, Vondrousova stated it was a tremendous feeling being within the semifinals. “I used to be down one level within the third set. So, yeah, I imply, my ideas weren’t so good. Yeah, I imply, I’m simply very pleased. I used to be combating via the entire match.
“Yeah, it’s wonderful feeling.”
There was a rain delay within the match—when Pegula was up 3-1 within the third set—and the roof was closed. Vondrousova stated she didn’t see her coach then.
“I used to be alone within the ready room. I chat a bit with my husband. We talked on the cellphone. That was it. It was a fast break, so I didn’t do a lot.
“However, yeah, I simply needed to go on the market and simply attempt to keep within the match and attempt to win.”
Vondrousova stated that her husband stated: “Attempt to battle. You might be enjoying good. You might be enjoying nice match.
“I believe the break helped truly,” she stated. “It was good.”
It was an emotional win, and the Czech was in tears on the finish. “Yeah, I used to be 1-4 down. She had break factors for 5-1. You aren’t, like, in a great temper. I don’t know, I simply flip it round. I simply saved imagine in myself.
“Yeah, after the match level, I couldn’t imagine it. We had been enjoying wonderful match. She is a superb participant. Yeah, I imply, I believe all the things simply went on and, yeah, I simply couldn’t maintain the tears.”
Vondrousova stated: “Yeah, I imply, everyone is aware of Wimbledon. I believe it’s a distinct event. I really feel like individuals in tennis, they know Grand Slams, however individuals exterior tennis, they know Wimbledon. It’s the most important event. It’s the most important heart court docket and all the things. It’s so well-known.
“I by no means thought I may play so good right here as a result of I didn’t do effectively on grass earlier than. For me, it’s simply wonderful feeling. I don’t know, I’m attempting so exhausting in each match. Each match is extremely troublesome right here.
“Yeah, we’ll see what’s going to occur subsequent.”