Wimbledon 2013: Men's singles semifinals Preview

Semifinal Two

Jerzy Janowicz vs Andy Murray

Jerzy Janowicz

Those interested in anecdotes are quite fond of telling the tale of how Janowicz couldn’t make it to the Australian Open a year ago because of the lack of funds and low ranking points. Now after becoming the first male Polish tennis player to reach the Wimbledon semifinals, the tide seems to have completely swelled for Janowicz.

His sojourn into the Wimbledon fortnight has been quite exhilarating with exciting triumphs in each passing match. Going into the semifinal, he is the one playing with nothing to lose.

The conditions are vastly different for Andy Murray, on whom the entire nation’s hopes rest. But unlike in the previous years where Murray’s frenetic demeanour came to the fore in case of any loss in concentration, this protégé of Ivan Lendl continues to impress with not just his tennis arsenal, but also his mental comport as seen in his win against Spaniard Verdasco.

By all accounts Murray won’t have an easy semifinal against the Pole who brings his own slant to the game. Janowicz’s serves have been impeccable, his deliverance many a times whenever he’s been in trouble.

Andy Murray

Against Verdasco’s serve, Murray struggled during the initial stages of the game, only making forays in the last three sets. Coming into the net as much as possible and disturbing Janowicz’s rhythm would be essential for Murray to grasp much-needed footing in the match and thereby dominate the Pole.

Murray cannot afford to get into a rallying contest with Janowicz who’s well capable of pulling a trigger whenever necessary. Their previous meetings don’t account for much; this is a completely different stage – one where Murray should be far at ease than Janowicz.

Yet, Murray would need to shore up his mental defences even as he would be keen to display a driven aggressiveness on the court.

Match Prediction: Andy Murray def. Jerzy Janowicz in straight sets