Serbian sensations Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic are the story on Wimbledon's first Wednesday. Serena and Venus Williams still lurking.
When it’s your time, it’s your time. With some grace from the tennis gods, and some gutsy play, World No.1, Ana Ivanovic, survived Natalie Dechy’s inspired assault to remain alive in the Ladies Singles of The Championships, Wimbledon.
At 4-5, 15-40, double matchpoint after losing the first set in a tiebreak, Ivanovic showed no fear, ripping a forehand crosscourt to deny Dechy’s first opportunity to upset the ladies’ No.1 seed. On the 2nd matchpoint, Ivanovic blasted a forehand into the net, but the ball drops into Dechy’s court anyway for deuce.
Dechy accepted the gods’ decree and battled on, impervious to fickle Fate and damning Destiny. She made Ivanovic struggle to reach a second set tiebreak, and didn’t succumb to the inevitable until the 18th game of the third set.
It isn’t often that a second round match becomes the most memorable match of a Grand Slam, but this match is a contender, and the players will be hard pressed to match the drama and excellence displayed by Ivanovic and Dechy this Wimbledon Wednesday.
Marat Safin will probably beg to differ seeing that he dispatched No.3 seed Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Anyone who knows the ATP Tour knows that Marat Safin can beat anyone if he brings his mind along with his talent to the court. Apparently he did so today. Djokovic is showing that he does not yet breathe the rarified air of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Serena Williams continued her unheralded march toward a potential ninth Grand Slam. Of course one would think that Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, or perhaps Maria Sharapova, rather than defending champion Venus Williams or Eight-time Slam winner Serena are the odds on favorite to win the title. Wonder why that is? Game, set, match. I’m out.
