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Friday, July 5, 2013

WIMBLEDON 2013 LIVE: All the action from SW19 as Murray v Janowicz and Djokovic vs. Del Potro feature in men's semi-finals

Foot in front: Novak Djokovic briefly held the advantage in the fourth set

Wimbledon Essentials

The highlight of the British sporting summer - The Championships at Wimbledon - starts to focus on the business end of singles competition as the men's semi-finals take the spotlight at SW19.
The action gets underway at 1pm, with both of the semi-finals featuring one after the other on Centre Court.
 
Andy Murray will be second on court when he faces Jerzy Janowicz and will be looking to avoid another nervy five-set thriller having had to come from two sets down to defeat Fernando Verdasco in Wednesday's quarter-final.
The Pole is in his first grand slam semi-final having defeated compatriot Lukasz Kubot in straight sets in the previous round.
Opening up the day's action is 2011 champion and favourite Novak Djokovic when he comes up against Juan Martin del Potro, who recovered from a nasty fall to wrap up a straight sets victory over David Ferrer in the quarter-finals.
So stick with us for all the live scores, updates from our team of reporters at courtside and the best photographic coverage from 11.30am.
Send me your thoughts on the action at dan.ripley@dailymail.co.uk or contact me on Twitter @Ripinho.
*This page will auto refresh every two minutes*
 
17.37: From Sportsmail's Charlie Sale:
'Sir Alex Ferguson will  not be coming to Wimbledon on Sunday because of his family cruise around the Scottish Isles. But he will have plenty of booze on board to toast an Andy Murray victory. Boxes of wine were being loaded onto the Ferguson boat moored in Oban harbour yesterday.'

17:32: First sign of weakness on the Djokovic serve since he let slip the fourth set, as he pegged back from 40-15 and forced to defend break point. Then, having hit back in style with a calculated forehand and ace, he double-faults before swinging things back in his favour to see the game out. 3-2 to the No 1 seed.Djokovic 3-2 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (6-8)
17:25: And it worked, too, Del Potro strolling to 2-2 in a game quite out of sync with the previous four hours.Djokovic 2-2 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (6-8)
Treatment needed
17:23: I knew something was afoot, such was Del Potro's surrender in the previous game. Sure enough the doctor is called for a wee massage of cajole in the last changeover.
17:22: Curious approach now from the big Argentinian - based perhaps on the dwindling strength in that heavily-strapped left leg - who appears to be conserving his energy while not on serve. As a result, Djokovic has little problem holding to love once more. The Serb leads 2-1.Djokovic 2-1 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (6-8)
17:20: From Sportsmail's Mike Dickson: 'The nature of this brilliant first semi-final is raising the stakes for the Murray-Janowicz match, as if that were needed. The sheer brutality and intensity of Djokovic and Del Potro’s exchanges, now going over four hours, may well sap whoever emerges the winner for Sunday. Del Potro winning a lot of admirers out there.'
17:19: Another nice example of Del Potro's sleight of hand in successive games, now, with a cheeky drop shot earning him 40-0. However, from there is let slip three straight point, before returning to the belligerence we so love from him so see out the game.  Djokovic 1-1 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (6-8)
17.13: Well where can we go from there? A slow start, perhaps? A quick blast of four straight aces, maybe? No, we've got more of the same.
As it is, Djokovic claims the first game to love, but in a style much in keeping with the trend of the previous four hours. The highlight of the four points was the second, a 10+ shot exchange that included a cheeky 'hotdog' - through the legs - from the Argentinian. Djokovic 1-0 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (6-8)
17.08: What a turn-a-round. Facing match point, Del Potro uses all the power left in him to batter the Djokovic serve and force the Serb to fire into the net and take the tie-break 8-6.
Djokovic 6-7 (6-8) Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

17.05: This match is absolutely incredible. Djokovic breaks again before going to match point and - on serve too. But Del Potro saves with some quite brave tennis at the net, which in a 24-shot rally sees Djokovic lob just over the baseline.

17.02: But typically, Del Potro never knows when he is beaten and soon puts the tie-break back on serve before levelling at 4-4 with a powerful opened forehand.

16.59: Mini breaks o'clock at the start of the tie-break. Djokovic opens with one, but despite Del Potro breaking back, the Serb soon returns the favour to lead 3-2.

16.56: Despite seeing a Del Potro return whistle past him at over 100mph, Djokovic recovers to serve out and enforce a tie-break. This is a pivotal moment in the match now.
Djokovic 6-6 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.53: And this seems like a great time to reflect on some musings from Sportsmail's Mike Dickson:
'The thought occurs: if Del Potro and Djokovic happened to go deep into a fifth set there would be a danger that Murray and Janowicz might not have enough natural light left to finish and the roof could get a surprise outing tonight. Can’t play much beyond 9pm in this part of the UK.'

16.50: An easy hold for Del Potro as Djokovic loses interest quickly near the end of the game - presumably to save energy for a service game he must win to enforce a tie-break.
Djokovic 5-6 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

Foot in front: Novak Djokovic briefly held the advantage in the fourth set
Foot in front: Novak Djokovic briefly held the advantage in the fourth set
16.47: Del Potro really does seem like he breaks the laws of physics at times. The Argentine well off balance produces an outrageous cross court shot that contains a ridiculous amount of power and is very unlucky to see it creep wide. Djokovic holds to 30 as Del Potro is adjudged to have fired over the baseline - but replays show he should have challenged the call as it actually clips the line.
Djokovic 5-5 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.44: Now this match looks like it will see breaks left, right and centre. Djokovic hits quite an incredible return on serve that clips the baseline to move 0-30 ahead, but Del Potro wins the next four points to see out a hold.
Djokovic 4-5 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.41: And there is the break back! Djokovic will curse firing that forehand over the baseline as the Argentine hits a fantastic winner on advantage to put this match back on serve.
Djokovic 4-4 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

At the limit: Both players tested each other throughout the match
At the limit: Both players tested each other throughout the match
16.38: This isn't over yet though, folks. Del Potro continues to push Djokovic all the way as the Serb makes an error at 40-30 to bring deuce.

16.35: Has Djokovic finally broken Del Potro's resolve as well as his serve? The Argentine opens with a double fault, and that allows the Serb to progress to two break points. He needs both but a perfect shot on the baseline bamboozles Del Potro, who can only return against the net.
Djokovic 4-3 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.32: An interesting stat courtesy of Wimbledon's Twitter feed:
'DelPotro is looking to become the lowest seed to reach a Slam final since No.12 Berdych at #Wimbledon 2010... & so is Jerzy Janowicz.'

In or out? Djokovic (left) and Del Potro share a discussion after a point
In or out? Djokovic (left) and Del Potro share a discussion after a point
16.29: Fine margins come back into it as Del Potro nearly crashes into the umpire's chair as he returns a shot that only narrowly bounces over the baseline. Both players share a joke afterwards to only underline the terrific spirit this match is being played in as Djokovic holds.
Djokovic 3-3 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.26: Heavy legs or not, Del Potro's serve is still as potent as ever. The Argentine looks like he will serve to love, but Djokovic hits back again before the eighth seed holds.
Djokovic 2-3 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.23: From Sportsmail's Alex Kay:
'Kyle Edmund lost his tennis match today but the 18-year-old has made a nice gesture, donating £2000 to Ross Hutchins' Rally Against Cancer.
'The fund is raising money for the Royal Marsden Hospital, where Hutchins has been treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma. 'Ross, you've inspired so many people with your fight.
'Keep going mate,' wrote Edmund alongside his donation. You can donate by visiting
http://www.justgiving.com/RallyAgainstCancer2013'

Instructions: Del Potro reacts with a tennis ball after narrowly losing a point
Instructions: Del Potro reacts with a tennis ball after narrowly losing a point
16.20: Even the crowd seemed to have taken a hit after all this action and it's noticeably much more quiet inside Centre Court. Djokovic holds again as Del Potro starts to show a couple of signs of heavy legs.
Djokovic 2-2 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.17: A slight wobble from Del Potro on serve - despite going easily clear on 40-0. Djokovic pulls two points back but the Argentine holds.
Djokovic 1-2 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.14: Now it's Djokovic's turn to benefit from the cord. It leads to Del Potro charging to the net to return, before Novak's attempted lob back gets the better of the Argentine to enable a hold of serve.
Djokovic 1-1 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

16.11: This match has tipped past the three hour mark and it's Del Potro who holds through deuce as he recovers from a shaky start to the fourth set.
Djokovic 0-1 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7-2)

Down but not quite out: A ballboy returns Novak Djokovic's racket to the Serbian
Down but not quite out: A ballboy returns Novak Djokovic's racket to the Serbian
16.08: And the incredible tennis continues. A cracking winner from Djokovic helps him move 0-30 ahead but Del Potro's power (and a net cord) help him level, before a point-a-piece helps take this game to deuce.

16.05: A long break from Djokovic, who eventually comes back out to receive serve at the start of the fourth set - and for my money - not the last.

16.02: From Sportsmail's Mike Dickson on what is becoming an epic on Centre Court:
'That simple missed overhead at 2-3 in the tiebreak is surely going to haunt Del Potro – a bit like  Djokovic’s famous missed volley at the net against Rafael Nadal in the French Open semis four weeks ago today.
'This has been a long match, for the waiting Murray and Janowicz it’s a question of handling your nerves in all that time, and Murray has more experience at that.'

Grounding out: Novak Djokovic was taken to the wire in the third set but won in a tie-break
Grounding out: Novak Djokovic was taken to the wire in the third set but won in a tie-break

Grounding out: Novak Djokovic was taken to the wire in the third set but won in a tie-break
15.59: That mini-break takes the sting out of Del Potro and from there Djokovic races away to take the next three points and take the tie-break 7-2 - brutal from the top seed and officially the best player in the world.
Djokovic 7-6(7-2) Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.56: And this crazy match continues in the tie-break. There is a mini-break for Djokovic, as he survives two smash volleys before Del Potro rifles another into the net for the Serbian to lead 4-2.

Quick play
15.53: Massive opportunity has been missed by Djokovic - partly his fault but Del Potro is playing the big shots when it matters. Facing three break and set points, the Argentine roars back to force the game to deuce with a 90mph winner. We will now go to a tie-break after Del Potro holds easily through deuce.
Djokovic 6-6 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

Relaxed: Sabine Lisicki (left) practiced with German Fed Cup team captain Barbara Rittner
Relaxed: Sabine Lisicki (left) practiced with German Fed Cup team captain Barbara Rittner before tomorrow's women's final

Relaxed: Sabine Lisicki practiced with German Fed Cup team captain Barbara Rittner
15.50: Some wise words from Sportsmail's Alex Kay:
'I know everyone wants to see Murray but please enjoy this match for its brilliance. We are seeing some outstanding rallies from Djokovic and Del Potro. The Argentine was almost in the crowd when he played his last thumping forehand. Fantastic stuff.'

15.47: I haven't seen this for a while - an easy hold. Djokovic serves out to 15 in a game where the Argentine had a nasty slip but thankfully didn't pick up any injury - no obvious one anyway.
Djokovic 6-5 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.44: Great start from Djokovic to move 0-30 ahead but Del Potro hits back with a series of stunning forehand winners that has Djokovic diving, slipping and skating around the court trying to reach. the Argentine wins the next four points to hold - and there was nothing Novak could do about it.
Djokovic 5-5 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

Take a bow: Del Potro interacts with the crowd after losing a point
Take a bow: Del Potro interacts with the crowd after losing a point
15.41: So Del Potro is serving to stay in a set which has contained some of the highest quality stuff I have seen in these Championships - what a match this is, Nadal doesn't know what he is missing.

15.38: Del Potro is really getting the best out of Djokovic - and that's good news for any watching tennis fan. Novak is being forced to play his best stuff now and holds his serve with a game that included a half volley drop shot winner.
Djokovic 5-4 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.35: Djokovic will chase down every lost cause but Del Potro isn't in the mood to reward enthusiasm today and despite being made to work for it in some engaging rallies serves out to level up the third set.
Djokovic 4-4 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.32: We should really be seeing Rafa Nadal in action today in one of these semi-finals, but following his first round loss to Steve Darcis, he is watching on Henman Hill... just joking, he is instead playing poker with a few friends.
A different kind of ace up his sleeve: Rafa Nadal (centre) played poker with friends while the semi-finals were being contested
A different kind of ace up his sleeve: Rafa Nadal (centre) played poker with friends while the semi-finals were being contested
15.29: Djokovic wins the game but Del Potro wins the crowd. Sent scampering the length of the baseline, the Argentine eventually is forced to fire a return wide but reacts by standing on the boundary between the court and the crowd trying to recover. Smiles all round, before the Argentine sends a long forehand over the baseline to enable a Djokovic hold.
Djokovic 4-3 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.26: And just to magnify the point about the closeness of this match, it's now the Djokovic serve under pressure. Del Potro gains two break points but trying to play a backhand winner, just fires wide to bring up deuce.

15.23: But after another lengthy Del Potro service game, the Argentine squeezes out a hold after another succession of long rallies. This match looks like it will go down to battle of the fittest.
Djokovic 3-3 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.20: It's on a knife edge this match and Djokovic manages to forces a deuce after the Del Potro makes an error at 40-30.

15.17: An amusing moment came at the end of that second set when Del Potro's coach gave a ballboy a pack of drinks, only for the youngster to get confused which player to give them too. he eventually picked the Argentine - a correct guess.

Mix up: Del Potro's coach gave drinks to the ballboy who became confused which player to give them too

Mix up: Del Potro's coach gave drinks to the ballboy who became confused which player to give them too
Mix up: Del Potro's coach gave drinks to the ballboy who became confused which player to give them too
Mix up: Del Potro's coach gave drinks to the ballboy who became confused which player to give them too
Mix up: Del Potro's coach gave drinks to the ballboy who became confused which player to give them too
15.14: And that's a big hold for Djokovic who celebrates with a fist pump like he has just broken Del Potro. Even he knew how crucial that hold was.
Djokovic 3-2 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

15.12: Possibly a big moment in this match and it rests on a net cord. At 40-30 up, Djokovic looks good to serve out until Del Potro catches the top of the net and claims a fortunate point to take the game to deuce.

15.09: From Sportsmail's Alex Kay:
'The Argentine radio commentator behind us in the press room is very loud and animated, particularly now that his man is playing so well. He refers to Centre Court as 'La Catedral', meaning the cathedral. I like it.'

15.06: And likewise from Del Potro who holds again. Both players are playing great tennis at the moment to the point where you feel one break will be enough in each set.
Djokovic 2-2 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

Hit the skids: Djokovic attempts to return a shot to Del Potro
Hit the skids: Djokovic attempts to return a shot to Del Potro
15.03: Relatively easy hold for Djokovic who aces down the T on his way to 40-0. Del Potro pulls two points back but the Serbian serves out.
Djokovic 2-1 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

As the players take a short break, the Mail on Sunday's Martha Kelner has more concerning tomorrow's final:
'Also in the players' restaurant were finalists Sabine Lisicki and Marion Bartoli, who were at Wimbledon to do pre-final press conferences.
'Lisicki was wearing typical athlete-off-duty garb - a sports top and leggings. Bartoli, meanwhile, was wearing a tight white dress and, curiously in this weather, thick black tights. A fashion head-to-head before tomorrow's on court action.'

15.00: Frustration is starting to creep into Djokovic's game now. Del Potro's service game drags on into 30-30 before the Argentine holds after Novak fires a simple forehand into the net. The Serbian looks less than pleased with himself.
Djokovic 1-1 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

14.57: From Sportsmail's Mike Dickson:
'Impressive fightback from Del Potro. It’s simply hard to believe that his knee can be much of a factor – you cannot compete with Djokovic with any significant handicap at all. If Delpo keeps this up memories of the Olympic bronze medal match may seep into the Serb’s head.'

Feeling the moment: Many of the fans on Centre Court got behind Del Potro
Feeling the moment: Many of the fans on Centre Court got behind Del Potro
14.54: That is the first set Djokovic has lost in these Championships and he comes out firing on all cylinders as he holds to open the third.
Djokovic 1-0 Del Potro 7-5, 4-6

14.51: Remarkable stuff from Del Potro who serves out to love to level things up in the match. A fair scoreline as there is little between them.
Djokovic 4-6 Del Potro 7-5

From Mail on Sunday's Nick Harris:
'There will be a proud Scot in the Centre Court crowd this afternoon who will be rooting for Andy Murray to LOSE. (Cue boos and hisses at this appalling lack of patriotism).
Who is this person? Step forward Stuart Duguid, the agent of .... Murray's opponent this afternoon, Jerzy Janowicz. Stuart is on Twitter @StuartDuguid, where he describes himself as a "Hearts fans and Tartan Army footsoldier". Well - Stuart, how about adding "and Tartan traitor".'

Golden girl: Sabine Lisicki was in practice before her women's final with Marion Bartoli tomorrow
Golden girl: Sabine Lisicki was in practice before her women's final with Marion Bartoli tomorrow
Golden girl: Sabine Lisicki was in practice before her women's final with Marion Bartoli tomorrow
14.48: Djokovic now has to hold to stay in the set and... oh, he's already done it. A barrage of unstoppable serves eventually see a hold to love for the Serb and now Del Potro is serving for the set.
Djokovic 4-5 Del Potro 7-5

14.45: Djokovic even has a chance to break back, but a strong serve from Del Potro sees him reset the game to deuce again before two more powerful serves bring a service hold.
Djokovic 3-5 Del Potro 7-5

From Sportsmail's Alex Kay:
'James Corden is here today, a good friend of Andy Murray. He's milling around near the players' area on the phone. I think he recognised me from Ross and Friends.'

Breakthrough: Del Potro celebrates breaking Djokovic
Breakthrough: Del Potro celebrates breaking Djokovic
14.42: Talk about having the momentum. Del Potro then keeps focus to move 40-0 up. However, a double fault allows Djokovic to close to 40-30 before the Argentine is forced to forehand into the net and take the game to deuce.

14.39: Where on earth has this come from? Remember when Del Potro was inches away from going 0-30 up with that crosscourt forehand? Well he has another remarkable moment as he chases down a drop shot to reach that very scoreline.
From there he gets three break points and eventually easily breaks the Serb. Big fist pump from the Argentine who is finally back into the match.
Djokovic 3-4 Del Potro 7-5

Taking a tumble: Djokovic falls to the ground attempting to return a shot to Del Potro
Taking a tumble: Djokovic falls to the ground attempting to return a shot to Del Potro
14.36: From Mail on Sunday's Martha Kelner:
'Away from from the Djokovic match, I've been to the players' restaurant to engage in some lunchtime gonzo(ish) journalism. Sampled the tuna and avocado sushi rolls which are part of Andy Murray's recipe for success (he eats enough to sink a small battleship after each match).
'They taste like tuna and avocado wrapped in rice and at £1 a pop they're not cheap, but Murray can pay for them with the £50 food and drink allowance given to all players every day.
'It should be noted I had a measly four rolls compared to Murray's 50 rolls. But then I'm not going into battle with Jerzy Janowicz later.'
14.33: And he doesn't give it up at all. Djokovic earned another break point in deuce but the eighth seed recovers and holds after the Serb made a forehand error out wide.
Djokovic 3-3 Del Potro 7-5

14.30: Big opportunity for Djokovic as he earns two break points but Del Potro fights back to take the game to deuce. The Argentine isn't about to give up serve that easily.

14.27: Many famous faces at Centre Court but we believe there is a couple on Henman Hill too as England bowler Steven Finn is there watching the action before he takes on Australia in the Ashes next week.

On the edge: Novak Djokovic stretches to return a shot against Juan Martin del Potro
On the edge: Novak Djokovic stretches to return a shot against Juan Martin del Potro
14.24: An intriguing battle this one. It seems a break of serve is going to be a huge thing in this match with both players looking so strong on their respective service games.
Djokovic holds to 15 as Del Potro's doctor comes to courtside to assess the Argentine - it's nothing major but shows the eighth seed isn't 100 per cent.
Djokovic 3-2 Del Potro 7-5

14.21: Credit to Djokovic for taking that very rare break opportunity at the end of the first set, because he doesn't look like he will get another for a long time as Del Potro serves out with power and ease to love.
Djokovic 2-2 Del Potro 7-5

14.18: There are signs that Del Potro can attack the Djokovic serve but the Serbian is playing with tremendous consistency at the moment and manages to hold to 30.
Djokovic 2-1 Del Potro 7-5

Tricks of the trade: Juan Martin del Potro attempts to play a shot through his legs
Tricks of the trade: Juan Martin del Potro attempts to play a shot through his legs
14.15: Del Potro has maintained his focus at the start of this second set and manages to hold. Already the crowd are starting to get behind the Argentine who seems to be moving around the court easy enough despite the bandaged up left knee.
Djokovic 1-1 Del Potro 7-5

14.12: There wasn't too much Del Potro did wrong in that first set but he is struggling to trouble the Djokovic serve and there is no change at the start of the second set as the Serbian holds.
Djokovic 1-0 Del Potro 7-5

14.09: A cruel body blow for Djokovic to inflict on Del Potro and the 2011 champion will now serve at the start of the second set.

Edging ahead: Novak Djokovic took the first set after breaking Del Potro

Edging ahead: Novak Djokovic took the first set after breaking Del Potro

Edging ahead: Novak Djokovic took the first set after breaking Del Potro
Edging ahead: Novak Djokovic took the first set after breaking Del Potro
14.06: ... But you just can't rule out this Djokovic chap. A mesmerizing backhand winner bounces right in the corner when it looked a likely Del Potro winner.
The Serb then levels after a lengthy rally as Del Potro fires into the net before the 2011 champ then gains break point.
It's the perfect time to gain one and the Serbian takes it with both hands as Del Potro fires wide to lose serve for the first time in the Championships. Of course, that means first set to Novak too.
Djokovic 7-5 Del Potro

14.03: Del Potro will serve to force a tie-break then and he looks like that is just what he will get when he is 30-0 up...

14.00: Huge hold for Djokovic and it's all in fine margins. At 0-15 Del Potro fires a quite astonishing cross court forehand with plenty of power but it just bounces out. Instead of being put under pressure, Novak levels the scores and goes on to serve out.
Djokovic 6-5 Del Potro

Courtside support: Novak Djokovic's girlfriend, Jelena Ristic takes her position in the seats at Centre Court
Courtside support: Novak Djokovic's girlfriend, Jelena Ristic takes her position in the seats at Centre Court
Courtside support: Novak Djokovic's girlfriend, Jelena Ristic takes her position in the seats at Centre Court
13.54: Chance gone for Djokovic as at 30-30 he fires a careless backhand into the net. Del Potro needs no further encouragement and serves out.
Djokovic 5-5 Del Potro

From Sportsmail's Ivan Speck;
'John Tomic didn’t just miss out on watching his son Bernard’s progress to the fourth round of the men’s singles because of the All England Club ban over his antics in beating up Bernard’s former hitting partner in May, he also missed out on witnessing his 15-year-old daughter Sara, who has just lost in the semi-finals of the girls’ doubles.'

Set for the day: Fans took various vantage points around SW19
Set for the day: Fans took various vantage points around SW19

Set for the day: Fans took various vantage points around SW19
13.51: Apart from forcing Djokovic to reach a forehand from the baseline into the net, Del Potro fails to seriously trouble Novak's serve and the Serbian holds again. Del Potro serves to stay in the set.
Djokovic 5-4 Del Potro

From Sportsmail's Charlie Sale:
'Sir Alex Ferguson will  miss Andy Murray's Wimbledon final if he beats Jerzy Janowicz this afternoon. Fergie and his extended family set sail from Oban on a long-planned trip around the Scottish Isles tomorrow.'

13.48: Much better from Del Potro on serve as he manages to avoid another tangle with deuce to see off Djokovic at 30. Very little in this match right now.
Djokovic 4-4 Del Potro

13.45: From Sportsmail's Neil Moxley on seeing a familiar face from DM Towers:
'The Daily Mail is massive in Bavaria...you don't believe me? Here's Sportmail's Alex Kay being interviewed for German TV...'
Role reversal: Sportsmail's Alex Kay speaks to German TV
Role reversal: Sportsmail's Alex Kay speaks to German TV
13.42: A quite ferocious Del Potro forehand catches Djokovic out for 15-30 but the Serb takes control from there to see out serve. Unsurprisingly, the umpire calls for new balls just over 30 minutes into this match.
Djokovic 4-3 Del Potro

Power down: Juan Martin del Potro fires down a serve to Novak Djokovic
Power down: Juan Martin del Potro fires down a serve to Novak Djokovic

Power down: Juan Martin del Potro fires down a serve to Novak Djokovic
13.39: And Del Potro holds after by far the longest game of the match so far - it may even stay that way.
Djokovic 3-3 Del Potro

From Sportsmail's Laurie Whitwell:
'Have the days gone when we would see the Fab Four contest the semi-finals of a Grand Slam?
'Four times we were granted the rather special opportunity to watch Murray, Djokovic, Nadal and Federer battle it out for a final place, then the title, at a major and at one stage it seemed that would remain the case for some time.
'The 2008 US Open gave us an early taste, then three out of four Grand Slams between May 2011 and January 2012 featured them all as well: Nadal won the 2011 French, while Djokovic won the 2011 US and 2012 Australian Opens. 
'But it hasn't happened at six majors since then and only the Murray and Djokovic have made it here. Nadal and Federer were scheduled to meet in the quarter-finals of course, and with Federer set to drop in the rankings after his early Wimbledon exit, the numbers may not stack right any time soon.
'Perhaps it just shows what a remarkable period of men's tennis we were being treated to.'

More Murray support: Jamie and Louise Redknapp arrive at SW19
More Murray support: Jamie and Louise Redknapp arrive at SW19
Sportsmail's Jamie Redknapp arrives with his glamorous wife Louise
13.36: After some quick service games, this has been brutal. We are still in the Del Potro serve with the players now engaging long rallies. I think this is the fifth deuce, in truth I've lost count, but Djokovic is constantly cancelling out Del Potro's advantage.

13.33: From Sportsmail's Charlie Sale:
'Sky News sports reporter Jacquie Baltrao's daughter Amelia, who has been one of the ball girls at Wimbledon, was taken ill yesterday at the championships and was taken to hospital with a kidney infection. Jacquie was with Amelia overnight in hospital but still returned to Wimbledon for the 6am bulletin this morning.'

13.30: It's Del Potro who is put under pressure first, as Djokovic successfully challenges a line call in his favour to eventually earn a break point. Del Potro hits back with a powerful serve though and it's the match's first deuce.

Net gains: Novak Djokovic (above) and Juan Martin del Potro dominated their early serves
Net gains: Novak Djokovic (above) and Juan Martin del Potro dominated their early serves

Net gains: Novak Djokovic (above) and Juan Martin del Potro dominated their early serves
13.27: Well we are racing through this first set. We still haven't had a break point as Djokovic holds to 15.
Djokovic 3-2 Del Potro

13.24: The Del Potro serve remains bullet proof as the Argentine holds very easily to love. No way through for Novak so far.
Djokovic 2-2 Del Potro

13.21: Not even a dog could sniff out a break on Centre Court right now as Djokovic quickly races through to hold. Despite the short games, both players quickly dive for the towels at the change over - it's warm out there.
Djokovic 2-1 Del Potro

Jerzy support: Janowicz's girlfriend Marta Domachowska arrives at Wimbledon
Jerzy support: Janowicz's girlfriend Marta Domachowska arrives at Wimbledon

Jerzy support: Janowicz's girlfriend Marta Domachowska arrives at Wimbledon
Jerzy support: Janowicz's girlfriend Marta Domachowska arrives at Wimbledon
13.18: Wait a moment, it appears it isn't all up to Murray to wave the Union Flag after all...sort of. Alex Kay explains:
'We have a Brit in both semi-finals today. James Keothavong, brother of women's player Anne, is the umpire for this first match. He has recently had a baby daughter so let's hope she didn't keep him up too much last night.'

13.15: Del Potro suffered a nasty fall in the semi-final and has his left knee bandaged up. It doesn't appear to be causing him too much concern though as he eases 30-0 ahead. A wide return from the Argentine sees Djokovic respond but the eighth seed takes the next two points to calm any nerves with a convincing hold.
Djokovic 1-1 Del Potro

13.12: Juan Martin del Potro won the toss but it will be Novak Djokovic who serves first. The Serbian looks in good form as he moves into a convincing 40-0 lead. Del Potro pulls a point back after powerfully returning a second serve but the 2011 champion responds with an ace to hold.
Djokovic 1-0 Del Potro

Through to the final: Gianluigi Quinzi defeated Britain's Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-4
Through to the final: Gianluigi Quinzi defeated Britain's Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-4
13.09: From Sportsmail's Charlie Sale:
'The All England Club make so much money from Wimbledon that they hand over  a surplus of over £20m-per-year for the Lawn Tennis Association to squander. Yet the AEC's in-house TV and radio Wimbledon Live services expect journalists to supply their knowledge to them for free. Poor show.'
Brit of bad news
13.06: And sadly as one match is about to begin, another ends. Neil Moxley has more:
'And so the wait for a domestic champ in the boys' singles goes on. Kyle Edmund did not disgrace himself but Gianluigi Quinzi was like the fly that wouldn't be swatted. He kept coming back, taking his break chances when they mattered to win 6-4 6-4 in 79 minutes.'

Suited up: Sir Cliff Richard waves after arriving at SW19 with Jude Law (right) also in attendance
Suited up: Sir Cliff Richard waves after arriving at SW19 with Jude Law (right) also in attendance
Write caption here
13.03: Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro have arrived on Centre Court to a generous cheer from the crowd but it's bad news for Kyle Edmund as Quinzi is now serving for the match at 5-4 up in the second set.

13.00: Marion Bartoli will be playing in the Wimbledon final tomorrow, but she is back at the AEC today to practice ahead of her match with Sabine Lisicki - not quite sure what the grand master plan is behind the rugby ball but then I never was a great tennis player (rubbish serve).
Focused on the final: Marion Bartoli practices ahead of the women's final tomorrow

Focused on the final: Marion Bartoli practices ahead of the women's final tomorrow

Focused on the final: Marion Bartoli practices ahead of the women's final tomorrow
Focused on the final: Marion Bartoli practices ahead of the women's final tomorrow
12.57: Sadly Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made an early exit from these championships through injury, but the French star is still part of Sportsmail's team and in his column has given some sound advice to Andy Murray today. Read more here.

12.54: Mike Dickson is also on Twitter by the way, and you can follow him here:
'Neglected to mention that 18 months ago Jerzy Janowicz also played Futures event at Wirral tennis centre near Birkenhead.#Godsowncountry'

12.51: Sportsmail's Mike Dickson has just walked past a man who has the hopes of a nation on him today:
'Just seen Andy Murray striding across the players’ lawn towards the locker room, staring straight ahead, very much looked like he had his game head on. Coach Dani Vallverdu very relaxed though and had a cheery smile, but then he isn’t about to walk the tightrope.'
Spare seat anyone? Fans quickly took vantage points on Henman Hill

Spare seat anyone? Fans quickly took vantage points on Henman Hill

Spare seat anyone? Fans quickly took vantage points on Henman Hill
Spare seat anyone? Fans quickly took vantage points on Henman Hill
12.48: Anyone I missed? As it happens, yes there is. Former Wimbledon champions Lindsay Davenport, Fred Stolle and Stefan Edberg are due to watch the action on Centre Court.
Jude Law, television presenter Sir David Frost and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour are also among those invited. The Duke of York and Princess Michael of Kent are royal guests.
Celebrity spotted
12.45: Plenty of famous faces are still set to arrive at SW19, with Bear Grylls thought to be at Centre Court today. He is probably there to watch Murray rather than provide survival tips on how to live off a tennis court though...I I guess. We can all hope.
In the meantime Pippa Middleton is back at Wimbledon to watch Murray this afternoon.
All smiles: Pippa Middleton arrives at SW19
All smiles: Pippa Middleton arrives at SW19
Write caption here
The sun's out
12.42: Weather watch for you. Today's temperatures are set to hit 24 degrees - and the good news for sun seeking fans at least, is that it will likely stay that way for both finals this weekend.

12.39: A good afternoon to Mail on Sunday's Nick Harris who is back at Wimbledon today:
'Spotted on the way to the All England Club today: former British player Naomi Cavaday, who played at Wimbledon three times between 2006 and 2008 but retired aged just 22 in 2011 to become a coach.
'Cavaday was on a tube with a male companion, who was asking her which areas of the Club her LTA pass will allow to roam, and whether they would be able to 'get a load of freebies' once inside the grounds.'
Setback: Kyle Edmund (above) lost the first set of his boy's semi-final to Gianluigi Quinzi
Setback: Kyle Edmund (above) lost the first set of his boy's semi-final to Gianluigi Quinzi

Setback: Kyle Edmund (above) lost the first set of his boy's semi-final to Gianluigi Quinzi
Brit of bad news
12.34: Edmund is going to have to do it the hard way and battle through the afternoon sun then if he wants to reach the boy's final. The Brit has lost the first set 6-4 to Gianluigi Quinzi on Court 3.

12.30: Novak Djokovic has had time to give his fans a message though through Twitter:
'Thx for your support #NoleFam ! See you soon at #Wimbledon Centre court!'
Smile for the semi: Novak Djokovic posted a message to fans on Twitter before his game
Smile for the semi: Novak Djokovic posted a message to fans on Twitter before his game
12.27: From Sportsmail's Alex Kay:
'Novak Djokovic’s face when he saw the madding crowd arriving just as he was off to practice was a picture. He looked terrified. But weirdly the world No 1 walked down the stairs from the players area and through the grounds without a single person stopping him to say hello or ask for autographs. A couple of people belatedly recognised him but Djokovic must have been left feeling wonderfully anonymous.'

12.22: It's been a gruelling 39 minute set on Court 3 as Kyle Edmund prepares to serve to stay in the first at 5-4 down. I hope he has brought a water bottle or three - this could be a long one if the Brit wants to reach the final.

Patriotic pride: Andy Murray fans take their place on Henman Hill
Patriotic pride: Andy Murray fans take their place on Henman Hill

Patriotic pride: Andy Murray fans take their place on Henman Hill
Patriotic pride: Andy Murray fans take their place on Henman Hill

Hats off: A fan looks around on Henman Hill
Hats off: A fan looks around on Henman Hill
12.19: From Sportsmail's Mike Dickson:
'Gloriously warm day at Wimbledon. That’s good for the spectators and Jerzy Janowicz will not be complaining either – the warmer the air the quicker the ball is likely to fly, making his big game even bigger.
'The court is also harder by this point of the tournament, making it harder for Murray to keep it out of his hitting zone. For the same reasons Juan Martin Del Potro will also welcome the weather, but if staking your life you would still go with Djokovic-Murray final.'

12.14: Fighting talk from Sportsmail's Alan Fraser who is nervous but confident about Murray's chances:
'A factor 50 day weather wise and a factor 100 day nerves wise. Can Andy get to his second Wimbledon final in a row? Of course he will. No problem. We have had our evening of Caledonian angst. He will have too much experience and too much all-round game for his Polish opponent. Murray in three.'

Murray in motion: Andy Murray practices before his semi-final later this afternoon
Murray in motion: Andy Murray practices before his semi-final later this afternoon

Murray in motion: Andy Murray practices before his semi-final later this afternoon
Murray in motion: Andy Murray practices before his semi-final later this afternoon

Murray in motion: Andy Murray practices before his semi-final later this afternoon
12.09: So what do we know about Jerzy Janowicz? Apart from having a serve that is quick enough to go over twice as fast as the national speed limit on the motorway - the 6ft 8in Pole also has an attractive other half in tennis star Marta Domachowska. Read more here.

12.06: It's bad news for Edmund who has lost his serve to Quinzi to now trail 4-3 in the first set. No time to hit the panic button but that's obviously a bit of a setback.

12.03: From Sportsmail's Charlie Sale on just one of SW19's little quirks:
'The secretive All England Club works in mysterious ways. Alan Chalmers,  a well known dealer in tennis memorabilia and one of the faces of the Wimbledon fortnight, has been the popular club steward in charge of the Centre Court Press box for 33 years until moving to the players box two years ago. And that means he is no longer invited to the AEC's annual media party held on the second Thursday of the tournament, much to his upset.'
11.58: It's with serve on Court 3 with Edmund leading 3-2. Neil Moxley has also informed me that Greg Rusedski is courtside to watch the bright British prospect.
First pick: Fans race to get the best viewing points on Henman Hill for the men's semi-finals
First pick: Fans race to get the best viewing points on Henman Hill for the men's semi-finals

First pick: Fans race to get the best viewing points on Henman Hill for the men's semi-finals
First pick: Fans race to get the best viewing points on Henman Hill for the men's semi-finals


11.55: As ever we have been talking to Ross Hutchings every day as part of our Wimbledon preview and today, Murray's close associate has spoken to Sportsmail's Alex Kay and former British player David Felgate about neutering the big Jerzy Janowicz serve. Watch the video here.
11.52: From Sportsmail's neil Moxley - who is watching Britain's Kyle Edmund:
'I'm out on Court No 3, for Kyle Edmund's semi-final in the boy's event.. He's a fair-skinned lad. Hope he's brought his sun-block. It's absolutely roasting and the stands are filling up nicely.'
I won't make the Baz Luhrmann point again...oh, go on then.

11.48: Solid start at least from Kyle Edmund who serves up first and holds in his boy's semi-final against the Italian Gianluigi Quinzi.

Getting in the groove: Novak Djokovic practices before his semi-final
Getting in the groove: Novak Djokovic practices before his semi-final

Pick your spot: British fans assess the day's order of play
Pick your spot: British fans assess the day's order of play

Keeping watch: Police look on as fans watch Djokovic practice
Keeping watch: Police look on as fans watch Djokovic practice
11.45: From Sportsmail's Ivan Speck - it's not just the players or the grass on the baselines that thin down over the two weeks.
'As the Championships wind down, the 350 match officials – umpires and lines people – have started to be whittled down. The higher-graded officials will be here for all 13 days of play. The lower-graded ones began to be released from duty yesterday, taking their Ralph Lauren outfits home with them.'
11.42: It could be a long day folks if Sportsmail's Alex Kay has been counting correctly:
'Expect some long rallies in this first semi-final today. Of the to six longest rallies in the men's tournament so far, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin Del Potro have been involved in four of them.'

11.39: Is this Novak Djokovic ditching the car and taking the bike on his way to SW19? Well not quite. The Serbian was just simply going for a morning bike ride in preparation for his semi-final clash with Juan Martin del Potro later today.
It's in stark contrast to Marion Bartoli, who took a nap before her dominating semi-final win over Kirsten Flipkens yesterday.


Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic
Breakfast on the go: Novak Djokovic warmed up for his Wimbledon semi-final clash with Juan Martin Del Potro with a leisurely cycle ride through the surrounding town... and just about held on to his breakfast
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic
11.34: Edmund and Quinzi are now out on court and are just warming up.
From Sportsmail's Charlie Sale:
'There has been  a lot of speculation that  the Julian Cash who reached the second round of the boys doubles championship is the son of former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.
'However they are not related, although Cash does have a son who is a promising tennis player. He is called Jett and is training at the same Sanchez Casals academy in Barcelona where Andy Murray learnt his trade.'
11.29: From Sportsmail's Laurie Whitwell:
'Mr Wimbledon Announcer sounds particularly pumped today. Setting the tone early. Reminds everyone here to continuously 'apply sunscreen'. Sound advice for those of us with skin that reddens under a desk lamp. Now, who actually packed any...'
People still need reminding of this? Does nobody remember Baz Luhrmann's message?
11.26: And a good morning to our team of reporters, including Charlie Sale who has the headline names in the Royal Box today:
'Defending champion Roger Federer, who lost in the second round in one of Wimbledon history's  great shock results,  was seeded to have met Andy Murray in today's semi-final. So perhaps it's apposite that Federer's agent Tony Godsick is a Royal Box guest today.
'Also in the Royal Box to cheer Murray on are fellow Olympic medallists from the Athens and Sydney  Games, Amir Khan and Jonathan Edwards.'
Brit of support: Amir Khan arrives at Wimbledon for the men's semi-final
Brit of support: Amir Khan arrives at Wimbledon for the men's semi-final

Brit of support: Amir Khan arrives at Wimbledon for the men's semi-final
Brit of support: Amir Khan arrives at Wimbledon for the men's semi-final
From Amir Khan on Twitter:
'On way to watch Andy Murray at Wimbledon #semifinals. let's get behind him. Been a long time since a Brit won the championship. It's Murray…'

11.23: But let's not get ahead of ourselves, there is actually a Brit on first for a semi-final.
Murray may close play on Centre Court but out on Court 3, Kyle Edmund will be taking on Gianluigi Quinzi in the boy's competition in what looks like it's going to be a tight match between the fifth and sixth seed respectively. They are expected on court in just over five minutes.
The sun's out
11.20: One thing I don't think we will see today is the Centre Court roof. It's a lovely summer's day in London with barely a cloud in the sky - could be tough for the players though if we get a five-set thriller or two.

11.15: And you thought the women's semi-finals yesterday oozed drama (well one of them did anyway.)
Today it's the men's turn to light up Centre Court and all of Britain's eyes will be on Andy Murray as he attempts to reach the Wimbledon final for the second successive year.
Good morning folks, welcome to our live coverage of all the action from SW19 today.
 
In line: Andy Murray will be aiming to reach his second successive Wimbledon final
In line: Andy Murray will be aiming to reach his second successive Wimbledon final



WIMBLEDON EMOTICONS: YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT THE IMAGES MEAN
Celebrity spotted
Celebrity spotted
Loud grunting
Loud grunting
Tantrum
Tantrum
Worthy of applause
Worthy of applause
 

The sun's out
The sun's out
Changing conditions
Changing conditions
Turning overcast
Turning overcast
It's raining
It's raining
 

Treatment needed
Treatment needed
Quick play
Quick play
Brit of good news
Brit of good news
Brit of bad news
Brit of bad news
 

A bagel! 6-0 set
A bagel! 6-0 set
Shock result
Shock result
Roof on Centre Court
Roof on Centre Court
Twitter
Twitter
 
 


 

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