Wimbledon 2013: Talking Points from Day 9

Janowicz’s breakthrough

Jerzy Janowicz

Two of the most refreshing moments of these Championships came from the giant Pole, Jerzy Janowicz. First, after he served out against Lukasz Kubot, he collapsed to the grass and broke into tears before a heartwarming 30 second embrace with his colleague.

Second was his post match interview. Unlike Sabine Lisicki who just started crying, Janowicz was still so overwhelmed with joy that he began to hyper ventilate and could barely string two thoughts together. It was just so nice to see a young man so obviously happy to win against an old friend and to become the first Polish man to reach a Grand Slam semifinal on a day of national pride back in his home country.

And don’t count against Janowicz making his first final either. His serve has been brutally imperious this fortnight. He has fired down 94 aces at speeds of 140mph, 31 more than his nearest rival, and one of his games against Kubot lasted just 47 seconds.

His powerful groundstrokes can force anybody, even Murray, off the court if they are consistent enough. Seeing how Verdasco’s power gave Murray so many problems yesterday, the Pole will be confident that he can give the defensive master a rough ride on Centre Court. But will it be enough?