Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova will go head to head for a place in the final in today’s top-billing semi-final on Centre Court.
The American and Russian have a frosty relationship off the court, but Williams’ red-hot form in their head-to-head record makes her a firm favourite to go through.
The No1 seed has chalked up 17 to Sharapova’s two victories in their 19 previous meetings and Williams has not been beaten by her rival in 11 years.
Sharapova has taken just one set off Williams in the last seven years, but will perhaps take heart from Williams dropping sets to Heather Watson and Victoria Azarenka this year at the All England Club.
In today’s first semi-final Venezuelan-born Spaniard Garbine Muguruza will play No 13 seed Agnieszka Radwanska.
No 20 seed Muguruza has knocked out three players – Timea Bacsinszky, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki – ranked higher than her to become the first Spanish semi-finalist in 18 years.
Radwanska has made the last four twice before, but admitted she was surprised to reached this stage once more at Wimbledon following a first-round exit at Roland Garros in May.
The Pole defeated rising star Madison Keys in the last round and will be hoping to go one better than her runner-up slot here in 2012.
Jamie Murray and John Peers will duke it out with Jonathan Erlich and Philipp Petzschner for a place in the men’s doubles final in the late match on Centre Court.
With brother Andy playing Roger Federer tomorrow, it’s the first time since 1962 that brothers have reached the semi-finals in the singles and doubles at Wimbledon.
Image courtesy of Wimbledon via YouTube, with thanks
