Sabine Lisicki’s power may get her through

It’s anybody’s championship now with four players who have never won on Centre Court


Sabine Lisicki has played today's Wimbledon semi-final opponent Agnieszka Radawanska just twice before with the head to head standing at 1-1. But they have never played each other on grass, to which Lisciki has warmed over the last 10 days.

Her powerful serve and ground strokes and bubbling energy were too much for even Serena Williams. Finalist last year Radawanska was taken to three sets by Na Li in the last round and complained of tired legs. Probably not a good ploy. If Lisicki can control her power and keep the ball inside the white lines, Radawanka will spend an afternoon using those legs to chase down balls.

Former finalist Marion Bartoli and Kirsten Flipkens have never met before. Bartoli's aggressive style worked against American Sloan Stephens as she stepped in to meet her serve early.

But Flipken’s is on a voyage of discovery and will be comfortable coming to the net against the intense French 15th seed.

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson

Johnny Watterson is a sports writer with The Irish Times