Semi Final! Angelique Kerber vs Agnieszka Radwanska

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Sam Foster

For many watchers around the country the contents of this semi-final would appear to satisfy the expected ‘surprise’ packages of the Championships. This, however, could not be further from the truth as both players have consistently proven themselves this campaign and there presence at the business end of a Grand Slam was always inevitable.

That being said, both Kerber and Radwanska, ranked number eight and three in the world respectively would probably have taken this result before a ball was hit, but now they face each other, it would be bitterly disappointing not to take a golden chance to reach the final.

Kerber’s run has been impressive, with straight sets victories up until the quarters, including a demolition job of two-time grand Slam winner Kim Clijsters in the fourth round. Considering that the Belgium star was competing in her last Wimbledon, the 6-1, 6-1 score-line has been one of the outstanding results of the tournament and a statement of intent.

Conversely Radwanska, although matching her opponent with four straight sets victories, has had the easier draw, and up until losing the second set against Maria Kirilenko has not been remotely troubled.

Consequently not too much should be read into which player is feeling the strain most and instead the answers could lie in their previous encounters. Their head-to-head record is poised at 2-2. However, on the biggest stage of them all at the US Open in 2011, it was the German that held her nerve. Three of their four matches have gone to the third set, so selections based around an extended match have to be encouraged.

The selection here is for Kerber to reach her first major final and delay Radwanska’s introduction to the big time. Kerber is hitting the ball incredibly well and the gulf in class between her and Radwanska’s earlier victims may catch the higher ranked player off guard.

BACK SAM’S ‘KERBER TO WIN’ PREDICTION HERE!