Second Round Sound Off

Neutral Omes:

Ryan Sweeting was overpowered by an ace-rich Nadal who showed his intent, fighting off a resurgence in the third set from the American in yet another brutal performance. It was the defending champion’s first time under the roof which he admitted, although it was a unique experience, that he prefers his Wimbledon outdoors. Andy Murray also advanced to the third round winning against Tobias Kamke with some good serving, this time more comfortably in straight sets. The Scot did admit he was not yet at the top of his game however : "I served well, but the rest of my game needs some work.” he divulged. Nadal d. Sweeting 63 62 64; Murray d. Kamke 63 63 75

Novak Djokvic claimed his match against Kevin Anderson in authoritative fashion and seems to still be reeling off of the confidence that only a 41 match winning streak can bring. "Mentally I do have a different approach to Wimbledon than I had years before. It's obvious because of the winning streak that I had, the confidence that is very high.” The Serbian informed. Federer also outplayed and outclassed his 2^nd round opponent - Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, who nonetheless put in an effortful performance. Djokovic d. Anderson 63 64 62; Federer d. Mannarino 62 63 62

Venus Williams fought hard against an inspired veteran, 42 year old Kimiko Darte-Krumm in arguably the most competitive, entertaining ladies match in some time. There was some exquisite shot-making from both women from start to finish, but in the end the American’s will carried her through. Williams d. Date-Krumm 67 63 86

However rusty her game, Serena showed her enormous fighting spirit remains unblemished, as she battled hard from a set down. Despite surprisingly being allocated to court 2 as the defending champion, Serena found the game to reward the presumably unsuspecting crowd with en emphatic win. Williams d. Halep 36 62 61

Laura Robson showed her enormous potential by taking it to champion Maria Sharapova. The 17 year old Brit raced to a 4-1 lead in the first set but Sharapova showed why she is the champion she is to break back and win a competitive tie-break. Both players kept up their levels in the 2^nd set but the Russian proved too strong for Robson in the end. Sharapova d. Robson 76 63

Gentlemen’s thriller: 14^th seed Stanislais Wawrinka losing in straight sets to unseeded Itallian Simone Bolelli. Bolelli d. Wawrinka 76 63 76

Gentlemen’s shock: Soderling fought from 2 sets to love down to beat former finalist Lletyon Hewitt. Soderling d. Hewitt 67 36 75 64 64

Ladies’ thriller/shock: dark horse Sabine Lisicki, who has said she had to learn to walk again after her surgery, taking the match away from French Open champion Li Na in a very competitive tussle. Lisicki d. Li 36 64 86

Fanatic Omes:

Loving the way Rafs is playing. And he’s so gosh darn happy. *Gush* *gush* *sigh*. There are reports around the interweb that his padres are back together but I’m not going to believe anything yet. Either way, he’s averaging, what, 3 pics and a video on facebook per day? The guy is enjoying himself. And it was fun watching his match against Sweeting. And by fun I mean yummy. Both are quite easy on the eyes.

Nole and Fed are looking gooood. Bring on a top four semi-final. I’m up for the challenge.

I’m not gonna lie, I’m finding the ladies’ proceedings more interesting than the men’s at the moment. (I’m sure that will change come the semi-finals). And when one of my twitter buddies suggested so, I scoffed and looked upon them with disdain and disgust. But they were right! The girls are crayzay. Stories upon stories and not just Williams. 

I was more of a purely die-hard ATP fan pre-Wimbly, but now I likey de ladies too. Which means my LIFE will now be taken up with tennis as I’ll not solely be following the ATP tour. 

But I ain’t complaining.

(Pic: AELTC)