Round Three at the All England Club

Neutral Omes:

Andy Murray had to work hard against an aggressive Ljubicic to claim his match in four sets. The Scot even threw in one of his newly famed through the leg volley winners at 15-40 down on one of the Croat’s games. Afterwards he exclaimed he was pleased he made the shot, for fear of looking like a “plonker”. After losing concentration to get broken whilst serving for the match, the world no. 4 re-focussed and played an impressive tie-break to seal the victory. Up next for him is tricky Frenchman Richard Gasquet who took him two five sets three years ago in a famous resurgence from Murray from two sets down. Murray d. Ljubicic 64 46 61 76

Rafael Nadal overcame a solid serving performance from tough opponent Gilles Muller, who had actually beaten the Spaniard at Wimbledon in 2005. The top seed was pleased to come through the match in straights, admitting that the he was lucky in the first two sets, which he felt could have been anyone’s game. He will now take on Juan Martin del Potro in what usually proves to be an enthralling match up. Nadal d. Muller 76 76 60

Roger Federer dominated former rival David Nalbandian from start to finish, backing up his claim that he’s “always hungry” and letting us know that “it doesn't come in phases.” He’ll try to satisfy that persistent hunger by taking on 18^th seed Mikhail Youzhny in the fourth round. Federer d. Nalbandian 64 62 64

Novak Djokovic was content to “win ugly” against Marcos Baghdatis in a thrilling evening match. Tension rose during the match and the Serb took to one of his racquets (smashing it three times) to release it. Despite “not feeling good” he was able to play the important points well, and in the end he reigned in his emotions which allowed him take the match in four sets. He will now play Michael Llodra who had never previously progressed past the 2^nd round at Wimbledon till but nonetheless is confident in his attacking form at the moment. Djokovic d. Baghdatis 64 46 63 64

 

Venus Williams powered through her third round match against the Spanish Maria Jose Martinez conceding a mere two games. Despite the thwarting, the former five times champion is ready to take her level up a notch as she approaches the business end of the championships: "This is the fourth round. Now I'm ready to bring my best game and my best competition." Williams d. Jose Martinez 60 62

Serena Williams dominated Maria Kirilenko from the baseline in her finest, and first straight sets performance of the championships so far. The American revealed that she’d finally settled into her rhythm and as a result was able to play more relaxed. Looking an ever more convincing prospect, her next opponent 9^th seed Marion Bartoli will have to rely on the fighting spirit she had to battle Flavia Penetta in a three hour encounter if she is to trouble Williams. Williams d. Kirilenko 63 62

Gentlemen’s shocks: 8^th seed and former finalist Roddick overpowered by Spain’s Feliciano Lopez; Bernard Tomic defeating 5^th seed Robin Soderling in straight sets.

Gentlemen’s thriller: An inspired Baghdatis pushing Djokovic to four sets.

Ladies’ shock: 6^th seed Francesca Schiavone losing to 80^th seed Tamira Paszek.

Ladies’ thriller: Marion Bartoli overcoming Flavia Pennetta, 9-7 in the third, in an encounter that lasted over 3 hours.

Fanatic Omes:

Read my Wimbledon visit post for my fanatic 3^rd round musings. Sorry, that was annoying.

(Pic: Reuters/Toby Melville)