Wimbledon Day 8 wrap: Venus, Serena march on

Of all the stories seeping out of Wimbledon on Day 8, one stood head and shoulders above the rest: Venus Williams’ inspiring charge towards the SW19 finals. But Venus wasn’t the only big story on Day 8 of The Championships…

The women’s action:
The tennis world often marvels at the longevity of Roger Federer, but when it comes to doing it for the ‘golden oldies’, Venus Williams is in a class of her own. At the grand ‘old’ age of 36 (yes, we know 36 isn’t very old at all), the five-time champion walloped her way into yet another SW19 semifinal with a 7-6(5) 6-2 win over the unseeded Slava Shvedova.

“Semi-finals feels good,” Venus said. “But it doesn’t feel foreign at all, let’s put it that way.”

But while Venus was the favourite going into today’s semi, she’ll be anything but when she squares off against Angie Kerber on Thursday. The Australian Open champion, who is yet to drop a set at Wimbledon, edged Simona Halep 7-5 7-6(2) in a high quality, engrossing encounter on Centre.

“I’m really happy that I won this because it was so close. I won the last point and that’s what counts,” Kerber said.

On the other side of the draw, Serena Williams continued what feels like an inevitable march towards another title with a 6-4 6-4 win over Pavlyuchenkova. Unlike Kerber v Halep, which featured 13 breaks of serve, Serena capitalised once in each set to secure yet another comfortable victory.

“We’re just happy to be in the semi-finals. It’s so cool, it’s just great,” Serena said. “If I’m not in the final, obviously I want her to win so bad.”

Serena will be the absolute favourite when she squares off against Elena Vesnina in the semis. The World No.50, who swatted aside an exhausted Domi Cibulkova 6-2 6-2, is relishing her chance to have a crack at the World No.1.

“That’s a dream semi-final. I think nothing can be better than playing against Serena in semi-final on Centre Court at Wimbledon,” Vesnina gushed. “I’m admiring her. I’m always watching. She’s number one in the world. She’s best player in the world. I respect both Serena and Venus. What they bring to the sport is just incredible.”

The men’s action:
While most of the men were enjoying a day off, Tomas Berdych and Jiri Vesely had Czech bragging rights to settle over on Court No.3. The honours went to the former finalist, who came through a tough five setter 4-6 6-3 7-6(7) 6-7 (9) 6-3.

Ones to watch:
Of the men’s quarterfinals on offer, one stands out above the rest: Andy Murray v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Murray should have the edge in what will be a heavy hitting, tense encounter. Before that, Roger Federer should have what it takes to get the better of Marin Cilic. Over on Court 1, it’s hard to see Querrey upsetting Raonic or Pouille upsetting Berdych, but this Wimbledon has thrown a few curveballs around the men’s draw so never say never.