Huber/Raymond defeat Makarova/Vesnina to reach Doubles semis – Wimbledon Championships 2012
Top seeded American duo of Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond reigned supreme over the fifth seeded Russian combination of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina in the quarter-final rounds of the Wimbledon Women’s Doubles on Wednesday
afternoon. The American veterans too one hour and 40 minutes of play to wrap up victory in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-3, to earn a spot in the semis of the Grand Slam event in London, England.
It was a comprehensive victory for the number one seeded tandem. Huber and Raymond had to overcome the early resistance from the Russians but one they found their winning groove, Makarova and Vesnina couldn’t do much to stop their
thrashing. The Russian were extremely miser on granting unforced errors to their opponents, coughing merely two in the entire matchup, but missed out a number of vital opportunities to finish on the losing side in the end.
Both teams bagged 33 points apiece on their first serves but the critical difference lied in the number of break points being registered. Huber and Raymond took the better of the Russian rivals by nailing three out of nine break
opportunities, whilst Makarova and Vesnina squandered away four priceless chances and could barely register one break of serve. Their 12 winners and six unforced errors from the Americans could also not assist them to claim victory, forcing them to leave the
All England Tennis and Croquet Club in sheer dismay.
The top seed Americans were extremely delighted on their triumph and cited that their aim is to lift the gold at this coveted event. Huber and Raymond have been in sublime form throughout this season and it will be no surprise
if they claim yet another Major title together.
"At 4-2 down there was a rain delay, which helped us a lot," Raymond said. "We went back out there knowing we had to go for it, be aggressive and go down swinging if that's what it meant. We play our best when we're aggressive
and take it to our opponents, and that's what we did from 4-2 down."
Huber and Raymond will represent the American flag at the all-prestigious Olympic Games in London later this month.
"We're so excited to be a part of the US team," Raymond declared. "It's an amazing feeling to be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves - there's no greater honour than representing your country. I can't wait!"
The other American duo of the Williams Sisters also clinched double victory on Wednesday, winning their second and subsequently the third round matches to reach the quarter-final stage.
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