Who could have won Wimbledon 2011: Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – Part 1
Novak Djokovic realised his two biggest childhood dreams within a gap of three days at this year’s Wimbledon Championships. The Serbian downed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the semi-finals to ensure that he is the new number one tennis player in the world and put a cherry on the cake as he dethroned Rafael Nadal to win his maiden title at the Wimbledon Championships.
However, there were a number of players who entered the championships as favourites, with the potential to lift the golden trophy. This is a list of 5 players who had the most chances to win the coveted title at the 2011 Wimbledon Championships.
5. Tomas Berdych
Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic entered the championships as the seventh best player in the world. The Czech, having one of the most powerful ground strokes and serve among the current players, was seeded sixth at the event.
Berdych was upset by Philipp Petzschner in the semi-finals at the pre-Wimbledon tournament in Halle but he had a stellar 2010 season. Although, the Czech does not have any grass court title to his name, he created the biggest upset at last year’s Wimbledon Championships when he overpowered six time champion Roger Federer in four sets 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. He dismissed then world number 3 Djokovic in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(9), 6-3 in the semi-finals to reach his first grand slam final. The right-handed failed to achieve glory as was downed in straight sets in the final by Nadal. However, the Czech strengthened his reputation as a force to be reckoned with at the ATP World Tour.
Berdych had already beaten Federer in the round of 16 at the 2010 Sony Ericsson Open before inflicting this defeat on the Swiss. The Czech had also reached the semi-finals at the French Open, losing to two time finalist Robin Soderling in five marathon sets.
The six feet and five inches tall could not match last year’s performance and was upset by American Mardy Fish in straight sets 6-7(5), 4-6, 4-6 in the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon Championships 2011.
4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has an aggressive style of play. He smacks the ball with his forehand and likes to play serve and volley game which favours him at the fast grass courts.
The French came to the Wimbledon Championships fresh after upsetting Nadal in the quarterfinals of the AEGON Championships at the Queen’s Club in London which is one of the two Wimbledon warp up events. The La Rippe, Switzerland resident lost to Andy Murray in three thrilling sets 6-3, 6-7(2), 4-6 in the final but with that performance he became one of the title favourites.
This was the right-hander’s second win over Nadal. The French had thrashed the Spaniard in straight sets 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, when he first came to the scene at the ATP World Tour.
In a short span of time, Tsonga has clinched five career titles. Last year, the French failed to capitalise on the first set win as he was ousted by Andy Murray in four sets 7-6(5), 6-7(5), 2-6, 2-6 in the quarterfinals at the SW19.
Tsonga did not disappoint his fans and gave some impressive results at this year’s championships. He defeated seventh seed David Ferrer of Spain in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(1) in the round of 16. The 26-year-old did not stop and fought back from two sets down to upset sixteen time grand slam champion Federer in five sets 3-6, 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals. Finally, Tsonga’s progress was halted by eventual champion Novak Djokovic in four gruelling sets 6-7(4), 2-6, 7-6(9), 3-6 in the semi-finals.
The series continue in the http://www.senore.com/Who-could-have-won-Wimbledon-2011-Andy-Murray-Part-2-a80542.
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