IN WITH THE NEW?
July 01 | 06

Rafa has reached the Fourth Round at Wimbledon for the first time with a 7-6(5),6-2, 6-4 victory over former champion Andre Agassi. Afterwards he described it as his best ever match on grass.

There was an early morning rush for Centre Court tickets with everyone eager to see this contest. Ultimately, it proved to be Agassi's last appearance at Wimbledon before his retirement and there was an emotionally charged atmosphere throughout. On a day that many former champions were honoured guests on the Centre Court, Rafa showed the utmost respect to Agassi and his followers.

Rafa served superbly and it enabled him to dictate the majority of the play in the match. In the first set he had a number of chances to break serve but it took some superb play in the tie break to turn the match Rafa's way. A magnificent forehand pass enabled him to come from 2-5 down to win the tie break 7-5.

Despite running away with the second set, Rafa went about his business in a quietly efficient manner. He broke Agassi's game down from the back of the court and backed it up with some clever serving including three aces in the game to seal the two set lead.
One break of Agassi's serve at 3-3 in the third set was enough and Rafa will now face the Georgian Irakli Labadze on Monday for a place in the quarter finals.
GOOD LUCK RAFA!!

Written by, Kate Flory

 

© 2005 PREMIER ALLIANCES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED