Djokovic, Murray Cruise; Stosur, Stephens Out Day 1 at Wimbledon

by Staff | June 23rd, 2014, 11:23 pm
  • 102 Comments

Favorites Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray started in devastating form on Monday at the first day of Wimbledon, advancing in straight sets.
ADHEREL
The top-seeded Djokovic lost only five games in downing Kazakhstan’s Andrey Golubev 6-0, 6-1, 6-4, and Murray defeated Belgian David Goffin 6-1, 6-4, 7-5.

“The way the match was going, the way he was playing, I was happy to finish in straight sets,” said Murray on the tighter third set, with coach Amelie Mauresmo watching from the player’s box. “If my level let up a little bit, he could have won the third set, for sure.”

No. 6 Tomas Berdych, who came from a set down to defeat Romanian Victor Hanescu 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-4, 6-3, and No. 7 David Ferrer who topped Spanish countryman Pablo Carreno 6-0, 6-7(3), 6-1, 6-1 were the only other Top 10 seeds in action.


Other seeded players into the second round Monday were No. 11 Grigor Dimitrov, No. 12 Ernests Gulbis, No. 16 Fabio Fognini beating American Alex Kuznetsov 9-7 in the fifth from 0-2 sets down, No. 17 Mikhail Youzhny, No. 20 Kevin Anderson, No. 21 Alexandr Dolgopolov, No. 26 Marin Cilic who beat Paul-Henri Mathieu in four, and No. 27 Roberto Bautista who defeated Steve Johnson in four.

“I’m feeling good at the moment,” Dimitrov said after dismissing the American Ryan Harrison in straights. “It’s just early in the tournament, so of course there’s a lot of other things to look forward to…I like the way I’m playing right now and feeling comfortable on court.”

On the upset tip on opening day were Aussie Marinko Matosevic upending No. 18 Fernando “Hot Sauce” Verdasco in four, Argentine Leonardo Mayer outlasting No. 25 Andreas Seppi in five, and Dutchman Robin Haase dismissing No. 31 Vasek Pospisil in four.

“Since we started working together again, he’s big on playing attacking tennis,” said Matosevic about his attacking style under coach Mark Woodforde. “He really focused on this grasscourt season. On hardcourt be tougher to do, but play to win, play grasscourt tennis. It’s paying off so far.”

Unseeded winners of note were Radek “The Worm” Stepanek, unheralded German Tim Puetz, Marcos Baghdatis defeating Dustin Brown in four, and Bernard Tomic beating Evgeny Donskoy in straights.

No. 14 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Jurgen Melzer were halted in the fifth set due to rain, and likewise Americans Bradley Klahn and Sam Querrey.

Some big-name lower seeds exited on the first day of play on Monday on the women’s side at the All England Club.

Former Slam winner and No. 17 seed Sam Stosur was ousted by Belgian Yanina Wickmayer, and No. 18-seeded American Sloane Stephens was defeated by Russian veteran Maria Kirilenko.

“Yeah, pretty annoyed about it, to be honest,” Stosur told reporters. “Yeah, I don’t have an answer ’cause I do feel I played well; I think she played well and she stuck to it right from first point to last point. She did well to carry that through, and nearly without a blip.”

Stephens seemed listless in her loss to the Russian Maria, the who who has not won Wimbledon.

“She’s a good grasscourt player,” Stephens said after saving five match points before going down in the second-set tiebreaker. “She just played really consistent. Tough day for me.”

In the only other upset on the day, American CoCo Vandeweghe duplicated her result last week en route to her first career title by defeating No. 27 Garbine Muguruza 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

The four Top 10-seeded players all moved into the second round in straight sets, with No. 2 Li Na coming back from a break down 4-5 in the first to defeat Polish qualifier Paula Kania 7-5, 6-2; No. 6 Petra Kvitova handling Czech Andrea Hlavackova 6-3, 6-0; No. 8 Victoria Azarenka in her Slam comeback defeating Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 6-3, 7-5, and No. 10 Dominika Cibulkova easing past Canadian qualifier Aleksandra Wozniak 6-1, 6-2.

“I was super happy to get a win,” said Azarenka on being back on the Slam stage for the first time since January. “I’m just very happy to be able to play. This is what I love to do. The best feeling is to play pain-free. That’s what’s important for me.”

Other seeded winners were No. 12 Flavia Pennetta, No. 22 Ekaterina Makarova from a set down over Kimiko Date-Krumm, No. 23 Lucie Safarova, No. 30 Venus Williams and No. 32 Elena Vesnina.

Five matches were suspended due to darkness, including No. 14 seed Sara Errani at one-set all with French comer Caroline Garcia.

Matches to look for on Tuesday at the All England Club include (2) Rafael Nadal vs. Martin Klizan, (1) Serena Williams vs. Anna Tatishvili, (4) Roger Federer vs. Paolo Lorenzi, (13) Eugenie Bouchard vs. Daniela Hantuchova, (7) Jelena Jankovic vs. Kaia Kanepi, (31) Klara Koukalova vs. (WC) Taylor Townsend, and (12) Roberta Vinci vs. Donna Vekic (upset alert).


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102 Comments for Djokovic, Murray Cruise; Stosur, Stephens Out Day 1 at Wimbledon

metan Says:

Today is Rafa first day to start his conquest at green green grass of Wimby. I hope he will get trough his first test and I am going to cheer him up.. VAMOS , Rafa!


madmax Says:

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/jun/22/andy-murray-virginia-wade-wimbledon-amelie-mauresmo

Virginia Wade is obviously jealous that she wasn’t picked as the coach. Silly woman.


Colin Says:

“The who who has not won Wimbledon”

Be careful! As it stands that is probably actionable.


jatin Says:

Somdev has just won a set against jerzy … Wow..
Hope he can keep up that level..


Purcell Says:

Well put together documentary last night on BBC: When Andy won Wimbledon. Should be available on catch-up/I player. Particularly moving interviews with Andy’s dad.


madmax Says:

Purcell,

do you know of any other radio streams? I can’t get BBC 5 live through my laptop for some reason, so if anyone out there sees this shortly, please help!


Purcell Says:

Sorry Madmax, the doc was on the telly. Is that what you mean? Are you able to watch BBC TV? I’ll see if I can pick up 5 live and send instructions. If you don’t hear from me assume I’ve failed!
Roger’s playing very well although his opponent is not great. Oh and sorry to descend into worship of anything other than his tennis but Rog looks even more gorgeous than usual.


Purcell Says:

Ok me again Madmax.
Type in BBC 5 live
Press SPORT on bar near top
Live broadcast appears.
Hope this works.


jatin Says:

At least roger is winning. I think he has a great chance to win this wimbledon


Purcell Says:

Interesting way to end the match jatin……Lorenzi hung in there!


Daniel Says:

Damm, just because I mention on the other tread Nadal should win a set as he is 0-6 in last 6 sets played on grass he was broken and Klizan will serve for first set.

Anyone watching, I am just following score.


RD Says:

When was the last time Nadal won a set at Wimbledon? 2012? 4th set against Rosol?


metan Says:

OMG, just on the TV and Rafa lost first set. What’s going on.
Oh Dear God, please help Rafa, at least he won’t lose at first round.


Okiegal Says:

Yes, Daniel, I am watching. Have TV tuned in and my computer on ESPN3.com so when TV coverage changes to another match, I don’t miss any of Rafa’s. Sad he got broken……but he definitely isn’t comfortable. I am concerned for my guy!


jatin Says:

Purcell
I didn’t saw the match unfortunately. But yeah, i was expecting it to end like 6-2 in the third. Anyway.. It seems like Roger is playing great.. 40 winners to 20 unforced errors

Meanwhile, an upset on cards.. Rafa is in trouble again.. Lost the first set..


Okiegal Says:

Klizan slipping and sliding a lot…..5th time!


skeezer Says:

What’s a Klizan?


Okiegal Says:

Julian needs to change shoes….6th time!


skeezer Says:

And why is it taking a set off the King of Clay?


Okiegal Says:

KLIZAN. Needs new shoes, not Julian…oops!


Daniel Says:

Klizan just had 3 BP’s on last game but Nadal hold. Seems e is winning more second returns. IsS Nadal serve, weak today?!


Okiegal Says:

@Skeez

What’s a skeezer? A bitter old geezer! Lol

#notfussingtoday
#happy2bwatching
#kingofclay


Purcell Says:

Klizan’s slipping and sliding will be his downfall!!! He needs to turn into a Klingon.


gonzalowski Says:

Klizan is leftie.
Commentators say Rafa is moving well… but it appears that Klizan is getting a lot of winners


Humble Rafa Says:

I am playing a Giant Killer. Pray for me.


Okiegal Says:

I will have to say, Klizan does have steady nerves….


Okiegal Says:

Atta a baby!!!!


van orten Says:

nadal on grass is def. a different animal as on clay
how did he survive so many first weeks at wimby before?


Okiegal Says:

I guess I jinxed Klizan.


metan Says:

Come on Rafa, break back. That’s awesome forehand.


metan Says:

Don’t give that giant free point.


metan Says:

Okiegal, you’d better don’t jinx that guy otherwise we will get Karma.


Okiegal Says:

Wouldn’t falling on grass be easier on the body than hard courts? Any grass courters out there that knows thus answer?


Daniel Says:

Klizan had his chances on 1-1 15-40, Now Nadal broke him and is leading 5-2. Third set will be crucial for Klizan if he is to have any shot at actually winning.
This happens to this guys as well, when they realize they are winning against a big name they fold. But this is still grass, only 1 break is needed per set as usually we don’t see break back like on clay.


Okiegal Says:

@Metan……yeah, I thought of that after I posted that comment! I won’t mention the “j” word again….promise!! Lol


Daniel Says:

In the mean time Raonic is having no problem in his match, leading third set for a clean straight set victory. Curious to see if he can finally deliver at Wimbledon.


gonzalowski Says:

Nadal has started to play more to Klizan’s backhand, it’s like a new plan. The slovakian kills with the drive.
Klizan not so focused now, but holds 5-3


Daniel Says:

It is Okiegal, The problem is that on grass you slip more often so you kind of get sore.


Humble Rafa Says:

Those of you who have the casket ready for me, I kindly ask that you hold off. The casket may not be needed today, plus your cats are waiting for you at home. You may want to take proper care of them.


Daniel Says:

2 BP’s to Klizan to get back on this set, this could be decisive for him.


Daniel Says:

And for NAdal, serving for set and saving 2 BP’s could get him the extra confidence he needs


metan Says:

Yesssssssss. Thanks God. We got it @ second set.


Polo Says:

Good! One set apiece now. It does not make for a good tournament when Nadal and/or Federer lose before the second week of a major. And I don’t want them to lose to just about anybody. These are the two best players ever and I want them to lose only to each other.


Daniel Says:

Match leveled on 1-1. Klizan had Bp’s in more service games than Nadal had so far. Pretty even match, but now is the time Nadal usually steps another gear.
If he wins third set, match is over in 4, if Klizan some how wins the third, than we are in for another tense contest.


Okiegal Says:

Whew!!!!!

#happiercamper
#1each


metan Says:

@Polo. Well said.


Margot Says:

Sitting here v. glad Andy wasn’t playing Klizan. Just hits lights out, unreturnable forehands and serves.
Rafa just took second set with some smart play and expecting him to win.
This guy’s like Rosol, when the ball goes in it’s unreturnable. Fortunately these players are highly erratic.


Daniel Says:

Rosol also hold for a 5-3 lead, 1 game away from winning in 4.


Daniel Says:

Klizan 40-15 to BP Nadal.


Okiegal Says:

Now, that’s my Rafa!

#morelikeit


Daniel Says:

Nadal broke, expected to run away with the macth now.


metan Says:

Beautiful cross court backhand from Rafa.


Okiegal Says:

@Margot

Erratic….Good choice of words!


metan Says:

Daniel, that guy name Rosol will be getting attention for the next match.


Daniel Says:

IS it a combination of Nadal finding his groove and Klizan folding, because by the score seems Rafa took full control.

Rosol waiting next round. Payback time:-)


Humble Rafa Says:

Humble Time.


Margot Says:

@OK
Do you think Colin would approve…..;)


youyong Says:

“Daniel Says:

IS it a combination of Nadal finding his groove and Klizan folding, because by the score seems Rafa took full control.”

Nadal’s play hasn’t changed much. More of Klizan missing his shots. This isn’t a good sign in the long run though as it means he will remain vulnerable in later rounds.


youyong Says:

Klizan just broke back as Rafa played a poor service game.


Daniel Says:

Klizan got 1 break back and is 4015 but he needs to hold serve this set to have any chance.


Margot Says:

@youyong
Rafa always plays himself into slams. If he survives to the 2nd week you can bet he won’t be missing those shots!


youyong Says:

@Margot

I hope he can survive this week first though :)


van orten Says:

nadal sucks on grass but still won wimby twice and was 3 time runner up .. how come??


Humble Rafa Says:

van orten Says:
nadal sucks on grass but still won wimby twice and was 3 time runner up .. how come??

The same way the Arrogant One was runner up at FO and won the FO once.

#truth hurts#


jatin Says:

Rafa is in control now..


judee Says:

i think this match good preparation for rosol


van orten Says:

klizan now practically dead missin only easy shots now


Okiegal Says:

@Daniel

After I asked question about grass opposed to hard courts, Brad Gilbert made a comment about that very thing. He said exactly what you said.


judee Says:

@van orten i feel sorry for u may be rosol will make u happy u still have a hope


Okiegal Says:

@Margot

Probably not……ha ha ha Colin is brutal when it comes to proper English…..but I do like him and enjoy his posts.


Okiegal Says:

@Margot

I made a comment above about Klizan slipping and sliding. I got called our by Skeezer…He wanted to know what a Klizan was…..I guess I should have said “Klizan IS slipping and sliding……LOL whatever!!


RD Says:

Less than convincing.


Daniel Says:

Wasn’t able to follow rest of the match. Rosol it is. That would be fun, specially if Rosol somehow wins first set:-)


judee Says:

the only other time these tow have played the scor was the same


Okiegal Says:

…….oops, called out, post at 12:18..Thought I had better correct it because there might be PEP lurking.

#PEP/properenglispolice


judee Says:

congratulations nadal for winning #700


Daniel Says:

Assuming Nadal passes rosol, he has a virtually bye to quarters now that Karlovic is gone. Can’t see any of the remaining beating him here: Dancevic, Kukushin, Monfilsl, Gasquet.

Milos is playing well this year and making good use of his ranking. His draw also is nice and can’t see him losing before Round of 16 where he will play either Kohlshreiber or Nishikori.

So this is pretty much Nadal competition before semis: Rosol, Dancevic/Kukushi, Monfils/Gasquet and in Quarters either Raonic, Kohls or Nishikori. Nothing to be super scared of. Maybe indeed if Raonic goes that far with his serve and improved movement this could be his best shot to upset Nadal. But their potential match will be on Wednesday after 10 days of play, back court will be compact and Nadal’s movement will also improve, literally getting his feet on the ground.

Yes, he can loses sets in all his matches as grass 1 bad game and a set is gone, but looking at his draw, only real treat to me is his QF opponent and a big if as draw can open up.


Margot Says:

@OK
Lol invent a new language, why not? James Joyce did.
From now on a “klizan slip” will mean a large guy with his butt on the grass……;)


calmdownplease Says:

Well done to Rafa for surviving & then some.
Not a great match from his side, but It’s not enough that one of these ne’er do wells just turns up on agrass court to collect the honours.
They still have to play their best match ever.


andrea Says:

nice first round win by roger. can’t read much into it since he overwhelmed his opponent, but always nice to start with a breezy first round match.


Humble Rafa Says:

From now on a “klizan slip” will mean a large guy with his butt on the grass……;)

Big Lady wants you on the phone.


andrea Says:

go genie! solid first rounder.


Humble Rafa Says:

go genie! solid first rounder.

I was wondering who Genie was. Oh, the one from Canadia, I see

#Canadiawomen#


roy Says:

people talk about them ‘slowing down’ the grass conditions, as if that favours nadal.
i say the heavy ball they’ve ‘slowed’ the game down with hurts nadal. it seems a struggle for him to get enough pace at times because of his spin.
i’m sure if they have a smaller, livelier ball, nadal would actually be more comfortable on grass and more dangerous.

but he’s also won queens and made 5 W finals. so he’s not that uncomfortable. he just needs rounds to get his comfort zone and increase his aggressiveness.


calmdownplease Says:

` Rosol, Dancevic/Kukushi, Monfils/Gasquet and in Quarters either Raonic, Kohls or Nishikori. Nothing to be super scared of..`

Why would Rafa ever be super scared of anybody? However he should be wary. Nishikori would have won that Madrid final without injury. So he’s not going to be chopped liver if there/fit. Also players are now coming onto the court feeling they have more than a shot. So he has lost quite a bit of his `aura` on grass, for the time being anyway. And that can spell trouble for him at any stage,even if he reaches the `Promised Land` of week 2.


Okiegal Says:

@Margot 12:52

That works for me! LOL


skeezer Says:

“people talk about them ‘slowing down’ the grass conditions,”
Get your facts straight. Wimbledon grass has slowed down.


Okiegal Says:

@Skeezer

What makes the grass slower than it once was? I’m curious about fast as compared to slow. Is it about density?


the DA Says:

I must admit, I was as nervous as Rafa looked when he lost the first set. By the 3rd with Klizan slumping I knew he had it in the bag. He’ll need to be better on Thursday though.

Federer had his usual problem with converting BPs. Strange because Lorenzi looked like a fish out of water. Giles Muller is going to be a very real test. He won 94% of his first serve points today and knows how to play on the grass.


Patson Says:

Everybody slows down with time, even grass.


van orten Says:

Nineteen courts are used at Wimbledon, and since 2001 they have all been sown with 100% Perennial Ryegrass, a grass native to Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Courts were previously 70% Ryegrass and 30% Creeping Red Fescue grass. The grass is hand-weeded and mowed to a height of 8mm everyday of the championship.


Humble Rafa Says:

Please don’t fight with Skeeze. He is going through menopause.


martins take Says:

Disappointed but not surprised that Sloane is out. She has a long way to go mentally.
Good to see Rafa not get knocked out first round. Hope he is still around after the second. It starts getting far more furiously interesting from third round on.
Will Serena implode again? Who knows.
Wimbledon is a tough tournament. It is the ultimate “proving ground.”
http://martinstake128.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/wimbledon-the-proving-ground/


Patson Says:

Karlovic today- 32 aces, 82% of first serves in and he still lost in straight sets.

My question to Dr. Ivo: What the hell is wrong with you man ? I mean seriously, wth ?


skeezer Says:

“Please don’t fight with Skeeze. He is going through menopause.”

MODERATORS?

I can’t have menapause, nor have cats, nor am old. Quit the lies to get attention.
Get a life, and try to post as a real tennis fan(if you have the b@lls) Instead of doing bad comedy acting like Rafael Nadal. You do him injustice.


Okiegal Says:

@Van Orten

Thanks for the grass info.


skeezer Says:

Okiegal,
Van Orten explained it technically. To add they replaced the sub surface also. All this firmed up the surface, resulting in a higher bounce than pre 2001. Grass has always been a very soft low bouncing surface….(pre 2001). Note Fed won all his Wimby titles on the revamped surface that was friendlier to Clay courters.


Okiegal Says:

@Skeezer

Thanks for your response. I love tennis so much that I want to learn everything I can about it. Fast and slow courts are always a hot topic and was just curious about it. I have learned a lot more about tennis since I’ve been on this forum. TX can be informative……even amid all the other hoopla! Appreciate you taking time to enlighten me.


madmax Says:

Purcell Says:
Ok me again Madmax.
Type in BBC 5 live
Press SPORT on bar near top
Live broadcast appears.
Hope this works.

June 24th, 2014 at 9:53 am

Purcell!

Thanks so much! I will try this later.

Yes, I agree with you on your assessment of Roger.

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