Wimbledon Mens Semi-Final Predictions, Day 11: Djokovic-Del Potro and Murray-Janowicz

Novak Djokovic v Juan Martin del Potro

Finishing within 10 seconds of each other, Novak Djokovic and Juan Martin del Potro won their quarter-finals to set up a dazzling Wimbledon semi-final.  Del Potro looked on his way home after the first game as he went down on the grass clutching his knee; however some "magic pills" did the job and he produced a staggering level of tennis to defeat an equally crocked David Ferrer, 6-2 6-4 7-6(5).  The match point was simply sensational and is one that will replayed again and again.  Djokovic was certainly tested in the first two sets of his quarter-final with Tomas Berdych, but the Czech player struggled mentally to cement his openings, notably losing a double break lead in the second set.  Djokovic won 7-6(5) 6-4 6-3 and like Del Potro, has yet to drop a set all tournament, which I believe is a record in the Open era... something  though has to give.


The amazing match point in the Ferrer-del Potro quarter-final

Djokovic and Del Potro have played each other 11 times with Djokovic leading the head-to-head with 8 wins to 3.  Del Potro did win their last encounter, a pulsating three setter in Indian Wells and he also won their only encounter on grass, which took place in the Olympics bronze medal match last year  I think that a fully fit Del Potro would go into this with a 50/50 chance, but you have to take into the account that Del Potro has significant injury concerns and anything that will affect his movement, Djokovic will exploit.  I think Del Potro has a much better chance than Ferrer would have had in threatening Djokovic, but based on the circumstances, the world number one is my tip for the final.

Prediction - Djokovic to beat Del Potro in 4 sets

Jerzy Janowicz v Andy Murray

Five set epics have been pretty non-existent at this year's Championships so it seemed fitting that after three quarter-finals all were decided in straight sets, the final one went the distance and got every British fan on the edge of their seats.  Andy Murray came back from two sets down to beat an at-times inspired Fernando Verdasco, 4-6 3-6 6-1 6-4 7-5.  I actually thought it was not a great match and apart from the drama at the end of the 5th set, I lost interest through the first three sets.  Verdasco delivered up some clutch serving and an all round impressive performance, but Murray got through this by the skin of the teeth and he was not at the races in the first two sets.

Murray now takes on a first time Grand Slam semi-finalist, Jerzy Janowicz who edged past fellow Pole, Lukasz Kubot in a tight three setter.  Janowicz was an emotional wreck at the end and I do wonder what his reaction will be if he reaches the final.  I can just imagine that the UK media will be bigging up Murray's chances against a "nobody".  I have no doubt in saying this will be an incredibly tough match for Andy.  Janowicz is a huge server, who has a perfect game for grass and in addition, he has the experience of beating Andy on his way to the final of the Masters 1000 event in Bercy last year.  Janowicz has really impressed this week and I actually did contemplate the winner of this one hard...

Prediction - Murray to beat Janowicz in 5 sets