
LONDON: The Aegon Championships is reaching the business end of the draw with the semifinalists being decided on Friday.
As three former champions took to the center court in much cooler conditions compared to earlier in the week, only two prevailed. Marin Cilic continued his impressive progression on the tour with a solid straight set win over Donald Young. Meanwhile, Grigor Dimitrov overcame a second set blip to tame Daniil Medvedev, who was coping with a right shoulder injury. 2010 champion Sam Querrey failed to make a hat trick after succumbing to the power of Gilles Muller. Elsewhere Feliciano Lopez continues his recent surge in form with a marathon win over Tomas Berdych.
Looking at all four semifinalist, there is one prominent feature. They all have a high first service rate, illustrating the significance of serving well on the grass. Earlier this week Andy Murray said movement and serving was two of the most important things when playing on a grass court. It all makes sense, but it doesn’t sink in until the statistics are analyzed.
Marin Cilic | Grigor Dimitrov | Gilles Muller | Feliciano Lopez | |
First Serves in-R1 |
100% |
88% |
83% |
88% |
First serves in-R2 |
95% |
87% |
85% |
95% |
First serves in-QF |
85% |
62% |
81% |
91% |
Average |
92.5% |
75% |
83% |
91.5% |
One anomaly in the chart is Dimitrov’s quarter-final clash. After the match he blamed the lower than desired figure on the gusty conditions in London. On the other hand, former US Open champion Cilic points out that it is about adapting to the environment.
“Overall when you are playing during the year, the form is going up and down, the conditions are different. For example, like today, it’s very gusty, I have to adjust, and tennis is a game of precision.” Cilic explained.
“So you have to work on your shots constantly and that you feel comfortable. It’s a never-ending story.”
The fast serves seen this week has been aided by the hot weather. Some players are hoping the heat stays around for Wimbledon, allowing them to maximize their serving. Cilic, who is the only semifinalist to win over 95% of first serves in two matches this week, is hoping to serve his way into the top-five soon, a position that has eluded him throughout his career.
“I think this week was nice to feel it, actually, with that big heat.” He said about his serve. “It was a little bit faster conditions. Ball was coming through the air a little bit quicker. It was bouncy a little bit more.”
“And usually in Wimbledon it is a fraction, the bounce is a fraction higher than here. It’s going to definitely be good for my game.”
Unlike clay, which is usually a slower surface, Grass is the area for the fastest players in the sport to thrive. They could be good in all areas, but the lack of a strong serve will cost them dearly on the grass. Summarized best by 34-year-old tour veteran Muller.
“I think on grass everything goes so fast, and I feel like even when you don’t play well you can still stay in the match with your serve.” He concluded.
This year’s Queen’s champion might not be decided by a players physicality, but by how well they serve.
Watch out Wimbledon, the servebots are coming.