Mikhail Youzhny of Russia is treated by a physiotherapist for a back injury, during his Men's Singles match against Spain's Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon, July 5, 2007
Photo: AP
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Wimbledon without a Russian Accent
There are no more Russian players left at Wimbledon. The last three were eliminated yesterday. Nikolay Davydenko gave way to Cypriote Marcos Baghdatis and Rafael Nadal beat Mikhail Youzhny. In women's tennis, Venus Williams took care of Svetlana Kuznetsova, having wiped out Maria Sharapova less than 24 hours earlier.
When asked about the fact that she had barely won against two little-known players before dispensing with the Russian greats, Williams explained that she needs a strong opponent to make her wake up and show what she can do. Now she is considered the only player who stands any chance against Justine Henin. First though, she will face 19-year rising star from Serbia Ana Ivanovic.
Youzhny started strong against Nadal, who was favored to win. Youzhny won the two starting sets easily. Nadal plays better on clay, and Youzhny has won against him twice in the last year. Then an old back injury of Youzhny's made itself felt. Massage was ineffective against it and it was all Youzhny could do to make it to the end of the match.
Davydenko also got off to a good start in his match against Baghdatis. After the Russian won the first set, though, Baghdatis took courage from his large fan base in attendance. Baghdatis's supporters may also be responsible for the large number of Davydenko's unforced errors (39 to Baghdatis's 24 before the tie-breaker). By the third set, Baghdatis was in complete control.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of July 06, 2007
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