Women's Semi-Finals, Part 2 Wimbledon

There is an overwhelming force that accompanies the Williams sisters. I

should know. .Net! This must be so difficult to

Lindsey Davenport! First there's the power. Brutal serving, vicious

ground strokes. You hit it hard, they hit it back harder. Next there

is the speed. They are athletes. Not quite as fast as he is gone by but

if we think they are past it, get real. And that's the point. To them,

experience is no enemy. It's their best friend. They've been there,

done it, and won it all. You know it and they know you know it. You might

think you've got the best of them. Maybe. Maybe not. Sure, they are

beatable, everyone is. But trust me, it's more than a game when you're up

against Venus or Serena. STUDIO: Yes, Lindsey Davenport knows better

than most, she has played Venus twice in a Wimbledon final. Today it

is ladies semifinal day and for the first time since 2009 we have the

two Williams sisters in the last four of a Grand Slam. Four times

they have faced each other in a Wimbledon final but both women will

have to be at their best if we are to see a repeat of that in 2016.

Playing Venus is fourth seed Angelique Kerber who has a ready won

the Australian Open this year, and she has not dropped a set in this

year 's tournament. Russia's Elena Vesnina is the other semifinalist

having produced some of the performances of her career to reach

the last four. Venus Williams has five Wimbledon 's singles titles to

her name, can she added improbable six at the age of 36? While Serena

is chasing her seventh singles title and Steffi Graf's title of 22

landslide victories. Good afternoon. The Williams sisters are a big story

here at Wimbledon. No great surprise Serena is in the last four but what

a comeback from Venus. Her ranking had dropped, she suffers from an

autoimmune disorder but her passion for the game has never been

diminished. Will it be an all Williams final? We will know by the

end of the afternoon. They are both on Centre Court. First up is younger

sister Serena Williams taking on 29-year-old Elena Vesnina, playing

in her first Grand Slam semifinal. Hard to pick a winner in the second,

Angelique has the power but Venus to me has a grass court game. Serena

dropped only three points on her serve and here she is with set

points at 5-2. And that's the trademark shot of Serena, the big

serve winning her the set, and she is on cruise control at the moment

out on centre. And that form seems to be continuing in the second set

as we join it live, because she's too- zero up. She actually has a .4

3-0. Let's join Lindsey Davenport, John

McEnroe and John Inverdale. COMMENTATOR: The scoreboard has

another interesting statistic, just 38 minutes played. All Serena.

Miss Vesnina is challenging the call, the ball was called out.

Hawk-Eye has been woken from its slumber. No, well wide. That was a

second double fault from her. And the end gets ever nearer. Venus and

Angelique, you better get warming up! Really hard-core to know quite

what to say when you see a demolition job like this. The gulf

in class is huge but there was always the risk this might happen.

The bigger the match, the bigger the occasion, the more likely it is to

happen. She would have had a better chance first-round second round.

Being unseeded she could have played Serena at any point. At this stage

of the tournament, Serena's game, more than any other player, has got

better. She improves as a Grand Slam goes on and a lot of times the other

player gets fatigued as the tournament goes on. Serena knows how

to manage her game and her body during the course of these two

weeks. I know it is kind of frippery and very peripheral, but I bet

Vesnina's phone has been almost imploding with messages of good

luck. Anyone who's ever met her in her life saying, this is your

moment, semifinal, go for it. Think how nervous she was against Kerber.

She's barely even touching the surface. Cisco waits on her ankle.

-- it's like she's got waits on her ankle.

Vesnina only putting into play about 30% of her returns.

Serena has barely broken sweat today, hasn't needed to.

It's been an awesome and impressive display by Serena. Doesn't make for

a very competitive match. The hour mark is looking a long way

away now. Start to focus on the greatness of this lady. Even noting

she hasn't tied Steffi Graf yet, she was two points from a Grand Slam, in

the finals of the French, she just keeps knocking at the door. The way

it looks now, hard to envision she's not going to win at least three,

four more. Two to four. It passed Margaret Court sat 24. Yeah. -- get

past Margaret Court. If she gets three more and gets to 24, that

desire is so great to get to one more and be in front of Margaret

Court for all-time Grand Slams singles titles.

This can't be a semifinal. It's taken her 43 minutes to decide to

throw in a drop shot and that happened. It's a shame because it's

the second Thursday in a Grand Slam event.

What was your head-to-head against Serena? Not great. So much had been

written about her before she actually went on the tour. She

played Laura Glasser, her first match at Wimbledon and 98 or

something like that. At that time, were people saying, better watch out

here, this could be one of the great players? Yes. They were saying it

when she was eight. You were right, 98, first-round, Serena Williams.

Who beat her that year? Virginia one Pascual, third round. I bet she

still talks about that. She should. She is sitting in a bar saying, I

beat her once at Wimbledon. People are going, no you didn't!

Stress-free match. It's been basically just a training exercise,

hasn't it? She's going to be happy she has doubles later. That was the

first point where Vesnina said to Serena, come on, throw in a really

good blistering shot down the line, and Serena did just that. One of

these great debates because there was a fantastic documentary about

Martina Navratilova on the telly on Monday night, and there had been a

profile of Serena on Sunday night. Not sure whether that was a genius

of programming to have them back-to-back. Martina Navratilova at

her very best on her best day playing Serena Williams at her very

best on her best day, who wins? These are these unanswerable

questions, unfettered these two great champions of different eras.

-- unfair to. That's like saying at the very best, Rod Laver versus

Roger Federer, who wins? They were from very different generations,

though. So are those two, when you think about it. 25 years difference.

It's not quite as much but you get the general idea. You should be a

politician, not answering questions like that, that was brilliant. Nice

way to get out of that. There's a vacancy in the USA in few weeks'

time, you know. There is. That's going to be fun, this fall. Boy. Bat

might be a better contest than this. It's going to be a lot closer. It's

going to be the same percentages as Vesnina, what was it, 52-48? It was

close -- it's going to be the same percentages as Brexit. My goodness.

Exhibition stuff. It is. Only lost three points total on her serve in

this match. Could not have an easier time in your service games. If you

can't put pressure on Serena at all on her service game, she will be so

loose and relaxed in her return games and that's what we've seen.

That's an 11th ace and so after just 48 minutes, barely one half of

football, Serena Williams has three match points.

As simple and as easy and as straightforward as you could

possibly imagine. Just an exhibition performance from Serena Williams.

Ruthless, relentless and into yet another Wimbledon final. One match

away from equalling Steffi Graf's total of 22 Grand Slams. And might

it be her sister that stands on her way? I can promise you unequivocally

that the match you are going to see in a few minutes time... Will be

longer? Will be longer, will be closer, will be a lot more

competitive. That was disappointing, Lindsey. And this is an unfair

comparison because yesterday was so extreme, but that's not a great

start to the afternoon. No. We had such a high yesterday. It's going to

be amazing to see Serena, Pete for 22 again on Saturday -- see Serena

competing for number 22 again. Tough day at the office for Vesnina. And

how does Vesnina regroup for the doubles later on? Does she have to

say, listen, how do the people around her say, you've got to a

Grand Slam semifinal for the first time in your life, concentrate on

that. I bet she was saving herself for the doubles!

They have just announced that there will be a delay before the second

semifinal. Serena signing this, that and the other. Loads of souvenirs to

keep for a long, long time. And he's gone, he's actually just left the

commentary booth but in 1977, I got my programme signed by Bjorn Borg,

Jimmy Collins, I got three of the semifinalists but the fourth one...

You couldn't get John's? I didn't want it. People said we'd never hear

of him again. So Serena heads off to meet our man in just a moment or so.

I think a sense of awe at what we've just seen from Serena, but also a

sense of disappointment that the competition was what it should have

been for a Grand Slam semifinal, especially bathed in sunshine as we

are on Centre Court. Looking, as it always should do, but obviously for

the first ten D days here at the championship didn't. It really

couldn't have been any simpler or more straightforward. Huge

congratulations. Vesnina is a good player so how pleased I knew to win

in the manner you did today? I'm very happy. I was really focused

today because I know we've had a lot of tough matches before. Especially

on this surface, I knew that she could really bring it to me. I was

ready. Surprised you won as easily as you did? It's never easy. Every

point you have to fight for. So it's never easy. Through to your ninth

final at Wimbledon, has admitted him is that statistic to you? It's

weird, I can't believe I'm in the finals again. Obviously 0- two so

I'm determined to get at least one this year. How much would it mean to

you if your opponent was your sister, Venus? It would be great,

then we would be guaranteed a Williams on the trophy and that's

the ultimate goal for both of us. Yeah, so obviously I want her to win

and to do well and if not, Kerber would be another good match. I

played her in Australia. Either way I look forward to it. Very

impressive today, good luck in the final. Thank you. STUDIO: Big smile

from Serena and why not? She mentioned she hasn't won the two

Grand Slams so far this year but she's looking so at home on the

grassy and on Centre Court which has had so many of her triumphs. Never

allowed her opponent into the match, so Serena is through to the

Wimbledon final once again. And the Centre Court certainly

rising to the world number one, or some performance from her. We are

back here a bit quicker than I thought. We meet so soon! So

competitive. Reminded me of yesterday. Oh my gosh. But that was

awesome. Serena lost one point on her first serve out of 24, 77% of

first serves in, 28 winners. Vesnina, yes, she didn't have enough

to show Serena. The practice session this morning was harder than that

match. But Serena played at another level. She did not play at this way

when she played against McHale, she went out there and was spot on and

so focused. Maybe a little overwhelmed, Vesnina was. We will

salute Serena in a moment, but that was horrible. Let's be real here.

I'm guessing its accommodation of fatigue, she's played a lot of

matches. You are not going to give Serena in any credit? Of course I

will, she's the greatest female player that ever lived and people

have heard me say that for years. But Vesnina was frozen. Her legs

looked like they weighed 200 LB each, she couldn't move. I guess

that just shows you how great Serena Williams is. And the occasion, first

Grand Slam semifinal, Centre Court, a big deal. So this is the part

where I always feel for players as a former player, to understand that

it's extremely difficult. I was shaking in 1977, I know it was a few

years ago, the first time I went on Centre Court my legs felt like I was

going to buckle. I know the feeling of what it's like and it's difficult

to deal with. The matchup was horrible in terms of the way they

play, she hits a flat ball, she can't really win a lot of easy

points on her serve. It said right into Serena. She threw the kitchen

sink at her, slices, short, coming in, Vesnina, every ball was right

here for Serena. I apologise for my outfit by the way. We were watching

you out with my loss today, still striking the ball very well -- out

there with Milos. Thank you, we have a good fun routine, it is nice for

me to get out and hit a couple of balls. Here we are. Two on one? It

takes two of us to handle him even a little bit. When he serves he even

tells us where he will serve. I won't speak for Carlos. What kind of

spin it will be as well? I get less than half of them in when I know

where they are coming. Talk about a big serve. This is a great moment

for Milos and after what happened yesterday here on Centre Court, he

was over on Court One, he wants desperately as others do to rise to

the occasion and try to be able to bridge that gap between the all-time

greats. He is not a Lena Vesnina, I've got news for you. He's got a

game. He will not be intimidated. He wasn't intimidated a couple of years

ago, he came out tight, and he lost pretty handily to Roger who knows a

thing or two about taking advantage of inexperience and being on Centre

Court. So this is where I give Serena her props, these great

players, they are able to handle all this and it actually motivates them

and somehow they find a way to oftentimes make themselves play

better. I've never seen Murray as fired up and pumped up as emotional

and getting the crowd into it, correct me if I'm wrong, as the

fifth set against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga yesterday? It was outstanding. So

hopefully tomorrow and into the next match I expected to be extremely

close, by the way. Has more experienced blue she's been there,

done that, and she will be tough to beat for Venus Williams. Tomorrow

obviously we want to see is great semifinal. No, we certainly do. When

did you get a daughter Vesnina? You were commentating on both matches

yesterday, eight hours -- when did you get to talk Milos it was one of

the great days and I was lucky to be a tiny part of it but we spoke later

and Milos is the type of guy who lets it sink in, and we discuss

things on the practice court. And by the way I've got to say, Carlos

Moya, if I have a second, and I guess we have a second, the match

went a little shorter than we anticipated. He's done a great job

with Milos. I saw him in Australia, he had Andy Murray 2-1 up in the

semis, Murray stepped up as he did at Queen's because I was there at

the Times as well. And this is what makes these true greats. Murray,

you've got to love the guy more than ever, after what happened England

and Iceland, the way this guy is battling. He's a proud Scot,

remember. He is a proud Scot. But that match yesterday, 2-0 up he

looked to be cruising and Tsonga threw everything at him. The early

games. He faced a break point in the first game of the fifth set and of

course he just told strong. Really looking like he's playing so well

here, so confident. And Jo came back so strong, threw everything but the

kitchen sink at Andy, slices, coming forward, serving big. His forehand

was on fire. I always felt Murray had the extra gear to go to, and he

used to the crowd so well. And he is so physically fit and that is so

helpful mentally to know that, going late into that fifth coming he's

still going to be playing just as well physically as he would at the

beginning of the first set, whereas Jo are not always so sure about that

and he has had a recent injury as well. He is heading out to court at

1pm, the gates are open, and he is taking a lot of time with the fans,

looking very relaxed. He deserves it. He fought and battled valiantly

and hard. He and Tsonga, listen, briefly, early in the fifth, that

break point, if he had won that... But it's very, very hard against the

best players to come back from two sets to love down. So that's why

you've got to respect what Federer does at his age, best-of-5 sets. And

everything he's dealt with this year. He's now come back, use tied

with the two players, Boris Becker, Aaron Krickstein, they've come back

from 2-0 down ten times. And this was probably the greatest. I've got

to think, there are so many moments of Federer, but one of the best of

all time. What he's dealt with this year, knee surgery, Roger has not

had surgery before in his career, then he comes back and get sick in

Miami and has to pull out, then he gets a back injury as well and has

to play out the French. He played an extra grass court tournament but

lost a two Young guns and did not play as well as he wanted to coming

in, this was a real challenge for him yesterday physically as well

because he hasn't had as many rights as he has wanted to this year. I

think it says something about a player who is willing to lose a few

matches, willing to lose the battle and win the war. Federer could have

played the French. I think he knew deep down he wasn't going to do very

well. He's thinking of this tournament, thinking of that court.

This was his best chance. He went over and played Stuttgart, those

guys, the rust was on his body comedy was trying to get rid of some

of it, and you could see it coming off. You knew it must be frustrating

but he accepted it. It's amazing how he moves on from these losses

incredibly well. He had a great draw, so you thought, this guy might

get going. Cilic really played a fantastic match. And when Djokovic

lost, not just Roger obviously, there's a couple of other people. If

he didn't miss those two returns on forehands and get those back into

play, a little bit tight. Understandably. 3-30- 40 in the

third, looked like straight sets. Match point at 5-6, match point in

the tie-breaker. You talk about Achille match Toulouse. The 0-40

game in the seventh game, when he got back to deuce, the raw he let

out to tell everybody on Centre Court and let Cilic no, I'm not

done, I still believe. That is extremely hard to do. I guess that's

why we say he's the greatest that ever played. Absolutely. There is a

break between matches, we've got about another seven or eight

minutes. Because we've been talking about it, we are going to show you a

bit of the Federer Cilic match. Federer came back and took the third

set, we can join it in the fourth, it was going to be decided by a

tie-breaker. The encouragement continues right

after the blemish. His first serve was not going to go

into hibernation for the long. For failure that forehand was a

nervous one, he swung too soon it, did not get himself into position.

The same as the miss Dachau and at 5-4.

The pendulum that has been swinging one way and then the other swings

firmly back in Cilic's Fifa. -- That was just a battle of Wales. He

knew where it was going. And he just couldn't convert. Federer again 108

mph second serve, a Survival instincts kicking in for

Federer off a great return. He put Cilic in an awfully uncomfortable

position. Cilic unable to fashion the shot he

wanted. Credit to Cilic, Federer asking the

question, he put the pressure on. We have seen that work before. That is

how you respond to the crisis. Fourth set point, second on his own

serve. Mr Federer challenging the call. I

do not think he will get a lot of more from this book now does he go

back to the well, the big second serve to the forehand?

He goes, and Cilic makes the return. Now it is his turn to try and finish

things. I am getting whiplash, watching this momentum go back and

forth. This is why I love the sport. Watching these players battle each

other and themselves. Everything right for Marin Cilic bar

the final shot. Desperate defence from Roger.

Everyone wonders why he keeps going, that is why. How do you ever replace

being in the Calder and of competition here on Centre Court, --

cauldron. STUDIO: Centre Court crowd rising to a great champion in the

fifth set, yes, I am still number one. Incredible comeback from the

seven time champion, Roger Federer, keeping his hopes alive here of

winning yet another Wimbledon title. The Centre Court crowd treated to a

magnificent match and huge drama yesterday. Such a big favourite and

he will be back for the semifinal against Milos Raonic but what seems

yesterday. Mujdza Federer through to the last four. -- Roger. Serena

Williams already through today in record time, just 49 minutes and a

short time ago, her big sister, Venus, out to face Angelique Kerber,

Australian Open champion. This will definitely be a more

competitive match. Kerber such a competitive athlete, and of course

Venus has the wonderful grass court game. Ray to see her back in the top

ten and in a Wimbledon semifinal. She has lived with an autoimmune

disease and tumbles down the rankings but she has fought her way

back and is in her first Grand Slams semifinal for six years and at the

age of 36. I have been around the block, 20

times. To play this long you have to be passionate, you have to want it.

Every point is tough. Venus Williams is the champion. She

reigned supreme at Wimbledon. I still feel 26. You have this inside

of you, it feels like you could go for ever. It has been a long wait

for Venus, I think everyone felt she was playing the bit part to Serena

but now back on the big stage once again. It is very exciting to see

her bag in the semifinals of a major and you felt if it was going to be

one it would be here at Wimbledon because she is the five-time

champion and her game is tailor-made for this surface. Slice on her

serve, enhanced by this surface and she feels comfortable moving

forward, winning so many points in the forecourt. She also hits flat

and hard, points are a bit shorter as well and she likes it that way.

She has had to battle some close matches, we will show a little bit

of this one, and she had to rely on her grass court instincts. Her

opponent was two months old when she played her first Wimbledon,

Kasatkina. Then it started raining, but also saps her energy. Kasatkina

a talented young Russian who pushed Venus. You wonder these little chips

and Venus, will she be tired because she played a number of long matches

and doubles? Dealing with that disease, syndrome, excuse me, also

playing doubles and waiting around. Is she going to be fatigued or will

she feel relaxed after the day off? We say this will be more competitive

because Angelique Kerber has won grand slam, she will not be overawed

but she has a big game and she moves well. She moves like lightening, so

quick about the court. She likes to hit the ball early. She is best from

the baseline and creating angles. She handles the power very well. She

has excellent hands, quick feet. Not great and finishing points from the

net but she will really be trying to dictate play with her angles. She

will try to keep Venus on the run. The key is Angelique Kerber has been

to the semifinals here, and of course Australian Open champion

earlier this year so she feels more comfortable. She has talked about

the fact she went to Roland Garros and felt the pressure has Australian

Open champ and said she had to change your thinking. She says she

feels more relaxed now. I am sitting on the fence. I will be with you.

You have two said in the commentary box first. Good afternoon, Simon.

COMMENTATOR: Looking for something a bit more substantial than we had,

spectacular though it was from Serena. Let's look at the players in

detail. Kerber 28 years of age. Coming of age in Melbourne at the

start of the year. Since when it has been a tricky time. A good record,

semifinalist here four years ago, then beaten by Ron Vasquez. Bitten

by Sam Stosur in the US Open semifinals. She is the only player

in the final four not to have dropped a set. -- beaten by Sam

Stosur. And the amazing Venus wins, at the age of 36, who would have

thought 22 years ago when she made her debut in Oakland that she would

still be playing? At this level. For nominal stats, seven grand slam

titles. Five of them right here. -- phenomenal. Has had two tough

matches, the longest final set of her career there, against Kazakh

kina -- against Kasatkina. It has been a good draw but importantly she

has made the most of it. She really has. Getting better with each match

she has played that this will be a jump up in level today against

Angelique Kerber. The head-to-head in Kerber's favour. They have played

on grass, at the Olympics in 2012. Kerber winning that in two tight

sets. Eva Asderaki Moore has the privilege

of officiating at this one. They have a season-ticket for that box

today. Who knows, it might be all Williams in the final. Super day.

First match was fabulous for Serena but we are looking for something

very competitive here. She has to believe she can win. It will be

Venus Williams to begin. She has won all eight of them up

until now. In all her matches she seems to have finished better than

she started. And I think it is important for her today to have a

quick start. She does not want a lengthy rallies

against Kerber, who can run all day. Venus was down a set point in the

first set of her first match. And she was down in the tie-break

against Shvedova. She got lucky there.

A little slow to get her feet moving. Break point for the German.

Torben Beltz has coached Kerber for a couple of years now. She is

rejuvenated, fitter and stronger, she found it difficult to come to

terms with... ... To come to terms with her new

level after winning in Australia. Now she seems more at ease with it.

Her forehand will need to be firing today.

Looking good at the moment. Much better than the first game when

Venus basically broke herself. Still not really timing it. Three

break back points. Williams breaks back with even

greater ease. You might see a lot of breaks in this match today. Kerber

is a prize money has been broken 18 times on her way to the semifinals.

-- surprisingly. Sometimes her second serve can be a bit too soft.

-- Venus has been broken 18 times. Kerber was broken six times in her

semifinal against Simone Halep. That might have been going out.

Great call. They are not natural challengers. -- late call. And she

is right. Just lifted up on that friction. Two

break points for a third successive break.

Missed opportunity there, second serve.

She hits it flat, very difficult to tell where it is going particularly

on the forehand side. So nicely done. Something I think Venus should

do frequently today. in the whole tournament Venus has

been to the net 128 times. Looked like a tired forehand there.

One thing to keep track of his her fatigue.

She has been suffering for last five years with this syndrome which

manifests itself in a number of ways but one of those is tiredness.

Not much push off from the legs. She was diagnosed with Sjogren's

syndrome in 2011. Some of the researcher and this morning told me

that you have two pace yourself. -- some of the research I did this

morning told me you have two pace so. In a team sport you could put

someone else in. Calling for the towel, to slow

things down. Venus has spent four more hours on

call than Kerber. -- court. Super rally. Suddenly it comes

alive. Excellent volleying from Venus and

Kerber with the answer. Let's have a look at the serving stats. It is a

little surprising, Kerber, not as threatening, but as a sea bird

winning more points behind her first serve and behind her second serve.

Quite interesting. They are very different service. She has a lefty,

that helps, and slice as well, enhanced on this surface. 19 double

faults from Venus and we have seen two already today. When she starts

to back away from her second serve. Oftentimes it gets to slow and that

gives opponents the opportunity to really take a good hit at it.

You talk about Angie: birthday lefty, which started playing tennis

she picked it up. She deserve things with her right

hand. She was checking with her box. At last, she's and running on her

serve. Serena Williams was coming in so frequently in the Australian

Open. Kerber is so effective on the run, finding the angles.

Still no fluency. Very edgy start from both players. Interesting

tactic from Venus, looping that ball high to the Kerber forehand, who

does hit the ball so flat. Trying to get outside of the Kerber strike

zone. About waste love. -- waist-level.

Fine serve. Kerber in my opinion should move over just a bit to her

right. Venus likes that T server with a bit of spin to spin away from

the right-hander. Slotted it in beautifully behind

her. Neither player happy with the way

they've started. Not yet. Haven't quite found that nice groove.

Good shot from Kerber. Saul Williams making her way in, and boom! -- saw

Williams making her way in. For so long we thought of Kerber as a

reactive counterpuncher, she really becomes offensive wench is on

stretch. -- when she's on the stretch.

That a great example of what you were talking about, on the stretch,

she played so well. She has got into absolute peak fitness now, stronger

than she was, she moves fast, and her technique even at the

extremities so good. Yes and she's talked about she works so hard in

the off-season. November and December. Always was fit but she

just seemed to take that to another level. As well as her coach they

started working together after a little bit of a break-up, they have

been together for so long. He told Angie in the off-season, talking

about how she's known for her defence, the defensive skills, those

were good enough to beat most players are not the best players, so

she has to be more aggressive, go out to win matches and not just have

opponents lose. That's where she was so effective in Australia, that

different mindset, stepping closer to the baseline, driving through the

balls, looking for anything short. Of course there's that combination

that has allowed her to be in nearly, top ten for the last four

years. Just kicked it up a notch. More aggressive minded.

Seems to be a tactic Venus is trying to employ, more spin, higher over

the net. Didn't have enough racket head speed, hanging in the middle of

the court. Her match against Carla Suarez Navarro, she was employing

the same tactic. Venus continues to change the pace.

Kerber likes it at waist level, coming at her, just redirecting the

balls. Opportunity for Venus to try to mix it up.

So at last we have a hold. Venus's coach, there. Probably going through

it as well. Yes, he's been with Venus for a long time, seven or

eight years. Consider him more than a coach with everything she's gone

through, more like a Big Brother or mentor. Part of that really big

entourage. Crucial game here for Venus. Doesn't

want to let that first set get away from her.

Good work. Particularly at the back from Kerber. On the run, on the

stretch, she is lethal. Great approach shot from Venus. Such

angled to get Venus on the stretch. Didn't get enough on the volley.

Venus has won just two points on her second serve so far.

Just can't trust herself at the moment, Venus.

Venus hasn't held serve yet. For her it's been a miserable start. Strange

to have a set were Venus doesn't hold serve. Got to give credit to

Angelique Kerber. Yes, she has a terrific return, she wins assembly

return games in her matches consistently. Just wonder whether

Venus is feeling that little bit of extra fatigue. Left five raptors

well. It has been wrapped all week. Averaging four games lost on serve

in a match, she's lost four already. Remember the 2004 US Open, Venus

lost in the third round to Serra rani. She got very fatigued. That

was the last time she chose to play doubles. Her coach David Witt saying

that was something they were going to think about in the future,

because adding that extra event really bled into the singles. Of

course Venus and Serena entered Wimbledon this year because they

wanted to get a few matches under their belt before rear. -- before

Rio. So, new balls. Kerber and 5-2. Big return from Venus. Curb are

reacting quickly but even she couldn't cope with that.

Clip off the top of the net, meaty return, and here are two break

points. Kerber has won only one point when she has to throw in a

second serve. Did well with her second shot,

there. Did well. Still break points. Copes

with the pace so well. Seven of the eight games have been

breaks of serve. Good match so far. Bait some of it may be down to sheer

nerves for Venus, she hasn't been in this late stage in the semifinal of

a Grand Slam for six years. And told you get more nervous as you

get older even at this standard. Yes, a few players who have played

in their mid-30s have talked about that.

Kerber really dealt with that. Her signature shot, the forehand down

the line. Open up a point with that shot.

Just climbed a bit on Kerber, she felt she had to do something with

it. Doesn't make the same mistake, that

time. Might murder at last Venus Williams

holds serve. Some muttering in the cloud. -- in

the crowd. It's not been a great spectacle so far. Kerber in her

fourth Grand Slam semi, remember she won in Melbourne. Semifinalist at

the US Open in 2011, beaten by Samantha Stosur. Semifinal here a

year later, beaten by Radwanska. Ten German women entered the Wimbledon

draw. The only country with more representatives: USA.

Maggie Smith waiting for some drama. Hasn't had much.

Kerber bit of a late Bloomer. Semifinals of the US Open in 2011,

23, 24 years old. Lost in the first round at ten majors. Being different

in just the last four years for Kerber. Serving for the first set

after 43 minutes. It looks like the right shot. Couple

of crucial backhand drop shot in the third set from Kerber against Serena

in the finals of the Australian. Costly. Routine forehand from the

middle of the court. Kerber staying with her toe to toe

and again coming out on top and here are two set points.

There is the power. But harnessing it in the right direction has been

the problem. Really needs a first serve, here. Take the pressure off

herself. Longest rally in the match wins the

set for Kerber. But again it was a forehand from

Venus into the net. Not been solid today from Venus. That's usually the

barometer for me of how well Venus is playing. The backhand is usually

reliable, steady. Kerber I think has targeted it just enough. Not

exclusively, playing it enough, running Venus to the backhand,

trying to attack the forehand again. Had a strange run after winning

inched it Ghat. She lost first-round in Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, then

got to the quarterfinal in Birmingham, but it was an unsettling

run -- after winning in Stuttgart. That's why it's so great and, to be

honest, quite a surprise that she's done as well as she has here. There

are the stats. Not too good. Both struggling with their second serve

points won. Not able to attack. Really not a terrific set from

Venus, there. Doesn't feel like the match has gotten into gear. Talking

about Kerber after winning the Australian Open, it's a whole game

changer, life changer. She didn't react Manuel for the first couple of

tournaments she played. Lost first-round. More expectations.

Having to do more media as well. She said it was really difficult to try

to time manage her life. Try to compartmentalise it. Three given

compartments. Tennis, the media and personal.

Yeah, big forehand that time. Great retrieving from Kerber, but to no

avail. You could hear the "No" when she hit

the forehand, she didn't need to see where it landed. Not completely

trusting the forehand today. Kerber doing a good job of keeping Venus on

the move. So, break point, for the fifth break

of the Williams serve. No. There's no control on the

forehand. It must be so unsettling. The

forehand was so far long, and the wonderful was in the middle of the

net. Just not able to find that range. Trying to add some more

top-spin. Frequently. To try to give herself more safety. Once it starts

to get inside your head, it's tough to overcome. I think Venus is going

to just have to commit to really drive through it, stay down.

First base for Kerber -- first ace for Kerber.

I'm afraid Venus is living a nightmare at the moment. Only she

knows if it's a result of the syndrome, or could it be nervous?

Could it just be one of those days? Could be a little flat, playing

somebody who's played so many more matches than she's played all year.

Her legs are really taxed a little extra on grass, you have to get down

and stop if she is fatigued at all it is going to hamper her on her

serve. And half a step late getting from

forehand and backhand. She needs three or four of those to get any

confidence but it looks so good and works.

That shot of her sister, usually a ball of fire in the close box. Add

36 fielders player to reach a Grand Slam semifinal since Martin, aged

37, when she was runner-up in 94. Will there be another chance. -- of

her mother. It seems like her forehand is

missing by more margins. Venus having to move more as well. Doing a

good job of staying close to the baseline, really getting terrific

angles. Somebody has had enough, that is her nephew, apparently last

year he fell asleep when Serena was playing Heather Watson and the

struggling here. That was a tough match to fall asleep in. One of the

best matches of the fortnight. Known for her mobility but half a

step slow there. Great rally. I thought Venus had

done enough. Kerber just managed to get it beyond their reach. Credit to

Kerber. Incredible retrieval skills. That has lasted almost as long as

the first semifinal. Normally it is Venus Williams doing

that to opponents. Venus trying the top-spin tactic again, trying to

get it up high. Fed Cup captain for Germany.

You can see that Venus is trying different things.

well played. That was a lovely flowing chart. Just cannot string

enough of those types of points together.

Shake of the head, Miss judgment. It is another break point.

Correction. Kerber is going to challenge. Interestingly she is

walking across, she believes this is out.

So necessary at this time. Feels like she needs to win this game to

hanging. Just cannot put Kerber away.

Astonishing work from the German. And another forehand dumped into the

net. Kerber really extracting unforced errors from her opponents.

That was too good. So smart to come forward. Another 14 shot rally.

Unforced errors starting to mount up.

Well done. The crowd of latching onto anything they can. They really

want this to be a contest. Champions mentality, really digging

deep. She holds both there is hardly any joy in it. She is looking very

weary as she trudges to her chair. Could that be a platform to build

on? It seems unlikely the way this afternoon has evolved. The forehand

has been a nightmare. Better net play, though, from Venus in that

game. Difficult for Oracene to watch her

daughter knowing she does not have much left in the tank. You feel like

Kerber could go on for hours. So much attention focused on Venus

may have almost forgotten to be honest Kerber is not had to that

well. . Kerber not hanging around out of

any kind of sympathy for her opponent. Nice rebound after double.

In the first two points. She came up with an ace and then back to really

solid tennis. Just long. Where has this tennis

game? She has been a little too spotty.

Head and shoulders above everything else she has achieved in this match

though far. That was a revelation. Is it the start of something?

Certainly she has the ability to the deep and, with winners. She has a

big enough game. And we know how strong she can be. Coming back into

the top ten for the first time last year. Who would have thought when

she came on the scene has a 14-year-old and everyone thought she

and Serena when she arrived they would be like shooting stars, they

will come and then they will win plenty and then they will go,

probably mid 20s. Here she is at 36, Serena 34. Serena talked about their

longevity, saying that even they are surprised. Of course it was their

dad Richard who told about them having semi-interests, but then both

had enough breaks to keep them interested. The Duchess of Cambridge

alongside Jill Brooke, the chairman's wife.

Miss Kerber is challenging the court. I thought some chalk might

have flown up there. Slipping in the middle of the point.

Luckily came straight back. well done, you can see Williams is

exhausted. As she completed the job? So cool under pressure. That must be

huge pressure on Kerber now. So intelligent. Making Venus move the

maximum distance. Timing is consistently much better

on the backhand. FF foot movement. She had more time

because of the big serve. Kerber for the last ball was going

long. So close now to a final and yet I wonder if she feels that

close. The key is whether Kerber Will Beer will to serve fortnight

keeping the nerves in check. We know she has done it before, and

Australia of course. But will she be able to do it against Venus? Can

Venus come up with the last surge of energy? To extend this set. Kerber

has talked about feeling more relaxed here at Wimbledon than at

Roland Garros. After that she talked to her camp and said she went back

to the relaxed feeling she had at the Australian Open. Sometimes that

is easier to say than to do. We will find out if she can do it right

there. Must have been on the line. Just

checking with Eva Asderaki Moore and she says it was.

Steady as she goes. Two match points.

What a winner! And what a way to win!

At the age of 28 she has reinvented herself. A winner in Melbourne and

is now a Wimbledon final for Angelique Kerber. Amazing

transformation. Terrific match, Angelique Kerber, but Venus never

able to get her game up to near her highest level. What contrast is

motion is for Oracene and the Williams family. Serena through in

just 48 minutes against Vesnina and now just one hour and 12 and Venus

is out. Will she be back in the here at Wimbledon? We hope so. It is

Kerber's moment. And she really did keep her nerve when it mattered.

Hugely popular in the locker room. Another look up and her supporters.

And terrific reward for all the hard work she put in in the off-season.

Difficult times after winning in Melbourne but she is through.

It is amazing, to beat Venus is always really tough, tough match,

she is a champion and she has won so many times here. I'm really happy

about my game and my first final at Wimbledon. A wonderful shots to

finish things! I was trying to go for every shot, moving very well.

The last point was amazing. You had good memories of playing Venus on

the Olympics, how much did you use that today? It was a completely new

day and I know that she played very well at the moment and she beat here

a lot of good players so I was trying to move good and go for it.

And it works, everything. And it is just a very good feeling. You have

told everybody who has bothered to listen you are playing the best

tennis of your career, explain why. I think right now I have a lot of

experience on my last year's on tour and I really am enjoying my tennis

life at the moment. I'm playing the best tennis, I have a great team

around me and I'm just happy to be in my second grand slam final. Once

again a repeat of the Australian grand slam final against Serena, how

much did that confidence -- how much of that result give you confidence

early in the year? A completely new tournament and the surface is

completely new. I will just try to go out with a lot of confidence

trying to play my tennis, and trying to give everything I can in the

final. We wish you the best of luck, well done today.

Thank you so much. Sue Barker: To see her back to her best, she had a

dip in form after winning the Australian Open title but she is

racing through the Championships and has still yet to drop a set. Saving

her best tennis for here against a very dangerous opponent and she

never let Venus in and goes to the grand slam final once again.

Angelique Kerber will take on Serena Williams in the final on Saturday.

Serena was in a hurry in her match, just 48 minutes it took to defeat

Elena Vesnina 6-2, 6-0. At her best, Powell saw dust powerful serve and

ground shots and Elena Vesnina was overawed and she did not play her

best. But you can't take anything away from the champion, Serena goes

through and she has her sights set on a seventh title here at

Wimbledon. What a correa! -- career. Another upset in the Ladies'

Doubles, the number one seeds Martina Hingis and Murcia go out

losing 6-2, 6-4. So a lot of surprises in the doubles at

Wimbledon. And Jordanne Whiley, the US Open champion, won her opening

match on Court 16 against a fellow Brit Lucie Shue,, 6-1, 6-1. This is

the first time singles matches have been played at Wimbledon but a great

start for Jordanne Whiley. And just to update you, you can see this

match on the red button, Alfie Hewitt of Great Britain against

number two seed Gerard. Going well in the second set after losing the

first. 2-1 in the second set. That is on the red button. So let's get

further reaction to the lady semifinals with Tracy Austin.

Angelique Kerber played very well and she did not allow Venus into

that match. No, she did not, she handled her nerves beautifully and I

felt Venus was fatigued as she could not pass that push off on her first

serve and use her legs and her serve was not as well done as it has been

the rest of the fortnight and Angelique Kerber will test your

movement. She has incredible angles and she stand so close to the

baseline and she hits the ball early and Venus was half a step slow and

it dropped her as she could not get enough on her ground strokes and

power and step and Angelique Kerber sending the ball to the other side

of the court quickly. A disappointment for Venus, she has

played well, and incredible storyline to come back at 36 and

played through these long matches, rain delays, still be in the doubles

in the quarterfinals with Serena. But today, she was a bit flat. It

does catch up with you and we have been talking about the autoimmune

disorder she has with the joint pain and fatigue, that is always a

factor. It is and it makes a big difference. She might think a bit

about, as she continues to play, whether she should not play doubles.

I understand she wanted more practice with Rio around the corner

at the US Open in 2014 was the last major they played in doubles and it

affected her in her loss to Sara Errani in the third round and we

have not seen that from Venus. Perhaps she did not expect to go

this far in the singles because she has not had the same year she had in

2014 and 2015 when she got back into the top ten. This was a big deal for

her, Angelique Kerber, 28, Australian Open champion and she

played so well in Australia. She had a dip in form to get used to the

expectations and pressure, but she has had if the nominal Wimbledon.

She got to the semifinals in 2012 so she knows her way around the grass

courts and she is feeling very relaxed again. She looked good, she

has not dropped a set and she was moving Venus around the place. She

was, and Venus would get up a good head of steam and she played well in

parts but Angelique Kerber has such resilience and she gets so many

balls back in play, just her retrieval skills to get back in

play. From strange positions, she can improvise her wrist. She has

good feet and good hands to create the angles on. Check. She just has

that ability to whip those crosscourt. Always having Venus at

full stretch. Venus trying to come to the net to make the point is

quicker and she came to the net 24 times, only winning 13 of those

points because Kerber was so quick with her hands and passing -- and

passing shot is. A flick of the wrist from awkward positions makes

it so difficult. Venus starts the force and cuts it

more fine and one unforced errors began to mount. 20 11 unforced

errors today, Venus. Yes, which we don't expect. -- 21. But she does

generate power and hits the corners, Kerber, you have to work hard. That

was an interesting tactic from Venus, looping the balls up high out

of the comfort zone of Kerber who likes at waist level, but it didn't

have enough height and top-spin so Kerber could dictate play. We have

to hand it to Kerber, she is a late Bloomer and had never got to the

semifinals of a Grand Slam until 2011 at 23 and 28, she wins her

first major. She is getting better. That is what we have seen in women's

tennis, the average age for the four semifinalists today is 31 and nine

months so it gives hope to these players in their 20s. It is just

like the man. I was retired by then, when you playing at 31? I was long

gone! This is changing the mentality and

John De Botton said the other day, why did I retire so early? -- Yana

Novotny. Serena at 34 is the oldest number one in the history of our

game and 36, Venus is still going strong. The passion from these is

still right at the top level and a good bar they are setting. As far as

Kerber is concerned, it seems every time they've put the pressure on

her, because she is German, they compared the Staffie graph and that

is a tough comparison! Yes, Steffi Graf with 22 majors and singles,

that is who Venus -- his Serena is chasing down. Is Serena going to tie

Steffi Graf on Saturday? That would be an amazing history making day

because Serena, last year here at Wimbledon, she got to number 21 and

the way she was playing, we thought she would get 22 fairly soon. And by

her standards, it has been an entire year! But I think the way that

Serena played today, she was hitting the ball very cleanly. Her serve for

so spot-on, she is the clear favourite on Saturday. Unless nerves

takeover. You say 22, I already had hurt equalling Margaret Court at 24

this time. I thought she could win all four. We will talk more in a

moment, Tracy. Talking about Serena, she came through her match in 48

minutes against Elena Vesnina select here a to she has with to

congratulations, that was also and majestic and as close to perfect as

you could get, how did you assess your performance?

I thought I played really well and I thought I was really focused and

zero again on every shot. Wanting every point and every ball. It was

really good. Especially on serve. You only lost three points on serve

in the entire match! That is what Patrick told me and I was like,

really?! Yes, I don't know, it was really good. When you go out, do you

know it you are on it straightaway and you think, this is it, I'm

unbeatable today? No, I'm always the kind of person that picks everything

apart, I'm a real perfectionist. I'm always looking to see what I can do

better. The last couple of days, I have had good practice sessions and

I felt really good yesterday practising and I was really hitting

the ball well and I wanted to keep that form going. You looked happy

like you were enjoying it, which has to help? Yes, I was definitely

enjoying the moment and I feel like when I'm relaxed and happy, I play

well, but it is just getting there. And at the same time, keeping that

super focus, vision and just looking. You are into your ninth

final. How do you prepare differently for walking out there on

Saturday afternoon? I don't know, I will talk with my coach about it. I

had been in several finals this year and I have not won yet. So hopefully

we will have a different game plan on how to be able to hold up a

trophy. Sue Barker: A different game plan,

she was happy out there, I would have the biggest smile on my face if

I had won in 48 minutes in a Wimbledon semifinal. She said about

holding up the trophy as if it has been so long and it has been for

Serena and her expectations are so high. That interview is interesting,

she gives so much credit to Patrick Mouratoglou who came into her life

four years ago as her coat and before that, it was Richard and

Oracene. Patrick should get a lot of credit -- coach. More top-spin on

her forehand and he has made her understand she could be thought of

as the greatest in the history of women's tennis and it has gone huge

as far as chasing the amount of Grand Slams and that has kept Serena

interested in it. She changed her lifestyle, she moved to France and

she is fluent in French and every interview at the French Open, she

gave it in French. The nominal, she is always interested in so many

different things and both young ladies, Venus and Serena, they are

both creative -- phenomenal. Look at her record with Patrick, winning

eight of 16 majors. She talked about the focus today, that calmness and

demeanour. She always has that aura when she plays like she did today,

Elena Vesnina froze on the big stage but Serena still played well, 77% of

her first serves were in, 28 winners and seven on unforced errors. The

way she looked today, she is sending a clear message that you will be

ready for Saturday to Angelique Kerber. This was the second set, she

did not drop a point on her serve. You wonder what can Angelique Kerber

do is Serena is in this frame of mind? We have talked about her serve

some any times and a lot of aces today, 11th. Her return of serve was

also spot on, hitting it cleanly and Angelique Kerber will feel a lot of

pressure if she has to hit many second serves as the leader will be

inside the baseline hitting it early. Kerber can defend so well and

diffuse power as she is so quick with her hands and feet, but Serena

is relentless in her attack and able to keep the unforced errors down and

that is tough to see Serena not taking her 22nd major. You have to

keep the ball deeper than that and you can't allow Serena to hit ground

shots on the baseline or inside the baseline, Kerber has to have better

depth. She does, and Kerber has the ability to hit through the court,

deep and hard. As we saw in the Australian Open final, Kerber was

excellent with her angles because she stand so close to the net.

Excuse me, on the baseline. And when Serena moves forward, Kerber can

flick like she did today against Venus. Venus is tough to press at

the net at six foot one and she moves well at Kerber kept coming up

with the passing shot because of her good angles. Being a left-handed

player, that could help with the serve but Serena's return is so

strong. Over and you's Riyad, being left-handed has been more helpful as

she has that slice -- over Angelique Kerber's career. But she has never

had a consistent serve, it has improved and that was on the list of

her coach, Torben Beltz. At the second serve can become a liability

so Kerber has to get a lot of first serves in on Saturday. Angelique

said it is a different service to winning at the Australian Open, what

did she do so well in Melbourne that she has to do here? Angelique

Kerber, her defence is incredible and at so many points, you think she

is out of the point and she gets herself there with the quick feet.

And she has got the good hands improvise and keep herself in the

point with enough depth and angle. Hopefully not to get the ball in the

middle of the court where it is hanging Serena will dictate play on

the other side of the court. Kerber again has to use backhand slices,

she did that very well in Melbourne, to change the pace in little against

Serena. We saw that in the US Open semifinals, Serena likes the ball

coming to her hard at waist level so if Kerber can change the pace, that

will be crucial. And hopefully Kerber can throw in some drop shots,

there were two in the third set in Australia at a vital time. But it is

tough to come up with a precise drop shot when the ball is coming at you

with so much In Melbourne and Paris, Serena was

getting better with every match and not against Kerber in the final and

not her best in the French final. You wonder whether that was because

the 22 was on the line. She is 34. Some players in their mid 30s felt

like they have had more nerves in the late stages of Grand Slam

matches. Kerber has to hope that Serena plays a little less than her

best, 20%, and for Kerber to play one of the match is of her life like

she did in the finals in Australia. Absolutely right. Tracy, thank you

so much. The reason we are talking to Tracy at length is there is

another break before the menopause my doubles on Centre Court. So we

have a chance to look at the men's semifinals which take place

tomorrow. And this is the order of play that has been decided. First up

on Centre Court, it is Milos Raonic against Roger Federer and Andy

Murray against Tomas Berdych. What a day yesterday with Roger Federer and

Murray in five set thrillers. But we will hear from the man who has to

take on Roger Federer tomorrow, Milos Raonic, he came into a studio

for the chat after his four set victory over Sam Querrey.

Angelique Kerber sets and three quarters, he played the most

blistering tennis. He is here, congratulations, Wimbledon

semifinal, you must be happy, you played well today. Yes, I did a lot

of things well and I'm happy to return to the same opportunity I

gave myself two years ago and I hope I can make it count. We will talk

about that, but you got off to a great start today. I was there on a

lot of his service games taking care of my serve and both those sets, I

broke towards the end of the set and in the third set, I had that

opportunity. I slumped a couple of games but I got back on my terms to

finish the match. How well did you serve today? I served pretty well

but I think I backed it up better. I was coming in a lot and I was very

efficient and successful at the net. I didn't serve as big as normal

today. My numbers were very good. And Sam Querrey has improved so

much, how tough was it in proving, returning his serve is, he can hit

the spot and he is unpredictable where he will serve so you have to

be shot on your feet and when you get those little openings, make them

count as much as possible. He has improved so much from the back of

the court and his belief and beatings Novak Djokovic, he then

backed it up by beating Nicolas Mahut and he has been flying. He has

been playing great and I watched his match against Novak and that was a

great match and to back it up against a great grass court player

Nicolas Mahut who has been playing great this year, it takes a lot of.

It takes a high level of tennis which Sam has been putting out

throughout the tournament and I'm happy and was able to get up on

that. And you finished it off in style. Yes, I was able to get that

last break. And I gave myself a chance to play it out well. This is

your fourth set dominance. It got a little testy and you dropped the

third set so you had to impose yourself in the fourth set. Aborted

to get things back on my terms especially for those games at the

end of the third set that it was important. I let him control the

tempo a bit much and I was able to get it back which was a good thing

which made a difference throughout this tournament. Was quite a return

on the match point! Yes, I guessed he would go out and he burned me

with that serve a couple of times so I guessed and I was able to put it

down at his feet. It was a great shot. Andy says when you play a big

server, it is a lot of guesswork. Not necessarily leading where it is

coming, you almost have to anticipate. Yes, you have between

one way or the other and figure out what that guy is doing, his

tendencies, his habits. What he is comfortable on and that day it could

be different. So it takes a bit of leaning one weight but even when you

lean that way, you still have to make the return which can be quite a

challenge -- one-way. How does your team work and who does what? How far

back do you want me to go? Your team here. You have got three coaches,

working with me. Ricardo is not here now and he was with me alongside

John McEnroe throughout Queen's and preparation weeks. And Carlos is

with me throughout the day and all the time. And John has been

consulting and advising and he comes to the practice courts and he covers

everything, he hits with me and he does everything. He says he has

never retired antiques always wants to be out there and one day he

played for three hours at Queen's. -- and he always. Quite a few hours.

There was a phone call and Mike agent was asking John, what do you

one? And he was saying his things and he said, but what do you want?

John said, if I really got what I wanted, I would be back playing! Do

you ever get a word in with him? Yes, you do, he does listen. But he

also has his opinion quite quickly. He never listens to us! What has he

brought to you, what has he advised you to do? He has given me a better

understanding of where to play myself coming forward. How to make

my opponents feel, how to carry myself on the court and be a bigger

presence. I'm a big night and I can be quiet on the court. -- I'm a big

player. Make sure I'm always there and is to be positive and all is be

energetic. It makes it big difference for me what we have

worked on. How do you do that, by more reaction? It is a variety of

things. For me, it is being more vocal when I do things well in a

positive way. Enforcing that stuff for myself and it helps me stay

relaxed. Even for longer matches, there is not that feeling of fatigue

as much. And coming forward, is it your natural game, do you feel

comfortable coming forward or more so now? Definitely more so now. It

is definitely where I need to be to achieve the things I would like to

achieve. If I want to do what I hope to do at this tournament, I have to

find myself at the net and I'm improving match by Max and practice

by practice. You said that at Queen's and we know who is waiting

in the next round, did you see the end of that match? I saw the end of

the third set and it was entertaining to watch. I was

watching the study. And what did you loan? You will not say that! Who

knows who is listening! Exactly! Facing Federer, how do you do that?

You play on your terms. He can do some any different things and when

he is out there and feeling comfortable and balanced, playing

his game on his terms, that is when he is at the most dangerous. And he

has piled up a fantastic career doing that. I have to think that I

have to bring things to my game, serve well and take it to him, not

give him much read them and get him off balance. You have beaten him

this year and that helps and also, Marin Cilic kept him out there

sometime. Roger has dealt with many five set matches and I'm sure he

knows how to recover, a have to focus on myself and bring my best

game. What happens now, what you do tomorrow? Brett is one hour and John

will go out to hit, he doesn't skip on the practice to. Go through my

routine with him and Carlos and the day of the match, and will focus on

things I need to do, specifically against Roger. Have you spoken to

John already? No, I'm sure he is out there right now. Yes, the is working

on the Murray match. He was at the other one so I'm sure he will be

going from bid to boot. We wish you well, you playing great tennis, good

luck in the semifinal. -- booth to boot.

John McEnroe was practising with him, along with Carlos Moya and

Milos said he can still only get 50% back! He is playing Roger Federer

tomorrow and then Murray is second in his match against Tomas Berdych.

So Centre Court now, the break is over. And this is the man's doubles

match. The top seeds, Nicolas Mahut, against number 12 seeds. This is the

semifinals and watching this is Peter Fleming and Andrew Cotter.

COMMENTARY: Yes, this should be good for the crowds who are watching and

some of those will be coming back from the break after the ladies

semifinals, it in your picture, that is Nicolas Mahut. And Hebert who

played his part in the third round. A close match and warm embrace at

the net and he played Sam Querrey after his epic win over Novak

Djokovic. We thought that Mahut might have the beating of Sam

Querrey, but he was seen off in straight sets. A very good grass

court player. That is his coach Mark Woodforde. 12 bands and doubles

titles, Mixed Doubles, six time Wimbledon champion with Todd would

urge. He is 34 now but as well as he has in his long career. Because he

came in the Wimbledon a win against the player from the Netherlands and

he took Andy Murray the two tie-breaks in the first round at

Queen's. So many people still know him in relation to that long match

against John Isner in the final. That is his young partner. Erasing

talent. Keen to play a lot of doubles. Sometimes, you get Korea's

doubles specialists like the Bryan brothers. Herbert is certainly a

very skilled singles player as well, ranked 81st in the world in singles.

And he took a set away from Andy Murray in the second round of Monte

Carlo this year and that shows you his calibre as a singles player.

They do gel together very well as a doubles partnership. And this is now

an established doubles partnership including number 12 seed Max Meunier

who has been around years, he turned 39 yesterday. He has had many

doubles partnership throughout his career and great success. Six Grand

Slam doubles titles. The first was with Lleyton Hewitt in 2,000 at the

US Open. And he won the US Open in 2002 and built a successful

partnership with Yunus Bjorkman. This man is slightly less

experienced but making a name for himself in doubles. From the

Philippines but American born and raised. He had a good partnership

for a while with Dominic Inglot. Carlos Ramos from Portugal. In the

chair. And alongside me for this is a man

who won a couple of times, four titles here, Peter? Four titles,

thank you very much. And you did not let from partner to partner, you

stuck with the same. -- you did not change. I'm not totally stupid, that

is not the sort partner you dump at first glance. But I like this

matchup. This could be a runaway, the French pair have been so

dominant this year. Nicolas Mahut and Herbert the top team in the

world at the moment, for 2016. But they've faced a pair who on grass,

very dangerous. -- they are facing. Mirnyi is a player who when he gets

hot on the returns, he can be virtually unplayable. He just goes

for his shots and he often has days when he doesn't make a lot of

returns but if he does get hot, he is a difficult customer. Huey a

completely different type of player which is probably why they have done

well, they complement each other. Huey puts a lot of balls into play

and he understands doubles and he moves well. Look out for Huey to

perhaps get off to a rocky start, this will be nerve wracking to play

in front of this crowd for the first time. The semifinal in the man's

doubles. The other one taking place on Court Number One at the moment.

Mirnyi to get us under way. Looking for the coded signals and

the whispers between the partners. That is good from Mirnyi. Had to be,

a bright start from the French pair. This was a dangerous return. Going

up the line regardless, he had decided, just to keep Herbert

conscious that he cannot take liberties.

Misjudgement from Herbert. Looks like quite a good recovery from Max

Mirnyi. Looked like it was more over his head then it ordinarily is, but

he thought, well, and he adjusted well.

Strong return from Mahut. First game, first break point. The French

ball slinging that ball like a grapefruit.

Wide, and a break for the number two seeds, what a start for Herbert and

Mahut. Ideal, fairly quiet Centre Court, as you would expect, a few

more spectators will come in through the course of the first set, the

other Semih Kaya taking place on number one court, Julien Benneteau

and Roger-Vasselin against Raven Klaasen and RAM. We talk about the

strength in depth in French tennis, they have some strong contenders in

the Men's Doubles as well. -- Ram. They may have a challenge match for

who plays in the Davis Cup tie, they have a Davis Cup tie next week?

Scrambling furiously... The server of Herbert - serve. It

was the weaker of the two. And their opponents were able to have some joy

on it. It might be the weaker serve of the

pair, but by no means week. Davis Cup, I know that Yannick Noah has

named him in the squad. After his efforts. Beautifully put away by

Mahut, he really has started brightly.

Made it look so easy but it was not. Hold, to love, after that break of

serve. They are the number two seeds, the Bryan brothers are the

number one seeds. But they are out, they lost against Ram and Klaasen.

The Bryan brothers were number two seed, in fact, Herbert and men who

were the number one seed, I accidentally demoted them -- Herbert

and Mahut. France plays the Czech Republic...

Well spotted by Huey. Wimbledon final may just be a challenge match

to see who plays in the Davis Cup tie.

Huey not the tallest guy, went down at 130, almost came back faster!

Great serve to close it out. The reason they are the number one

seeds, they have four titles this season in doubles, very good singles

players, they do come together well, they have built a partnership, they

have the knowledge now. Well practised. To have Mark Woodforde on

your side... He knows exactly how to succeed in doubles. Gold medallist

in the Olympics as well, 1996, with Todd Woodbridge. Max Meyer new, it

was, in the Mixed Doubles, with Tony is a rancour, they denied Andy

Murray and Laura Robson on this court. 2012. -- Victoria Azarenka.

Very good singles player, Max Mirnyi. Up to 18th in the world,

back in 2003, winning a title on the ATP Tour, Rotterdam, quarterfinalist

at the US Open but towards the end of his career, as quite a few

players do, still competing in doubles, does not quite need the

legs and the stamina for that, you can use short tennis brain and your

skills, and he has made a very successful career.

Almost one for the Royal box. Even they have to give it back.

Did so well with the defensive shot. Not really the kind of shot you want

to hit into the net, depth is always a good thing. Correction, the ball

was good. Carlos Ramos steps in, known challenge coming from Huey and

Mirnyi, it is a hold to love for Mahut. Haven't they started well.

No point lost on serve yet by the French pair. The man who was broken

in the very first game, serving now. Pretty impressive that they are yet

to miss a return on the serve of near -- Mirnyi. On a grass court,

that is saying something. French wall at the net does its

work. Useful return by Herbert. Cannot quite shove it over, another

great return, Mirnyi managed to somehow respond, beautiful pick-up.

Mirnyi is the boss. Knuckles must be worn out by the end of the doubles

match, so much bumping. Every point, win or lose!

Doubles partnership, the combination of... Huey, popping up at the net,

there. Such a good volleyer. Huey and Mirnyi, teamed up at the start

of the year, QE had been playing with the Finnish player, Henri

Kontinen, he has also done well in the doubles. Looking at all of the

various partnerships they have had, Mirnyi has had a few. -- Huey. How

do they come about, how are these alliances made? Asked about you

establishing yourself with John McEnroe and sticking with it, these

days, so many doubles specialist, they may work well for a couple of

years, but then they break apart for whatever reason. Small community.

These guys practice with one another, socialise with each other.

They understand how each other play, but they also know which guys they

get along with. Doubles partnership is almost like a marriage, spending

so much time with these guys, if you are not perfectly compatible, after

two or three years, you are sick of the guy, you just cannot look at him

anymore, and so it is time to move on. Herbert and Mahut clearly enjoy

each other's company. All the French players, singles doubles, they tend

to socialise together a lot, quite a tight group.

First point against the serve of Herbert and Mahut.

In previous rounds we have talked about how the server Herbert has

been a week of the two, but he has started very strongly here.

Once more yielding just one point on serve.

Nice flowing service action. Somewhat reminiscent of Henri

Leconte. Went on self-preservation, that

action from Mahut, two hands on the racket, blocking it. French pair

doing so well on returns. Good servant once again. Max Mirnyi,

very tall, QE is not the tallest, but flowing, powerful service

action. -- Huey. Nicely done by Mahut, over the

sizeable figure of Mirnyi. Certainly looked as though Mirnyi could have

reached it, perhaps let it go, knowing it would have been a very

difficult shot to put back into play with any effectiveness. Low drive.

Talked about his partnership, Trent Huey, with Dominic England, they got

to the quarterfinals of this trailing open, 2014, and this year,

as the partnership began, reached that stage as well but lost to Radek

Stepanek and Daniel Nestor. -- Dominic Inglot. Daniel Nestor is

another one who has played with max menu, to some success, in the French

Open. A couple of times. One of the old guard. -- Max Mirnyi. Daniel

Nestor still playing, one of the old guard, 44. He played with Mick

England here, so it is swings and roundabouts. Very successful career,

again, talking about the difference between singles players who play

doubles and the Bryan brothers and various others who are doubles

players from the start, they know that they can make a very good

living. We do the fact that more of the high profile names do not play

quite so much doubles anymore, certainly in your day, you, McEnroe,

adds many others, doubles was a bigger part of your career. It was,

there was not as much money in the game as now, guys can make so much

money playing singles, that I guess they have to weigh up whether the

prize money they will make in doubles, which is much less

percentage-wise, is worthwhile. If you lose a quarterfinal singles

match because you are tired because you have played three doubles

matches, that is quite a sacrifice in financial terms.

This is the only major where they still play best-of-5 sets in the

doubles. They did not in the first two rounds this year, because of the

weather. Shows the dominance of the French

partnership. Once more, I hold to love. -- a hold

to love. Huey and Mirnyi, running out of time in this first set.

Mirnyi, now, to stay in it. Both French players have been returning

so well. He really is on fire, Mahut, not only making every return,

but picking his targets, perfectly. It is almost as though he is reading

the opposite man's mind. Where are you going to be...? OK...! The line

does not lie. White flying up. Racing through the games as well, 23

minutes gone. Still hanging on in the first set,

little bit like Donald Duck's nephews... Huey, Dewey and... Baby

Huey! At the Olympics, Max Mirnyi was the flag bearer for Belarus,

opening ceremony, in the game, we already mentioned, Victoria

Azarenka. I am not sure if he is going to Rio de Janeiro. Been there,

done that. Does look very much like it will be another French pair, if

they get through, it is Julien Benneteau and Roger-Vasselin and who

are in control against Ram and Klaasen. That is John Barrett.

Serving for the set, and the first double

Certainly lost his first serve, Herbert. Mirnyi not able to do

enough with it. They are having their opportunities,

Mirnyi and Huey, dropping his level just slightly, Herbert, but still,

two set points for the number one seeds.

Couple of sets taken fairly comfortably, just the one break,

they were in control throughout. They look good value for that first

set. You mentioned the fact they did have opportunities, Mirnyi and Huey,

but they were not really gilt-edged chances, they were borderline. It

shows, when the French pair go into conservative mode, when they decide,

OK, let's batten down the hatches, they are still pretty effective.

First serves in, 90... Hold on, I had gone a little blind! 64%!

But still, you can see from those statistics, dominant. No break

points from Mirnyi, not even close. 30-20, total points won. Pretty

one-sided. We talked about them building a

successful partnership, they are already Grand Slam champions,

winning the US Open last year, beating Jamie Murray in straight

sets in the final. John Pearson now plays with Henri Kontinen, we have

mentioned the names that go around on the doubles carousel, switching

partners, trying something different, this partnership maybe

around for a little while, depending upon the longevity of Nicolas Mahut,

how long he can go on at his age, 34, when you look across the net,

Max Mirnyi, 39. -- Bruno Soares. A year or two Mirka ago, Mahut might

have thought he could play a couple more years and it doesn't become

worth it. Das two ago. As a pair, they will probably make $1 million

and that certainly worth continuing for. In doubles alone.

Yes, I'm not sure what Huey was attempting with that. Trying to

thread the needle. Oh, dear. Well, it was fluffed by

Huey but great court coverage by Mahut.

Talk about crucial points. They broke right at the start of the

first set and a chance here at the start of the second.

Good recovery from a curious position. It had been a dreadful

start to the second set, the big broken at the outset. -- to be

broken. But I could see Barry Gibb in the Royal Box -- I thought.

Mahut and Herbert, both tall players, six foot three and six foot

four, it is not easy to get the ball around them all over them.

It just grazed the frame of the racket of Herbert.

A really well played point by Mirnyi. But nothing.

In doubles, just about finding the weakness in the defence. It is often

difficult to break down a partnership that is covering the

court well and to find that gap. Nothing over the top of Herbert.

Just his singles... Doubles as about the first shot you hit, the first

serve is not placed well all the return of serve, they are the two

most important shots in the game, definitely. A useful first shot from

Mahut, Mac -- ace to close it out. Herbert will be thinking, at what

point do you decide to focus on doubles? He is on the cusp in

singles at 25, he has been up to 79th in the world, 81st at the

moment. It is a decision to say, right, I will focus on my singles,

but still play with the doubles. I think he is in a position where he

can do both quite happily. The problem gets wet if his singles

ranking drops a little bit to the point where he has to qualify every

week, then it gets very difficult. The qualifying is played on a

Saturday and Sunday. These players will expect to be in the semifinals

of most doubles tournaments. So I guess the motivation for him is to

keep your singles ranking up and stay out of those qualifiers.

A welcome respite. Comfortable service games so far from Mirnyi.

Just as I said it was comfortable, double fault number one from Mirnyi.

Oh, dear. A great return off the volley from Herbert.

Talk us through this technique, Peter. Yes, he just did not snap it.

He was trying to hit an overhead smash, which is not bad play but

just a little late on it. Or not aggressive enough. Mirnyi and Huey

have now held a couple of times in a set number two and that will make

them feel a lot better and it will allow them to relax perhaps a little

on returns. They have got history, these two partnerships. I have met

once in Miami at the end of March, Mahut and Herbert the winners in a

champions tie-break -- they have met. Dame Maggie Smith is coming

again. You think of her as miss Jean Brodie. Excellent.

Peter doesn't know about this! No, I don't. There is no shame in that.

One day, I will catch up on my films. If you are catching up on

Harry Potter films, a will ask you serious questions. -- I will ask

you. The older man just getting a bit of

a pep talk. Yes, don't do that again. It we've pep talk. -- Abe

Reef. Doubles is so much about half

chances. Mirnyi and Huey desperately need to get one of these next two

points. Well, we did talk about the serve of

Herbert occasionally going walkabouts. It was so strong in the

first set but at the end when he was serving, we saw a little bit of

tightness and now in all sorts of problems.

That is wide, the second serve. Based have the luxury two more big

points. On this surface, they slip away quickly.

-- they still have the luxury. That is very nicely played.

Still one break point to save, Herbert and Mahut.

So much to admire about that. Feeling the pressure, three break

points. Some good serving from Herbert. Finished off by Mahut.

Goodness, I'm not sure what he was attempting. He slid right under the

ball. A precious holder for Pierre Herbert

and a clench of the fists from Nicolas Mahut, and applause from

Mark Woodforde. And a golden opportunity was let slip by Huey and

Mirnyi, three break points. Yes, you look at the service game at 0-40 and

you think they should break here, which usually just a 50-50 chance to

convert from 0-40. Half the time, the servers would expect to get back

to deuce from 0-40. Again from Huey. He was in a little

architect Louise mud, 130 mph the first serve and he wanted to hit

this even quicker. -- Hercules mud. A beautiful combination from the

two. A nice block to finish it off from

Huey. It is a much tighter affair in the second set. Yes, as you might

expect. The French pair in set number one, they were so in century.

It was a shock when they missed the ball -- in century. They have come

back to bed a little bit here in set number two and so it could become

quite competitive. Talking about the various partners in doubles that

Mirnyi has had, and success in Mixed Doubles going to 1998 in Wimbledon,

when he was the US Open winner with Serena Williams. I wonder what she

is up to these days! Success with Victoria Azarenka, winning the US

Open twice. And a Czech player. He has known who to pick, and they have

known who to pick in Max Mirnyi and he has such doubles knowledge and it

is different knowledge to singles. That are transferable skills but

knowing how to play doubles is a unique skill in itself. It is

interesting the chemistry required because Jamie Murray had a very hot

year and he decided to play doubles with Max Mirnyi and he lasted three

months, barely winning matches. And Jamie of course now is World Number

1. So a lot of things go into it. Much of it is intangible.

This time, it is Herbert's time to fail at the net. That was a real

stretch. Sometimes, the mis-hit works

wonders. Apology from Treat Huey. That was a sound that rattled around

Centre Court, what have you done to us?

Mahut. Each. -- at full stretch. Just about a perfectly played point

I Treat Huey. It was a good first serve but he put it back into a very

awkward position. Watching Mahut in a couple of the

earlier rounds, I wonder if he was struggling with something. Played

very well in the singles. Imagine how strong a serve he's got when he

takes John Isner to 70-68. So a good hold. And who will be

first to crack in the second set? Mahut just could not catch up to

that serve. That is beautiful from Mahut. Just

watched by Huey and Mirnyi. Yes, there was not a lot that Huey could

do with that ball, it was dangerously low.

That has just bounced off the commentary box. It felt like the sky

was caving in. Give it back! They have to be returned here at

Wimbledon. So another hold of serve in the

second set, falling into a steady, regular pattern.

I did think that the winners here would certainly play Julien

Benneteau and Edouard Roger-Vasselin but they have gone into a fourth set

on Court Number One. And it was Julien Benneteau and Edouard

Roger-Vasselin who saw off Luis Suarez -- Buzz Saw off Bruno Soares

and Jamie Murray. It was our commentary box which it bounced off.

You do have two return them, they can't afford new balls at the All

England Club. At the Australian Open you get to keep what you Americans

call for eyeballs, as a souvenir. If you catch it, you get to take it

home and if you don't, you have to give it back. That sounds fair! It

also sounds unlikely. Again, nothing to choose between these two

partnerships in the second set. The number one seeds Herbert and Mahut

with the one set advantage. But we have seen some jitters on the serve

of Pierre Herbert and here he is now at 3-4.

Goodness, Mahut that time just did not get up and he mis-hit it. It

came off the frame. Set up nicely for Huey.

Well, they found themselves clustered together, Huey and Mirnyi,

so the court opened up. Yes, Huey was better off leaving that one to

Mirnyi. He could not hit a winner with it.

That is fantastic play. Mirnyi not only played to perfection, but he

followed it up with a very aggressive run. They are looking

stronger, this partnership. And there is half an opening here,

15-30. He is not feeling the pressure this

time on serve, Herbert. That was a great return again from

Mirnyi. Yes, it would venture to say that Mirnyi court BIA of Herbert as

he was charging in. -- he hit the eye. Squandered opportunity.

The curse of Herbert, double faults to give away the break. Mirnyi and

Huey take the initiative in the second set. Such a different

proposition to the first set when the French partnership were looking

comfortable and hitting the ball cleanly, not many mistakes. But now

Treat Huey serving for the set. I look to the umpire, but no challenge

is coming. -- a look. Of the four, Trent Huey is looking

the most reliable and trustworthy on serve will

levelling things, one set apiece. Full of praise for Trent Huey,

looking very strong out there. The most experienced man, in terms of

the big stage, in Tamils. -- least experienced. -- in doubles. I

totally agree, his first semifinal, probably his first time on Centre

Court, and yet he is playing as though he was born here, totally

comfortable, I remember the first time I played in a Wimbledon

semifinal, also my first time on Centre Court, and we lost the first

set of that semifinal 6-1, in about ten minutes! He has been to the

quarters of the spreading open a couple of times, but Centre Court,

even if it is quiet and subdued, still Centre Court, still semifinal,

and he looks the senior partner. Huey has been very reliable. Look at

that, look at those statistics, dominated by the number 12 seats.

Really, as doubles matches so often are, it all depends upon service

breaks. The box has been filling up slowly

during the match, as was for the Lady semifinals. Williams looking

mightily impressive. Williams against Angelique Kerber.

Let, first serve. Mostly his partner with the double

fault, but now, one for Mahut. Second serve which Huey should have

made more of. Beautifully judged by Herbert. Hold

of serve to start the third set. Did not quite get enough power on

the ball, to get it out of court. Left Mirnyi stranded. Do you have a

favourite victory of your four Wimbledons? The first one, of

course, first major, first time that you realise, well... We did not

choke, we won a major, we did it! Like a first child, always the

favourite one(!) clearly, you were not the first

child...! Sat nicely off the net for Herbert.

Had school been 15-30, he would have played that shot a lot more

conservatively. -- had the score been 15-30. Not getting too much on

the Huey serve, Mahut and Herbert. Little chat between the two... Is

there always a boss of the doubles partnership? Who was it between the