Day 8, Part 2 Wimbledon

Beautiful reactions! Superb! Beautiful forehand. Nothing is

stopping her now, is there? SUE BARKER: Its 33 years since a

British woman, Jo Durie, played in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon. But

today, Jo Konta will walk out onto court is one of the ten women in

contention for the final on Sunday. After eight glorious days of play at

Wimbledon, now I'm afraid the rain has arrived. We have only had about

45 minutes of play. Covers have been going on and off in the past few

hours. I think it's going to be a bit like that on the outside courts

for the rest of the day. They are being very patient and waiting. The

good news is that we do have the roof of the Centre Court. Hello and

welcome to Wimbledon. Jo Konta has a stern test on Centre Court against

the world number two, Simona Halep. But she has proved already that she

can handle the pressure moments. She did it against Donna Vekic and again

yesterday against Caroline Garcia. It promised to be a fantastic day of

tennis. Venus Williams, the five-time champion, has overcome

personal difficulties to reach the quarterfinals. But she is facing

potentially her toughest test yet. Against the 20-year-old French Open

champion, Jelena Ostapenko. She was just a few weeks old when Venus made

her Wimbledon debut in 1997. Another French Open champion, Garbine

Muguruza, was a finalist here two years ago and made the last eight by

knocking out the number one, Angelique Kerber. Muguruza faces

Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova, who has been in terrific form this year

and hasn't yet dropped a set at Wimbledon. Coco Vandeweghe by the

24th seed but she's become many people's outside tip for the title.

It is her second quarterfinal appearance here, and she says she is

playing with confidence. And so is her opponent today, the unseeded

Magdalena Rybarikova, who was also a convincing win up when the two met

at Roland Garros this year. -- a convincing winner. Jo Konta is third

on Centre Court was afternoon. The expected three is already building

around the All-England Club and the atmosphere is sure to be electric --

the expectation. A win for Simona Halep would also guarantee that she

finishes the week as the new women's world number one. So much at stake

today. Well, it is ladies quarterfinals day, with a bonus on

Centre Court, a match that was played yesterday. Novak Djokovic

wasn't happy, but he's out on court against Adrian Mannarino. Two sets

up, Djokovic. Will join that match and of the moment. Then it is

Williams against Ostapenko and later, Konta against Halep. Muguruza

against Kuznetsova "Number one. -- on Court Number One. It is certainly

a day when you are very fortunate to be scheduled on Centre Court. For

all of the others playing on the outside courts, they will be looking

up to the skies and wondering where is the rain. I'll hand over to

someone who can tell us, it's Carol. Yes, indeed they will. We are

looking at showers as we go through the afternoon. There is an 80%

chance of catching a shower. In between them there will be be dry

interludes. It looks like the rain will arrive earlier than we thought.

It looks like 4pm, we can see the onset of that ring. When it sets in,

it will be heavy and persistent. Under that rain it is noticeably

cooler than the last few days. The rain will last into the evening.

Heavy bursts in that. It's not until tomorrow morning, but early tomorrow

morning, that it clears away from Wimbledon. Then high pressure builds

on and things settle down nicely. There will be a lot of sunshine and

highs tomorrow into the low 20s. Thursday's looking pretty good as

well. Well, there is some good news. It looks like we will get about two

hours' play before that rain. Maybe they will be moving the ladies

quarters onto centre this afternoon, who knows. Novak Djokovic is on

centre because of the four-hour 48 minute epic match between Rafa Nadal

and Gilles Muller. This was match point, Gilles Muller polling of the

biggest win of his career at the age of 34. Rafa threw everything at him

but Muller stood tall. The are from Rafa meant that it is Muller who

goes through to the last date here at Wimbledon. And it is another sad

farewell for the two-time champion, Rafael Nadal. -- the last eight.

Take nothing away from this victory, Gilles Muller served well and held

his nerve, keeping the break points away from Rafa. And the crowd that

were there gave a standing ovation for both players because it was a

very, very special match. It had it all, drama all the way. And very

sportsmanlike. Rafa waited for his opponent and sign autographs before

the leading court, he is a class act as well -- before leaving court. Out

"Number one late yesterday. -- court number one. On Centre Court, Novak

Djokovic has just taken the second set. This is how he did it in the

second set tie-break. 6-5 up. Mannarino does challenge that serve.

That is a big draw that tells you Djokovic means business on Centre

Court. -- a big draw. It was challenged by Mannarino and it was

good, Djokovic is 2-0 up. It is the early stages of the third set.

Mannarino has held serve and Djokovic is serving at 40-30. Let's

joint John Lloyd and John Inverdale for this one.

COMMENTATOR: Well, the entertainment level remains high.

Lots of little subplots here. Djokovic's unhappiness with the

state of the court. Some really extravagant attempted drop shots by

the Frenchman, some of which are more successful than others. And

Djokovic two sets to the good, and what a piece in the third -- won a

piece in the third. What was that exactly? Talk me

through that, John? I thought he was going to kick the ball! You thought

it was going out, then he suddenly thought, no it's not. Then he very

nearly had to go to A! And it is the wonder of the scoring

system in ten is that in 20 seconds suddenly 0-30 and this could be the

game right here -- in ten seconds. Played that well. Entertaining. The

shots that he's hit between his legs... They're not realistic to

actually win the point, but it's fun to watch. He is thinking, those are

the sort of shot I was playing a few years back.

Well played. That is Novak in Grand Slam winning mode. And yet again,

Mannarino under pressure on his serve. Two break points to the

number two seed. Andre Agassi looks on. His expression remarkably

unchanged. You wouldn't know if Novak was two

sets up or two sets down by Agassi's face! That's fantastic! That's the

raw of a champion. A 12 times Grand Slam winner. I'm 13 at Wimbledon

this year. -- I'm 13. It's just outstanding, isn't it? The

balance, how low he stays on this court, the way he gets down on the

ball and still control it and the emotion he is showing today. This is

a good sight to see. I is following, tracking the ball as it goes past

his opponent. At last! Andre Agassi saying, yeah, not bad. That's all of

the yoga and Pilates and everything else! But it is that players and

your irate didn't really do. -- in your year rut didn't do. I'm being

nice that! It's a different ball game now. It's been a strange match,

he's had so many mixed emotions out here. The crowd have loved it,

though. Nobody knows what to expect in some ways. I think we know what

to expect in terms of the result, but the ways of going about it,

we've all been a bit surprised. There's been probably ten shots in

this match ten rallies that you would put in by, well, or the top of

Wimbledon. Any show real, certainly, if you are advertising the sport.

It's just been a riveting match, if now a bit one-sided, with Djokovic

two sets and a break up and eyeing the quarterfinal tomorrow.

And an ace on the second serve for good measure.

APPLAUSE Beautifully timed. I'm not saying

that big serving as isn't entertaining, but we've only had six

aces in this match and that has been a contributory factor in it being

such an engaging and entertaining contest.

Big serving is kind of like, everything in moderation, isn't it?

Exactly. When you get to the stage with some of the matches which we've

seen where you're just going side to side and nobody touches the ball,

then it's a bit tough. A mixture is good, but when it's one-way traffic

it can get a bit... The same. Yes. GASPS

Oh! I was about to say that the net for the first time today was an

Mannarino's side, and then decided that it definitely wasn't.

APPLAUSE New

And almost there. I think the umpire is calling for the doctor again for

Djokovic. He just said something in the last game. It's a bit of a

strange time to call for one, really. Not far away from winning,

you would think. Those are the questions for the press pack in the

conference afterwards. You know, letter a, what's wrong, B, what

about the court? Well, heeded welfare. -- he did well

there. Just a couple of moments in that rally where he could have taken

the ball coming in and he didn't. You have to work so hard to win

every point. CROWD GASPS

That's the first serve and volley, I'm talking about in the rallies,

not serve and volley. You can see him looking up at his

box. I told them that was a stupid idea!

Djokovic was about to take off for this one and he slipped. Decided,

no, not going to bother. APPLAUSE

Terrific forehand from Mannarino! Hanging on in there.

Enjoying the Centre Court experience, to court is really

enjoying him, too. -- and the Centre Court. This is different now. This

is the arm of Djokovic. Before it looked like it was just a headache

or something, because he didn't... Didn't touch anything, just many

differing around. I saw him do that -- just manoeuvring around. Hitting

the second serve, he touched his arm. I didn't think much of it, but

right away he called for the doctor and the physio to come out. That's

not a good sign, particularly when you have to play back-to-back

matches as well. If he gets through this one, which presumably he will.

Yes, this may be one of those moments when the fact that an

opportunity, maybe with a small O, to play this match last night, it

wasn't taken, it may actually come back to bite all concerned.

Mannarino is out, ready to go, Djokovic going back now.

And Mannarino would have seen that and thought, well, you know, if he

is 98%, if I can just get into this game... Maybe we're not done and

dusted yet. To the untutored eye, that shot

looked OK there. Oh! Some of these rallies have been

just an absolute joy. They didn't stay any lower than they

had to on these shots. How did he make that?

You'd pay good money to watch Mannarino, wouldn't you?

Well, Djokovic is like the marathon runner.

Two or three minutes clear at the 24 mile mark and he just wants to get

the last two miles done and dusted. And somewhere in the women's locker

room, Venus Williams and Jelena Ostapenko you would think are going

through a last few warm up exercises. They'll be thinking about

that women's quarterfinal before too long.

But Mannarino's going to keep him waiting just a little bit longer.

STUDIO: Djokovic now just two game away from going through to the last

date. They continue under the roof on Centre Court. I'm pleased to say

that play is continuing out on Court Number One. No rain at the moment.

It is all going Garbine Muguruza's way at the moment. 4-1 up against

that Lana Kuznetsova. Muguruza is a former finalist here and played so

well against Kerber. That match is over on BBC Two. But here on Centre

Court, oh, it just looks painful. This is worrying for Djokovic bands.

He needed some tablets in the first few games -- Djokovic fans. Now he

has a shoulder in Drew. Anyway, we'll see. He's two game from going

through. Ouch! I don't think I could do that! Anyway, back we go to John

and John. COMMENTATOR: A medical time-out has

been called now. Jelena Ostapenko and Venus Williams are going to have

to wait a bit longer, come what may. That clearly indicates that it is

perhaps a bit more serious than we thought. I'm not so sure that this

is the same thing that he took the pills or whatever he did at the

beginning, I think this is different. I saw him wince on a

serve a couple of games ago. I think it's different, I'm not sure, but I

think so. The bottom line is, this is not a good sign for him. Firstly

he has to get through this much. And would not 24 hours rest, this, you

know, is obviously a bedtime for him. We don't care how -- a bad time

for him. We don't know how bad it is but he looks in a lot of pain. This

is the postponement of the 24 hours, it really is. I was watching the

Nadal- Mola game last night sitting next to a Serbian television

journalist who wanted that game to go on and on and on committee said,

because from a TV point of view in Serbia, I hadn't realised what a big

cafe society Belgrade is, but apparently it was 37 degrees in

Belgrade yesterday. He said, the late of the Nadal game goes, the

later Djokovic is going to be on, and the more fantastic the audience

figures are going to be. Every cafe in Belgrade is going to be out in

big screens watching Novak. Of course, he didn't go out on court.

This guy said, what's going on?! This is our big moment!

Well, whatever the medical state of play that Novak is in at the moment,

he needs just eight more points to book a place in the last eight.

Slowed the ball up. Mannarino should have done a bit better with that,

that passing shots really had a lot of time.

Well, that second set tie-break may well prove to have been the key

moment in this match. Mannarino led 4-2 in that when they changed ends.

Three errors, a second set to Djokovic and potentially now a

third. Although... Beautifully played. Yes, a volley like that from

the Frenchman. You wonder why he doesn't come in more. That's a

really good forehand volley there. APPLAUSE

Well, he has hit some sensational winners in this match, Mannarino.

Just not enough. Well, he really has hung in there.

He played a bit of a strange game to lose his serve in the third set. He

thought - well, I'll go away quite quickly after that. But he has

enjoyed himself. Plus the sight of Djokovic getting treatment, it

always helps you when you are playing someone and you see that

going on, but for Novak Djokovic, this is a game where - although

obviously very experienced, I'm sure he won't - but sometimes when you

have an injury, you see the finishing line, you rush, you want

to get off the court so badly, get the treatment and get off the court.

But, it is an old cliche, but he has to take it one point at a time.

Well, Djokovic has been in this situation so many times for more

than a decade now. A big match, on the biggest stage. One time step

required. -- one final step required.

He's been a real road runner today, Mannarino.

Well, we've had a cocktail of headache pills, manipulation,

arguments with the court, but ultimately, match point.

CROWD GASPS CROWD GASPS

UMPIRE: Mr Djokovic challenged the call. At the baseline, the ball was

called out. Well a fabulous rally. I have a feeling it was in. No, just

missed it. Mr Djokovic has two challenges remaining. So, two match

points have gone abegging. Mannarino hanging in there.

But he will curse not getting that ball back in play. So, for the third

time, here's Novak Djokovic, serving for the place in the Wimbledon

quarterfinals. UMPIRE: Mr Djokovic has challenged

the call. The ball was called out. Well, he is still man overing his

shoulder. There is clearly something wrong there. But he's going to have

to fire down at least one more serve before he can get it seen to.

UMPIRE: Game, set, match, Djokovic. Well a hugely entertaining match.

3-0 sets. And Tomas Berdych awaits and Roger

Federer lurks in the bushes and Andy Murray is on the horizon. And

there's a long way to go before Novak Djokovic reaches the top of

the mountain once again but he is still climbing and he'll have his

39th Grand Slam quarterfinal tomorrow.

And there's a lot of work to be done, clearly, for Novak between now

and that quarterfinal with Berdych to. A lot of work on that shoulder.

So fundamental to a tennis player's armoury. Here he is, he has been

centred throughout the match of various states of parts of Centre

Court and drawing the umpire's attention there to, well, not

exactly a molehill but clearly an indentation that the ground staff

will want to do something about and even more than that, the baseline at

the far end, the royal box end, has caused concern for the former

champion here, as the players leave the court and if a lot didn't know

much about Adrian Mannarino before today, they'll take away very fond

memories. He played his part in a hugely-entertaining match, that

lasted for two and aurt quaer hours. Great counter-punching from the

baseline and great dexterity at the net as well on the odd occasion when

he found his way there. But ultimately, his first Grand Slam

quarterfinal has eluded him. And Djokovic, after the mandatory

programme, cap, ball-signing, and also a few selfies with the Chelsea

Pensioners. And he is smiling as well. Novak's

PR machine is very good but actually he really does get the requirements

of a top tennis player and certainly to see, to spend a week, not exactly

in his company but aware of his existence at Eastbourne a couple of

weeks ago, you realise the huge charm offensive that he is engaging

in at the moment, but also, he can be very, very charming and

entertaining company and a lot of residents at Eastbourne couldn't

believe how much time he willingly gave to them, to engage talking

about tennis but not just tennis, other things as well. So, while the

Centre Court crowd disperse and,back for the two women's quarterfinals

that are going to take place this after, first up it is Venus Williams

up against, Jelena Ostapenko and then Jo Konta against Simona Halep,

there is confirmation of the score: Two hours and 15 minutes. Novak,

after the frustrations of yesterday not being able to get on the court

it must have been good to get off over in a straightforward manner? It

was a long, tough day today for both of us, waiting for

over in a straightforward manner? It was a long, tough day today for both

of us, waiting for an entire day for us to get on the court. It is what

it is. We got on to court today. I'm glad we were at least scheduled it

play on Centre Court which meant that even regardless of, if it rains

or not, we are going to finish the match. I am glad it is all done, and

looking forward to the next one. It appears you are continuing in had

rich vein of form that we have seen over the last few weeks? I have not

dropped a set on grass yet, Eastbourne and here. I am' feeling

good on court and I'm motivated to get as far as I can in the

tournament. It is one of my favourite tournaments in the world.

Hopefully I'll be able to maintain the rhythm. We saw you have

treatment for your shoulder. How is it? Is it a concern going forward?

We will see. It is something I have been dragging back and forth for a

while now. But, I'm still managing to play, which is the most important

thing. Tomas Berdych next, you have a fantastic record against hirges 27

matches played, won 25. How do you view that obviously he can play on

grass, he reached a final here. Well, that year he beat me in the

semis, I think. I think it is one of his most preferred services. He

looks grass, a big game, a big serve and forehand. He plays very flat. He

has been around for many years, he is an established top ten player. He

understands and knows the occasion of playing big matches on the big

courts. Matches are getting tougher and tougher. There are no clear

favourites. I'll try and give it my best. Finally a word on the court

and how it is playing, I saw you point out to the umpire it is

cutting up a bit. Is that a worry? Well, during the match I mentioned a

hole in the middle of the court, below the service line. And well, he

just asked me to show him and I did. You know, he was not very pleased to

see that. Courts honestly are the not that great this year. You know

many players feel the same but it is what it is. The weather also affects

the grass. The grass court, groundsmen, I'm sure they know their

job, the best in the world but the grass is probably the most complex

surface to maintain. It's not easy. They are trying their best. But, you

know, I've played on Bert courts. We wish you well in the next round. SUE

BARKER: Well no sooner was he off court than the ground staff were on

court filling in that. And coach, Agassi will be anxious to get that

over. He probably lost a lot of nervous energy yesterday waiting.

But he was out here today and he wanted a straight sets win and he

got T Djokovic is through. Now the buzz, we turn our attention to

ladies quarterfinals day and we have Venus Williams up against Jelena

Ostapenko in a moment. Martina is here. How many titles in total at

Wimbledon? 20. Just the 20. I was trying to count how many doubles and

mixed and everything and John Lloyd is with us. First your opinion on

Novak and his form? He has been fired up. He had to get the fire

back. As I said before, tennis is a fiery sport. You have to have the

fire in the belly to react to the ball and be passionately involved in

the game. You cannot go for a nice little meditation during the match.

It doesn't work. Actually I did meditate for a while. I had to stop.

I was too peaceful. I had to stop that. You have to be fired up and

Novak has that fire in the belly again. It is great to see. There

were some mighty roars for that. I loved that. As Martina said, we need

to see that, we need more of that. It has been flat. It is not his

game. It is mental that caused him the problems. He has been flat.

Maybe all the wins he has had. When you see him like that, going a bit

crazy at times, he loves t the crowd loves it, it shows he is back and

complaining, that's not bad either. At least he has the purpose to win

the title. I'm just hearing the ripples now. You can probably here

the players are out. Venus Williams and Jelena Ostapenko on Centre

Court. What a lovely match this is to look forward to. So much

experience with Venus Williams five times the champion here. But for the

third match in a row, up against the youngest player left in the

tournament. Very exciting, fearless, Ostapenko. We'll talk more on that

in a moment but, John, briefly, his comments on the court. That will not

please the organisers. Well you know you have a problem when winners are

complaining, when losers are complaining, you can say - whatever.

You can see it. You can see the problems on the baseline. That is

sort of normal but now it is inside the court and even in the service

box. There are definite marks as you can see here. It is not good. We

have a lot more days left in this tournament. It is worrying. The

grass sometimes gets slipped on as much, but nowadays the players don't

dive ni. It is like they hit a 5-iron off the surface. Several

players that have been winning have been saying it to me. It is a

pattern. Not sure what is going on and why, but it is worse. They claim

they are not doing anything different. It has to be the weather.

I was whoppedering how long we before we get to the weather. We

moan when it rains and when it is too hot. We just love moaning. John,

before we go, a word on Jo Konta. We have all played here at Wimbledon

under the pressure of being a British player. She seems to be

handling it so well. I was worried about some of the comments before

Wimbledon, where it looked like she was getting edgy. The turn around

for me was when she won that epic match. The crowd loved her. I think

she'll turn a corner and Mr Play now. It took time for her to love

this place but now I think she's happy. She has come through a couple

of big matches. She's handling the pressure. The crowd now, it is

difficult to play when they are moaning when you miss a shot but

when they are with you and going nuts when you hit great shot, she

has embraced that and using it to her advantage. Well thank you both

very much. We turn our attention to Venus Williams against Jelena

Ostapenko. Venus, so much experience, playing here at

Wimbledon since 1997. COMMENTATOR: What a lovely moment it

is. It really has been the most

incredible journey, hasn't it? Even in 1997 she bounced on and was

winning matches from the word go. Five years ago, we didn't think she

would still be playing. Here she is getting to the finals of the

Australian Open and a good chance to win here. My hat off it Venus, every

time she found out about her syndrome. Auto immune system Yes,

you can't fix it but you can try to manage it. She obviously has been

managing it but emotionally to deal with that and get out there every

day to keep trying and now she could win another Slam, it is amazing.

What is it? Nine years ago was the last time she lifted it. She has

only been number 1 for 14 weeks in her career but won so many Majors.

This is her favourite surface. She is serving big and playing better

with each match. And dealing with everything happening back in

America, with the car crash that happened, where the gentlemen died.

She's able to focus on the court For tennis players, when things are

going well you want to play tennis because you feel good and if it is

not, this is great escape. We have to compartmentalise, and all the

champions do that, you have to put your mind on the moment. Venus is a

champion that can do that. Such a big serve, a weapon here. This last

match, she was firing and winning a high percentage of the serves. I

think she's 59 off 70 coming to the net, which is astonishing. I would

like to see her get there more. One step and shes' there and she has the

best swing volley on the game. Great to see her winning. It is. And how

exciting it see her owe poent, Jelena Ostapenko. Lima Kenzie has

been charting her journey from Wimbledon junior champion, right

here to the last 8. As a younger, Jelena Ostapenko had a

big reputation. In 2014, she won the Wimbledon Junior Title. COMMENTATOR:

She's got it. It was amazing, to win the Grand Slam in the juniors. I did

it here. It feels very special to be back and to play again. It is

incredible. Looking back at the pictures yesterday, you look so

young and you still look so young. How much do you think you have grown

as a tennis player and a person since then? Quite a lot. I was also

watching those pictures from 2014. I really look like a baby there. Yeah,

I think I've changed a lot. But in June this year, everything changed.

She started the French Open a relative newcomer and finished a

Grand Slam champion. The first unseeded player to win Roland Garros

since 1933. I realised I won the French Open. It feels really nice. I

have more confidence but of course people are expecting more from me

now but I need to focus and get ready for every match. Ostapenko's

form has transformed from clay to grass. Reputation meant little as

she despatched the big names on her way to the quarterfinal. Of course I

have a little pressure but I'm going to take one match at a time and I'm

just going to prepare for, as I said, for every match. I like it

play on grass. I think it suits my style well. Like so many young

players, Ostapenko grew up idolising Serena, today she faces Venus,

someone who is playing at Wimbledon, the same clear that Jelena Ostapenko

was born but that won't inhibit the latest Grand Slam winner. It seems

that nothing does. SUE BARKER: It is an incredible

journey. You think in March this year she was marked 71 in the world

and won the French Open and new here. It has been meteoric. I like

this about her, feisty, firy and fearless. And it paid off French

Open. She gets upset with herself but then is ready for the next

point. I like what she said, after winning the French Open - OK I've

done a good job but now she's backed it up with getting here. I look her.

The 42 winners, she hit against sell Lena, Bishop, bash, Bosch Yes and

she is a great defender. She can match up against anybody. It will be

interesting to see if she can atake Venus. And take her opportunity in

the match. You don't think she'll be over awed by this, do you? Not at

all. She'll embrace it. Been there, done that. She loves it. Loves being

on centre stage and played her best tennis under enormous pressure at

the French Open and keeps winning three-set matches. A great

competitor. The players are getting ready. Thank you very much for

Martina. She has to go she'll be calling this match along with Nick

Mullins. NICK MULLINS: Appearing on these

lawns for the 20th year. The oldest player in the draw, playing the

youngest player left in the draw, Jelena Ostapenko. What does this

contest hold in store for us? 11th in the world. Seeded 10th in the

absence of her pregnant centre, who I'm absolutely sure will be watching

somewhere back home in Florida and we're still in the greenhouse.

They've kept the roof shut. As much as they are playing on the outside

courts, there is the threat of rain, so rather than go through the

rigmarole of opening it and closing it again in 45 minutes, they remain

under cover for this women's quarter final and Ostapenko won the toss and

invited Venus Williams to serve first. UMPIRE: Ready play.

She has achieved so much. We know she has, fairy-tale match in France.

We will forgive her a few errors. Her very first quarterfinals match

at Wimbledon against Venus Williams. It's as terrifying as it gets, I

think. This could be better or worse,

depending on how you were looking at it, if she was playing Serena

Williams rather than her sister. Serena was her hero, that is who she

watched play the most. And here she is against Venus Williams, the

five-time winner here. A tall order indeed. UMPIRE: The ball was called

in. I'm pretty sure it was in, I'm not sure why she is challenging.

She has still got two left. The umpire is from Croatia. Quick

serving from Venus Williams, three aces. It sends a message. Her mum

and sister. Five times the single champion here, pitching for a sixth

now. In 2008, she beat her sister in the final, pushed into the

semifinals last summer when she was denied another hour on the court

with her sister by Angelique Kerber. Continuing to defy the march of time

with that extraordinary run to the finals in Melbourne again at the

start of the year. That's what she does! She doesn't

hang around. Well, we talked about the power. She moved so well to take

that ball to be able to hit that forehand and controlled on the line.

That was a very good return from Venus Williams. Ostapenko in plenty

of time. No warm up here, going all out from

the get go, three aces at the start of the match. That is amazing,

actually. Well, she ain't going to get a lot

of time of my close Williams returns. Exactly, that second serve,

55 mph, she is going to have to get the first serve in all go off like

the second serve. Xie Hao Ostapenko will attack Venus's second serve,

but I think Venus will do the same here. Venus's second serve is better

than Ostapenko's second serve. Three balls into the net. Venus

hitting the ball pretty hard. Ostapenko just not getting under the

bold enough. Break point already. -- under the ball enough.

Venus's mum watching bad, Prydie happy. -- pretty happy. Blazing

start for Venus. That is her sister. Latvian sport's hottest property

right now, provider of one of the sport's stories of the year so far,

out of the blue winner in Paris last month. Trying to jog around on the

baseline, anticipate where that serve's going to go. Venus has been

using the body serve very effectively. Then you get older, you

get wiser, and you use it more and more. -- when you get older. You

don't get aces that way, but you get weak replies. Hit on that second

shot. She hasn't really got going yet. A

face that was wreathed in smiles not so long ago just a little bit of

puzzlement on it at the moment. A glimpse of a Grand Slam winning

shot. The big step for Ostapenko is to get into the rally against Venus

Williams. Killing it! Yes, she has a break and

she leads 3-0. SUE BARKER: Looking very composed

out on Centre Court, Venus Williams racing to 3-0. We will be right back

with this, but let's show you what's happening over on Court Number One.

Garbine Muguruza, the former finalist, is a set and a break up

against that Lana Kuznetsova. She just started playing at the

beginning of the year much more freely and reaching the

quarterfinals of the Australian Open. She is playing in the same

manner here, and when she's like that she is always dangerous,

Muguruza. She has the advantage out on Court Number One right now. A

couple of results to bring you. Good news for Britain's Jamie Murray and

his partner Martina Hingis in the mixed doubles. They came through in

straight sets today. 6-3, 6-4. They offer. They are very much the

favourites to win the title. Martina Hingis the winner of 17 Grand Slam

doubles titles. Of course Jamie, the former mixed doubles champion here,

two-time men's doubles Grand Slam champion, everybody loving that

victory out there. Oh, Judy and Carol! Well, she just gave us the

weather and she has hotfooted it down to court number do. I'm sure

they were talking all things Strictly while they were watching!

That was on Court Number Two. Of an court number three, this is a big

upset. The Brits are through. Ken Skupski and his brother, Neal, are

through. They are through to the next round. That's what's been

happening elsewhere. Back we go, and it is 15- 02 Ostapenko. -- 15-0.

COMMENTATOR: Talking about Venus Williams making her Wimbledon debut,

a Elaine Ostapenko was a fortnight old. 15 days to be precise. Born in

June the 8th 1997. How many hours by Lexmark that is funny. I ran into

that at the end of my career, it's just peculiar when that happens.

Ostapenko, you know you are old when you are older than your opponent's

mother, or about the same age! A lovely touch from Ostapenko. You can

see that backspin. It looks like Jelena will get on the board here.

Dominant play from Williams. Then immediately behind the return of

serve. Venus's shot selection has been excellent going forward when

she has the time. Not too much, just enough. Outstanding so far.

And that was not a bad serve. She needs to put a bit of slice on it.

When Venus moves towards the ball, she is deadly, she loves to be on a

stretch, one step ahead. She needs to make her body move away from the

ball. It's tricky, though, if you don't hit that body serve just

right, you're a sitting duck, pretty much.

I love the way she plays. On top, Martina, she kind of plays without a

care in the world. She hits every ball like it might be her last. She

doesn't let life pass her by when she's on the court, does she, she

takes every opportunity. Every point, and she's ready to go. You

can see her mum there with the blunt her. You can tell that mum. -- with

the blonde hair. With her coach, it's been a great partnership so

far, I have to say. Anabel Medina Grigar is on the left,

a former top 20 player, only we simply retired, three years ago. Mum

Jelena. -- only recently retired. It is a Slavic thing, to name your kids

after you. It's quite common. It can get confusing, though. Great serving

from Venus Williams. I have another question about Slavic names, but we

might leave that until a little bit later. It's to do with what we

really ought to call Jelena Ostapenko. You're looking a key

statistic on the board, what's catching your eye? The percentage of

Venus serves, she has 64, but their deadly when they go in. Winning

eight out of nine points. Of course, it's not how many double

fault you hit, but when you hit them. You can't throw away a second

serve, go for more. Williams 4-1 with the brakes, first

set. So, there's Jelena, or is it?

Because we found out over the last couple of days that actually her

family and her friends have always called her Aliona. Which is what

everybody in Riga calls her, back home. It is what her mum Jelena

calls her. Mum and that wanted to give her a name which had its roots

in Ukraine, which is important to the family. But you can probably

explain this better than me, Martina, but they wouldn't have been

legally recognised as a name in Latvia because they have what is

called naming days, can you explain that? Yes, I think France does it

too. There are improved names that you have to give your kid to go with

your heritage. The Soviets of course are very big on rules. There was a

certain amount of names that you could get. My mum gave me Martina,

there were no Martinas, it was accepted but it was an unusual name

back then. You have to give an approved name, but then you can call

your kid whatever you want. It's fascinating study if they had a

choice, they would have named her Aliona, but they were not allowed.

The umpire yesterday called her Aliona. She said, it's the first

time in a match and umpire had called her Aliona, and she was

filled with it. -- she was thrilled with it.

And just to finish that story, Martina, the Latvians have been so

taken with what she's achieved in recent times that from henceforth

on, August 18 will be Aliona day. It is an official name now. It will be,

brilliant. Yes, because every day has a name attached to it. So if it

is your name day, you celebrate it. Suburbs you get a take and some

sweets. You get your birthday, and you get a name day. -- sometimes you

get a birthday take. That's heavy duty stuff. I wonder if she will

change her name officially or not. Venus will always be Venus. And

she's always been that good! Yes, she pounced on that short ball.

She's inside the baseline for the second serve return. She is ready to

spring forward, as she did there. Hard enough, but a little short.

Ostapenko perhaps finding her bearings here little bit. Holding

on. Interesting to look at the speed that Venus Williams is returning

that serve, an indication of how much harder she's hitting it today.

That is a big difference on both serves, 5-6 mph. That is a good

chunk of change, always coming back much, much quicker. You'd better be

ready after that serve. You know, when I was standing on the

court with Sue, I've played on this court with the roof closed, but it

didn't occur to me that this is the only indoor court without lights on!

I mean, you don't need lights during the day, you get enough light coming

through the roof, it's very peculiar. It's a funny sensation.

It's not as funny as watching tennis on this court with you! It feels

like I'm watching tennis in your back garden, it's your court,

really, along with one or two other courts! I don't mind sharing it with

a slew of other greats. It's just nice to be part of it. Venus does

not like to challenge, she has to be pretty sure she's right before she

challenges a call. No throwaway challenges for her.

Ostapenko not moving forward at all on that ball. Perhaps too much

respect for that Williams serve. She usually stays inside the baseline

also to return that second serve. Venus's coaches, David on the far

left has been with her for years and years.

APPLAUSE UMPIRE: New balls, please.

He will be extremely satisfied with what he's seen thus far, Martina.

Venus is just dominating when she gets that first serve in. Six

winners, six and forced, she's forced a lot of errors, but most of

what she's getting on top of the Ostapenko second serve and starting

the rallies really well. Did you hear Novak Djokovic talking after

his win 15 or 20 minutes ago about the state of the court, Martina,

about the divots and the holes and a lot of conversation about the state

of the courts all over this wonderful complex over the last week

or so. Here on Centre Court, the worst he could ever remember,

Djokovic, he said to us afterwards, it's been a tough old job for Neil

Stubley, the head groundsman. Normally the court gets worn out

into that he ought yellow dead grass and then it's dirt, but it is still

steady and flat for the most part. But these divots, I've never seen

the grounds people so busy after the match replacing the divots. I mean,

you just don't get divots here. There's got to be something that's

going on. The weather affecting it all the grass. I guess it didn't

change the composition of the grass... Alastair Cook. He had no

worries about the pitch on Lord's at Sunday, finishing in double quick

time against South Africa. Ostapenko serving to stay in this first set. I

wonder what the court would be like if we have the old serve and volley

game, it would be dug up that much more, especially around the service

line. It's tricky out there. Some holes in the court that shouldn't be

there, you feel like you could almost bring your ankle when you

step into it. That's dangerous at that point. -- sprain your ankle.

Yes, I know that the grounds folk like lots of people will have been

up and down the country on Sunday pending the lawns, doing what they

can do to put water on it. They've got their hands full this year.

The youngest remaining player in the draw. She came through some is the

key matches to reach the quarterfinals. There nearly beaten

by the Canadian qualifier Francoise Abanda in the second. She needed

eight match points before seeing of the fourth seed, Elina Svitolina,

yesterday. That was an impressive win. She was

one of the favourites at the French Open. Ostapenko won the whole thing

there. A much admired player here, Ostapenko beat her in the second

week of a bold. I think it was the first, second week. To lean as well.

Isn't that great, lots of names for occasional tennis folk to conjure

with now. They've known about this woman for a

while. Yes, she's hitting that second serve return. Again, you're

better really stretching her out wide. One step Venus is a dangerous

Venus. Four out of 12 on second serve for

Ostapenko. That's not good enough. Nicely done. She did well to get up

to that ball. She has a pretty flat ground strokes, when the court is

short for her she has two either find the net or hit long because she

just has so little margin of error with that ball. She would much

rather be hitting the ball from just behind the baseline them in front of

it. Smart play by Ostapenko. A little

smile on her face. Is that the first we've seen of the match? That will

calm the nerves in the box as well. And it means that Venus Williams

will have to serve for this first set.

She has another challenge. Is she going to? It was out, I probably

wouldn't be challenging. She's pretty steady out there. Of course

Venus has three challengers left. I would just calm myself down by

challenging, but it was well out. Oh! That's what I mean. Fantastic

return. Venus did really well just to get the ball into play. Not only

did she get it into play, she got it low and short, the great hand from

behind her foot. Ostapenko can't roll it up to clear the net.

She really should be 0-30. It changes the whole feel of the game

for Venus Williams. Instead she goes for the big serve, breathing much

easier. We've been on court for very nearly

half an hour. Ostapenko has wrestled her way more and more into this

contest. But it might have come too late for this first set.

A little shake of the head. A quizzical look back down at the

court. But it's what happens on grass. You sometimes don't get the

bounce your expecting. Williams has won the first set 6-3. Exactly, the

ball bounced straight up, that is grass court tennis, that's what

happens when the ball hit the line. What a fantastic set from Venus

Williams. Solid as a rock serving. 16% of the first serves in. Winning

80% of the points. It's hard to find an opening. Ostapenko only got to

30, that was it. A break point. But she kind of clawed her way into the

match, holding her serve three times. She has to find a way to get

into the Venus Williams serve. Big serve, big returns, big strike of

the ball. Let's have a look at some numbers.

We've mentioned one or two already, Martina.

First serves in, and obvious disparity at the moment from a

Latvian point of view. Exactly, the unforced errors are not too bad for

Ostapenko. She has been in the plus for the tournament and Venus in the

minors. She has been winning the points and backing up the second

serve. That has been Ostapenko's and he'll is healed, not getting enough

first serves in and losing too many points on the second serve. Order of

the day number one, hold serve. Order of the day number two, and try

to find a way to break Williams's serve.

And that's why trying to get into the semifinals of Wimbledon is a

devil of a job. Second round in 2015. First round in

2016. Quarterfinalist in 2017. There are some players who hit it

hard but it fizzles out when it comes over the net, like in

Badminton, it goes fast first but then it slows down, hers carries

through the court really well. The half-volley off the baseline. It

is a dangerous proposition. You are not going to get a true bounce. So

you are really taking a chance. Better to back up and save some

time. Do you know, we batter you with lots

of stats and statistics these days but the most astonishing stat or

statistics to come out of Roland Garros last month was she was

hitting, on average, her forehand, faster than Andy Murray was. That

says everything about the shot. I think she has the fourth hardest

forehand, period. I think Nadal, Del Potro and one other man hit it

harder than she was, in front of Andy Murray and anyone else in the

field. That was a great shot. I thought Venus hit a winner there.

She gives it a wallop. A big swing on the return of serve and it is

hard to adjust to the bounce. The fall was short and slow for Venus'

first serve but that big swing, hard to control.

It is one of those statistics you talk about when you go down the pub

at night, isn't it? They are the best.

Well, this woman, the sliced forehand return. She's thinking out

there. Whether she is thinking about changing it up, but she has the

ability to do it. Putting in the spin and drawing the error from

Williams. Well t sounded like a rock

conterrorist, battle of the drummers underneath the roof on Centre Court

right now and she's got break point. - a rock concert. Great foot work.

Just little stutter steps, getting into perfect position. The fist

break point of the match for Ostapenko.

When it comes off, you break, when it doesn't, maybe going for too much

but that was just a fantastic evident from Venus Williams.

And what is notable about the best players at points like that,

Martina, they don't take a step backwards, they take a step forwards

Exactly. I've not seen Venus hit the ball

this hard in a long time. Venus plays fast. Jelena also plays

fast. This is when champions strike right back, when they escape,

somehow, for some reason, that next game, you see a lot of breaks.

Venus Williams is covering the court beautifully today.

She needs to develop more spin on the ground shots, Martina, to

challenge long-term here, do you think? That certainly is the next

step for her. It is a must. Of course, she's 20. Plenty of time.

She has to negotiate three break points against her name here,

however. 37 Venus. The oldest player to get

this far at Wimbledon in a Grand Slam for 23 years, Martinia. The

oldest player since... That would've been me - '94. I would have to say

that Venus and Serena said - we'll never play in our 30s and here they

are in their late 30s, really dominating. Serena became pregnant

while number 1 and will no doubt be coming back and Venus, I think,

could get to number 5 if she wins the tournament. Absolutely. I don't

need to tell you this, you know this, Martina, beat Novotina that

day. There is Max Whitlock, the gymnast who just got married.

Congratulations to Mr and Mr Whitlock. We are constantly trying

to put what Venus Williams is achieving, is still doing, into some

kind of perspective. And with a break of serve, here she is, and

having won the first set, 2-1 up in the second.

And frustration starting to boil over here. She can't get the racket

near it. Venus seems to be playing even

faster between points, not letting Ostapenko breathe. The combination

of the Williams' power and Paddington stares across the box

from Ostapenko. The average speed of Williams' first

serve in this match has been 107 miles per hour. The average speed.

She moved up to another level yesterday and is keeping it up

today. She has her confidence, feeling the rhythm. And when you

have it, use it. What a wonderful scene. Strr court,

under the roof -- Centre Court, under the roof. The greenhouse

effect, given the dreadful weather forecast around these parts today.

And we are nice and dry and warm here on Centre.

Ah. 40 years since Virginia took tea with the Queen. Jo Konta on next

guest Simona Halep. 1984, Jo Durie. She's starting to feel at home on

this Centre Court again, Ostapenko. Finding her rhythm.

One of the things we've always admired or certainly over the last

12 months about Jelena Ostapenko, are the fast feet that were

developed on the dance floor she tells us. She took ballroom dancing

lessons for about seven years. It was only recently she decided she

wanted to be a tennis player rather than a dancer. She is still only 20,

we have to keep reminding ourselves. She will appreciate that, Darcy

bustle on the left-hand side. It is all about developing skills as a

world class dancer. It is interesting, isn't it? I know you

talk a lot about this, about how the transferrable skills from one

discipline can be brought on to a tennis court. Well the biggest thing

you get in dancing, you have to know what every single body part is

doing, so complete body control. And that can transfer into whatever

technique you need in a tennis court. In tennis, it doesn't matter

what the body is doing, as long as the contact is right. But if you

have good technique, it helps. Ostapenko knows all about the body

control. Once you tell her, what she has to do, I think she'll be able to

do it. Other than the quick feet, that can make a huge difference, of

course. Well she overcooked that volley a

little bit. I think we should just do away with

the let, just play the ball. There is an event in Milan in

November where they are going to do away with the let calls and

experiment with one or two things as well on the men's tour. A little bit

of on-court coaching. The let call is just an outdated rule. There is

no reason for it. The quality of the ball striking

from both has been exceptional. Hitting the ball pretty clean, both

of them. Ostapenko with a little more power. Just so clean in the

middle of the racket. Well, well, well. Her coach and her

mum watch none admiration. The other mum, a little less so. The first

hiccup there from Venus Williams. She's been improving on her serve.

Just one break point the whole match. The Ostapenko position, I

think just gave Venus pause on that second serve. She's trying to be

brave on the service positions and working hard on the anticipation.

Not taking it for granted that Williams will dominate. So back on

serve in the second set, 3-3. Snr is there anyone smarter on

Centre Court today? That's a touch of genius. That's the

touch of a very special player Yes, she doesn't seem to want to be at

the net but when she gets there she has the confidence it get

imaginative. And this is great hands there. She's in trouble - she got

out of it. Venus Williams is backing up a

little bit on court. Now the openings are bigger for Jelena.

She is flat bang in the middle of this scrap, Jelena Ostapenko.

SUE BARKER: And when the youngster gets momentum she's hard to stop.

We'll be right back. But on Court One. Garbine Muguruza took her place

in the last four, defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova. Wonderful tennis out on

Court One. More power play from both sides of the net. Coach, Martinez

delighted with Muguruza who goes through 6-3, 6-4. Although she had a

dip in form after winning the French Open last year, she is really back

to her best again. She will be back for the semifinals,

Rybarikova or Vandeweghe. That match is on BBC Two. We'll keep you

up-to-date on BBC One as well. So back to centre.

NICK MULLINS: Where are we Martina? Are we seeing a significant shift in

the tides here, or a temporary one? MARTINA NAVRATILOVA? It's hard to

tell. I think it could be temporary. We'll see what happens.

A nice comfortable hold for Venus, it put the pressure back on

Ostapenko. Serve at 85 miles per hour. Given

the treatment by the Latvian. That serve a little faster, 113. Won

her the point. Won her the game. Hard to tell from the Williams' camp

that she is actually winning this match.

UMPIRE: Miss Ostapenkochallenges the call. The ball was called out.

You have to admire her spunk. She's fearless. Fearless tennis.

Big swings across the service line, but she makes it.

Not by much. UMPIRE: Mrs Ostapenko has one

challenge remaining. UMPIRE: Game Miss Ostapenko. She's

moved within a game of squaring things up set-wise. Unforced errors

and winners, Ostapenko is 20-14 positive. Veens 12 winners, 14

unforced. On paper, Ostapenko is winning this match. Just looking at

that number. She needs to get a few more first serves in. But she's

picked it up in the second set. Average net clearance as well. #

She's gambling a bit more. That's how she's playing. She plays very

low over the net. So that window is very shallow. Particularly when

she's inside the baseline. She's always walking dangerously there,.

The girl who created Latvian tennis history at Roland Garros. Up against

somebody who has been creating tennis history for much of her

career. She's not on her own. He is safely

through to the men's quarter finals. He beat Adrian Mannarino in three

sets, in the rescheduled match that started at mid-day here onEr isser.

-- here on Centre. The main business of the day is the women's quarter

finals. All of a sudden things get much

closer for Venus Williams than she would like. Comfortably ahead now,

she's just three points from the possibility of losing the set.

98mph second serve comes back with interest. Ostapenko really picking

tup here, the last three games. Played here for the first time in

1973. How did you deal with matches like this early on in your career,

when you were the second favourite? What was the approach? It's great,

there is no pressure. I'm supposed to lose, so I can go all out.

Everybody's got different pressures. For Venus, how many more times will

she be in this position. It's when you know your time is running out,

it becomes very precious. Ostapenko could be here 15 more

times. That's the way she plays. He coach

knows that. Her mum knows that. Her mum used to be her coach.

A joint coaching team now. It's working pretty well

What a great job she did bringing that break point down. No sign of

nerves there. S Now forcing the error from Ostapenko.

UMPIRE: Game Ms Williams. Venus Williams bouncing around inside the

baseline, taking control of this quarter final.

I feel like the net is getting in the way too much for Ostapenko. She

hits such a low mile. When you get nervous you decelerate a bit. She

hit three balls into the net. She's not happy.

20 unforced errors. It isn't her coaches hitting the

ball into the net. No. They're the ones who bear the brunt of it. Two

solid games from Venus Williams, back to the wall a bit there.

Displayed really solid tennis. 15-30 and three first

30-30, Ostapenko missed that return that would have been a winner. She

miss today wide. That's all she wrote. Now Venus Williams serving

for the match and a place in the semis once again.

At a time when a lot of us would have thought she'd have been beyond

it, she's still pushing for Grand Slam semifinals, Grand Slam finals.

Here she is once more serving for a place in the last four of Wimbledon.

What a serve. 98mph. A lot of slice. The ball stayed low. Ostapenko that

big swing, will never catch up. Where did this end up? Right by his

nose. The ageless Venus Williams at the

age of 37 for another Wimbledon semifinal.

UMPIRE: Game, set and match Miss Williams.

A month on from Paris, there will be no London fairy-tale for Jelena

Ostapenko. But Venus Williams continuing to take care of business.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE What an athlete. What a performer

and what a champion. Maybe a champion again on Saturday. She is

in there shaking her fists. She's the only one that's done it before.

That really pays off. Ostapenko has done a good job here getting into

the second week. Not sure whether the umpire is telling her to wait.

Don't know if she knows the protocol. Venus Williams has done it

before. Nobody else in the tournament has won Wimbledon before.

Until you win it the first time, you don't know whether you can. That

kind of doubt can when you're on the court and Venus Williams here for

the sixth time. Whatever happens between now and Saturday afternoon,

she'll be back in the world's top ten on Monday, when the rankings are

out. Denise Lewis amongs those in the Royal Box lending their support.

A quick word for Ostapenko. She's not going to win this one, but we

saw enough out there to underline again the talent that she has. She's

20 years old. She's just getting started. Fantastic win at the French

Open. She needs to shorten up some swings for faster playing grass and

improve her second serve. Sky's the limit for that woman. She has a good

attitude. She knows what to do on the court. We'll see her again. But

it is Venus who moves on to Thursday's semifinal. She's won it

6-3, 7-5. SUE BARKER: What a performance from the five-time

champion here, Venus Williams through to her tenth Wimbledon

semifinal. Looking for her first title for nine years. I tell you, if

you would bet against it, after that match, like all great champions, you

need to pace yourself through the draw and get better with every

match. She certainly is doing that. She's dismissed a very difficult

opponent today in the big hitting Latvian, Jelena Ostapenko. So Venus

Williams takes a bow on Centre Court here at Wimbledon, through to the

last four again. Venus and Jelena leave Centre Court. There's a buzz

around here, next up, guess what, it is Britain's number one against the

world number two. # You don't have to be rich to be my

girl... # Simona Halep certainly knows what it

is to play a quarter final in a Grand Slam. It's the first Wimbledon

quarter final for Johanna Konta. How will she deal the pressure and

expectation. We've been looking at her journey right the way through to

the Wimbledon last eight. Johanna Konta was born in Sydney to

Hungarian parents. She started playing tennis at eight years old

and by her early teens, she'd decided to make her pastime her

profession. She moved to Barcelona to develop her skills and then at

14, her family relocated to the UK where together they could chase her

dream of becoming a professional tennis player, the hobby became a

job. The dream, a reality. First time I met her, she was playing an

ITF junior tournament. She was very sweet, very caring and very kind.

She cared about her parents an awful lot. She was always a little shy and

reserved. I wouldn't say there was anything different that made her

stand out from everyone else. Really great posture, carried herself

extremely well and looked athletically as if she was made for

the game. There was one time I came in from the courts outside, it was

freezing cold. She had six layers on, outside, on an artificial clay

court and her enthusiasm, my word, I just thought it was great. I said to

her father, this is top 5% in the world material. I remember the first

time that I really saw Johanna play, the girl was quite unknown. She came

on court and she showed me this attitude like OK, I'm Johanna Konta,

I'm very confident in my game. I'm confident in myself. I was impressed

by the mentality she showed out there. In 2012 Konta became a

British citizen and that same year, she made her first appearance at

Wimbledon as a wildcard. Ranked 212 in the world, she lost in the first

round to American Christina McHale. Fast forward five years and Konta

started Wimbledon ranked seventh. On the court she's very focussed,

intense, hard working, kind of perfect in a way. We all knew she

could play well, but to now become a top-ten player, the person she is

and a Grand Slam contenders, she's just separated herself from the

rest. I think a lot of that is down to commitment off court as well,

working on the mental side of the game. That's been huge. Now she

seems a lot more relaxed and not as maybe stressed as she used torb on

the court. COMMENTATOR: Jo Konta Wimbledon

quarter finalist. Expectations are high this year. So far she's

controlling her emotions on a very positive way. I think it's a result

of all the mental hard work of the past. She's gone on record as saying

she wants to be number one in the world. I have no reason to believe

that will not be possible. She's good enough. Here she is through

into the Wimbledon quarter final for the first time, Jo Konta against

Simona Halep. They'll be on court in a moment. Kim and Mac are with me.

Pretty impressed with Venus in the last one? I was surprised she hasn't

been called the favourite for a few rounds. I mean, with her credentials

here as well, she's played most of the year. As comfortable as she is

on the grass, so while I think Ostapenko is going time prove and

win more -- going to improve and win more grand slams, it was nice toe

see the old master give the youngster a lesson. She looked as

though she was getting back to her best, after a few years where she

wasn't. Yeah, she is. With the health scares that she's had, it

took her a little bit of time to adjust. But to see her so motivated

and so passionate for the sport is incredible. It's some serve, that

break point in the second set, to bring out the ace in the corner,

it's a weapon. Her first serve is, I think she's hit the hardest serve in

the history of the women's game, close to 130mph, the one she hit.

It's nice to get out of trouble. The second has been an issue. When she

can get that going and has confidence, she's going to be

difficult to beat. No question. Onto this one now. Jo Konta, so much

British expectation, everybody talking about it. There's an

atmosphere here. Big match for her up against a very tricky opponent. A

very tough opponent. An opponent that will keep fighting until the

end. Has dealt with some emotional issues after losing the finals at

the French Open, but seems focussed again. It's a very interesting one

coming up. Johanna has looked consistent, even when she lost the

second set yesterday against Garcia, she doesn't get stressed about it.

She keeps focussed on what she has to do. That impressed me the moment.

Against Vekic and Garcia, she had moments where she could have got

tight, but she didn't. It's a little of both. She's got tight, but she

handled it better. She's done that better and better through her

career. It's nice to see a bit of a late bloomer. But this is a real

emotional test for both of them. I was going to say particularly Halep,

I'm not sure, I think it's both of them. Here's Konta, who's stepping

it up in front of a home crowd. Then you've got Halep who was devastated

by the loss at the French. A little bit from my own experience, if you

lose a match like that, in the French final, there's nothing better

than coming back here and being able to forget about that nightmare. But

her game is more defensive. She uses her legs more. She counterpunches

more. It's going to be important for her to try to step it up and be more

aggressive when she has the opportunity. Konta will win more

free points on the serve. It's like the last few years she's been the

Lady in Waiting, Simona Halep. She's been looked as a favourite in a few

tournaments. That's not the case today. Konta is the big favourite. I

think she feels she's the underdog that might help her emotionally as

well. OK, well, here they come. Big cheer for both players.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE Jo's certainly got her game face on.

Not even a wave to the crowd. It seems like, when she's coming

through these tough moments in matches, it's almost like she's

prepared mentally for it. It's almost becoming a habit now of

playing well in these big moments. The way she talked about baking her

muffins and how she was learning from each batch, that led me to

believe there was a similar thought the way she plays tennis. There's

sports psychologists involved in all this. She's clicked into something

that made her more comfortable and calmed her down and made her a

better player. That's extremely important that she's been able to

keep the mind somewhat at ease because it's impossible, certainly

it was for me, to keep my emotions in check. I can imagine what these

two are going to go through right now. It's going to be a roller

coaster. You know her coach well. He makes her recite the tactics to him

before she goes on, so he knows she's aware of what they are. For

sure. What he does well too is try to keep her calm. He's in the a very

outspoken coach, not very aggressive like that. He keeps her calm. He

will make sure the routines are on point and that's what you need

before these kinds of matches. You don't want too much distraction

going on. There is Jo getting ready for the warm up. We will be

discussing this and looking forward to it in a moment. First, let's hear

from Jo, she's been talking to Claire.

COMMENTATOR: Jo Konta Wimbledon quarter finalist.

People talk about the crowd and the impact and the adrenaline it

creates, did you feel it make a difference out there? It's something

that I've always dreamed of to be playing in big matches on big

stages. Obviously a home crowd is that much more emotionally invested

and that much more, I guess, living and dying with your points. The

support I felt out there was quite frankly phenomenal. Quick question

on Simona Halep, she's quick. Played her twice this year. The last time

she got the better of me. I'm really looking forward to again playing

against someone who's playing so well and to be part of a match that

will be very challenging for me. SUE BARKER: Every match is very

challenging at this stage. But Simona Halep she runs every ball

down. She's going to make her work so hard. She's going to know she's

been in a match today. She's a road runner. It's not as if Konta's not

fit or moves well. The big edge that I think Johanna has over Halep is

how many points she can win on her first serve and how many better her

second serve is. It's less attackable. Halep is a tremendous

returner. She goes after it. And she can back it up with her speed and

her foot work. But this is going to be about nerves more than anything

else, in my book. Absolutely it is. Looking at the stats, Jo Konta when

she's been in trouble in matches, she ramps up the first and second

serve by at least 5mph. It's like she's being positive then. She

definitely goes for them. She doesn't get nervous. Even in her

previous match, that second set, beginning of the second set and the

third set there were close games. She came up with aces, really good

second serves. That's a sign of a player who's really confident. That

win in Miami earlier this year helped her to even believe in her

chances more than ever. That was a big breakthrough, Miami, winning a

big tournament, a title. Against her opponent as well. That obviously is

a huge, the biggest one. Now this is a whole new league. Forget nigh

yamy. Now it's nice that you -- forget Miami. Nice to get that under

your belt. This separates the champions, the true greats, from the

contenders. This is an unbelievable opportunity for both. Halep went

through an emotional bummer. Huge. A match she should have won. This is

the best thing she can do to forget about it. Best way to deal with an

emotional bummer, absolutely. But to win a big title, she lost at the

Australian open, into the semis. To win Miami, which is considered just

under the grand slams in some ways, to beat the top players, that surely

proves something to herself. I'm going to answer it the same way I

answered the last time you asked me the same question.

LAUGHTER I didn't, I phrased it, about the

mental side not about beating the players. It helps with the

confidence. It certainly can't hurt. This is a different animal, Centre

Court at Wimbledon. It is, but I'm trying to find some crumbs here.

Fine. I get what you're trying to say. Thank you, Kim! Help me out

here, Kim. As far as, you know, for Jo, the weapons, the big serve,

forehand, every year she's improved something hasn't she? And her return

as well. The way she steps in even on Garcia, she's a great server,

stepping in on second serves, going for the side line straight from the

beginning of the rallies. That's something she's going to have to do

today, really try to be aggressive from the first shots. What advice

would you give to Jo if you were in her corner? Jo's done a great job

getting to the quarters. Me personally, when I go out there, I'd

advise, thinking the way I play, is don't beat yourself. Play

aggressively, but give yourself some margin especially early. She's

learned how to handle her nerves better, you can't tell me these two

aren't nervous right now. Please don't say they're that well

programmed and you go out in such a big match. I advise go strong. She

will have a lot of looks at the serve to go after. Don't for

outright winners. It's difficult to forget where you are and what you're

playing in. It is, but she has started each set off very well.

Broken the opponent straight away. That's the cream start. If you want

to be on this -- that's the dream start. If you want to be on this

court, you want to be in front and she's done very well so far. We'll

see if she can do it today. Halep, you know you can't even let her in

once, can you? She'll pounce. She's going to give off the vibe in the

sense that if you miss some serves, I'm going to be a bit more

aggressive. You can't get the ball by me. She's going to try to put the

ball in positions to dare Konta to go for too much, to get easy games.

Guys, they're sitting down. We'd better get away from here. I know

you've got work to do. Thanks to Mac and Kim. They're on their way to the

commentary borchl to join Chris Bradenham.

COMMENTATOR: A wonderful moment as Jo Konta stepped out onto Centre

Court. 33 years the waiting, for a British woman to contest a quarter

final here. Jo Durie the last in 1984. It's a tough task that faces

her against Simona Halep, that's for sure. Konta won the spin of the coin

and chos to receive. -- chose to receive.

APPLAUSE An expectant crowd.

If she can get serves over 100 mph, it will make life easier for her.

APPLAUSE Smiles already. Those shots right

out of the middle. That is why she could be number one

in the world after this match, Halep, because she plays some

serious defence. That was a great return.

A huge match, obviously, for Konta. How big is this opening service game

for her just to get on the scoreboard early? It is always nice

to win that first service game, but they both seem to be hitting the

ball already. It's not natural, but it's tempting

to try to steer your returns towards the centre because they are are some

tough hops there. The support is louder with the roof

closed. That is a mistake were Halep forced

her to overheat it a little bit. She has to hit a very good shot try to

win, because if you don't, she will take a passing shot.

Wow! That is worrying from a British perspective. This is the hardest

serve she has hit in the game. Arguably, she caught it a little

late, but if you aim toward the centre,... No, I hit that just where

I wanted it. I don't think I can remember a

player who has played more long rallies and then immediately stepped

up the line -- up the line and barely seems be breathing hard.

I don't think she has a big enough weapon to break through the wall of

Halep. It will be a huge bonus if Halep

serves as well as she has so far. She is not tall.

Nicely done. A chance to get back on serve.

The mini battle at 3- 04 Halep, break point saved. -- 3-0 for Halep.

SUE BARKER: A great start from Halep, who has the added motivation

that she will be world number one if she wins. We will be right back to

that. This is the sorry scene on Court Number One. It is 6-3 to

Rybarikova. They are back in the locker room. We hear that quite a

bit of rain is heading our way. Look at this, they are playing outside,

so maybe they just took them off Court Number One a little too early,

because play continues on the outside courts. We have heard that

heavy rain is coming, and it is likely to be year in the next half

an hour, so maybe that match will be completed under the roof on Centre

Court. Some nasty clouds around here at Wimbledon. We're so grateful to

have roof. Back to live played between content and Halep. -- life

Even know Halep is 3-0 up, for Jo, she must be like she is in the

match. They are having great rallies. If she can get on the

board, that will relieve some tension.

They look a little anxious. When she beat Garcia, she sank to her knees.

Our hands went ahead, tears in her eyes.

Contact on the scoreboard. -- Konta. Smiles all round again, for most.

She is the first British woman in 33 years to get to the quarters, and

you don't want her to show emotion? Anxiety and tension still in the

body of the back, for sure. -- still in the body of Konta.

Wow! That's her trademark. She seems determined to try to hit through

Halep. That is where I would direct most of

my serves if I were Halep. She has gone big so far, Konta, from every

return. I don't think she can do much else.

With a backhand, it's a little easier because you automatically

rotate both shoulders. The forehand is harder.

It's almost like when she has a little more time, she thinks it.

This is the biggest moment she has had in her career.

Second time, break point saved and the holed from Halep. We should give

credit to Darren Cave Hill -- Cahill. He almost walked away after

the Miami match, saying, I can't take any more. I think it got Simona

thinking, you know something? I had to change emotionally, do better and

give a more consistent effort, not get negative. She was taking it out

on him. I can't recall anyone else he has coached, besides Leyton

Hewitt and Andre Agassi, so you have the think, he has some serious

credentials. Given what happened at the French, mainly it is a credit to

her, Simona. A pretty strong effort to get herself in the mix. Sean

plays a big part in that too, getting her mentally ready. I spoke

to him and he knew she was really struggling after that loss. He also

knew that this was the perfect way to try to get rid of that and do

well here again. You had better time that shot just

right! Wow! It is terrific when you see

quality points being won. She is staying on top of that baseline, not

giving Halep the time to recover. The first love hold of the match. It

is interesting, because neither player really has a slice from their

backhand. Very rarely do you see it. I would think Halep would be more

inclined to mix up the pace of her shop is and the spin. -- of her

shots. I don't think she should be going toe to toe with her. It is

hard when the ball is this deep and fast, to chip it.

Konta is making a move on the Halep serve again.

The luxury of three in a row. -- three break points in a row.

Eight points in a row for Johanna Konta. Back on serve.

We've heard the role of Darrin Cahill, in helping Jo deal with

emotions. She is ranked outside the top 100. She choked in matches,

plain and simple. This process has become crucial for her. I believe

the win in Miami a few months ago helped a lot with building

confidence, which doesn't mean that she is not going to have

difficulties finishing matches here, but it will help getting to the

tournament and knowing that she is capable of beating the best. The

muffins has become a good sideshow. There has been more talk about that

than about winning Wimbledon. May be shoe should -- she should bring

some! She is back on track in this set. New balls, 3-4.

That is the type of shot I think Halep should utilise. Until this

year, Johanna Konta has played on pristine grass courts.

She needs a firm base under her. That is why a hard court has always

been her preferred surface. The way that she moves, she has a natural

way of moving on grass. This suits her movement very well.

That is this serve out why that she likes to use. -- the serve.

Averaging around six aces per match in this tournament.

UMPIRE: Mess Halep challenges the call. -- Miss Halep challenges the

call. I don't think there was any doubt about that call.

Then many battle is now going to Konta. -- the mini battle.

This is an important game now for Halep.

Does the roof up favour either one? It favours the better server and

that's Konta. But I think Halep is serving harder than normal

Not having to worry about the sun or the wind. You may have the guts to

go for more on the second serve, as she did there.

Bring that back tomorrow. Isn't it wonderful they've got a British

woman to get behind now too, in the back end?

UMPIRE: Game Miss Halep. Back on the scoreboard Halep. Just over half on

hour and the nerves, well, they seemed to have gone for a while.

There's been so much talk about who handles the nerves and pressure

better for this match. You both have academies. How much time do you

spend on that side with your younger players compared to backhands and

forehands and so on? Let's just say when it gets to the professional

level and the intensity of a quarter final at Wimbledon, it becomes more

into play. When they're little kids, they don't even know what language

you're speaking. In practice, I don't think you can teach them. This

is something that needs to be by playing matches, whether at a low

level or playing players you are supposed to beat at a low level any

way, you can't really practise it. The best way to learn is going

through the tough matches and the tough situations in tournaments.

You're constantly trying to figure out ways to make yourself feel

better about what you're doing. And trying to make it as difficult as

possible for the person you're playing and whatever way that takes.

Thinking about the previous tournament, you do it.

Konta serving to stay in the opening set.

I believe she's missed one serve. 21 out of 22.

UMPIRE: Miss Halep is challenging the call. The ball was called in. It

wasn't far away. But she's on the money with her serve so far.

Incredible serving exhibition, as this set's gone on.

UMPIRE: Let, first service. She did that previous well in her previous

matches. Against Vekic, she was 0-30 down and she would come up with big

serves. Another one on the line. First test

for Konta, passes with flying colours.

Three double faults a match the average for Halep this tournament

I think Darren helped Halep playing more aggressively, stepping into the

court. APPLAUSE

It's relentless from Konta. Just going back to that point you

made in the French final against Ostapenko, did Halep become a little

passive towards the end with Ostapenko going for it so much? She

got negative. She was up, I remember she had three break points I

believe. I remember thinking at the time why did she do what she did.

She sent a message of hope to Ostapenko that she wasn't quite so

sure of herself. Lo and behold she loses the set. She gets up 3-1 in

the third and loses that. I think here at Wimbledon, this has turned

out to be a blessing in disguise, because if you call a weakness in

her game, her serve, it helps, the grass helps her serve. It becomes

more effective. She's done a nice job, I think, mixing things up and

going for a little bit more on the serve. It's paying off. She's

starting to like this surface a lot more than she did at any point in

her career. To be able to get over that loss as close as she was,

that's the second time she was in a final. The first, OK, Sharapova,

maybe people expected. But that one she was supposed to win, for sure.

Second time Konta serving to stay in set one.

Just let that ball drop way too low. She couldn't decide what she wanted

to do with it. As you said, Kim, doesn't change that grip.

Every forehand is almost the same, which is great if it's going well. A

little variety sometimes helps as well.

Oh. Even with Halep, after that previously long rally. She walks

over to the other side of the court and doesn't, she's not even puffing.

She just looks like, ah, yeah that was fine. Felt like a two-hit rally.

Konta ceptionally fit as well. That's one of the first volleys I

can recall her hitting. In the tournament she's 51 from 65

at the net. Good odds. Ellie Goulding. Do you know her?

I've heard of her, yes. That's the second serve she's missed

in the entire match. First serve, I mean.

UMPIRE: Game, Miss Konta. At the moment, it looks like Johanna Konta

has played a number of Wimbledon quarter finals. They are really

bringing out the best of each other. Women's tournament has been

fantastic this year. Quite a first set.

I think Halep was complaining about the proud.

UMPIRE: Please wait till the end of the point before cheering, thank you

very much. Oh, it's in. Or is it? Either way it

will be challenged. The linesman called it in.

I think it's been called out. I think she's asking if she got it in

one bounce. That is in. Unbelievable point.

Guessed right. She's breathing heavy now. Yeah a

couple deep breaths. Darren Cahill is leaning forwards a

little more after that double fault. Aren't those balls tougher to hit in

the air than if you let the ball bounce. Seemed like there wasn't

much on it. Forces your opponent, I see most the men and women take it

in the air. I know I'm old school. It seems like there, you don't

practise that shot from there, or do you, that off the someone I used to

practise every warm up. All over the court? Yeah, because I wanted to use

that one. Did you practise that with the bounce too or just take it in

the air? Probably take it in the air.

She's the quickest wall that Konta's ever played.

That's a magnificent tie-break from Simona Halep. Konta's got to do what

she did in Miami and come from behind to win. SUE BARKER: A couple

of costly points in the tie-break. Jo serving so well going into the

tie-break. 93% of first serves in. But only 50% in the tie-break. So no

cheap points there. We'll be back on Centre Court. This is the sorry

scene outside. Everybody under the brollies. But still watching the

match unfold on Centre Court. They are die hard fans here. Thoroughly

enjoying the tennis. Nothing to watch on Court No 1. The other

ladies quarter finals. They are waiting in the locker room. This

looks set in for the day. There is an outside chance they will be moved

onto Centre Court. We wait to hear from the referee's office. Even in

this weather they're still enjoying their tennis here at Wimbledon. Jo

Konta fighting so hard on Centre Court. What a match we are watching,

high quality tennis. We said at the start Simona Halep was going to be

such a tough competitor. Two of the best competitors on the tour head to

head on Centre Court. Let's rejoin Centre Court right now. John, Borge

- Who? Regards as one of the quickest. Kim who was the quickest

in your era. What is it like thinking everything is going to keep

coming back? To me that was Justine Henin. She had that slice that you

were talking about. She was able to mix it up. Just make me make errors,

because I was trying to go for too much. Borge once he said tired in a

match. It reminds me a little of Halep, when she plays these 30-shot

rallies, steps right back to the line.

Konta to begin set two. She was thinking about the one that

she swung at and missed in the tie-break, decided to play this old

fashioned volley. Butchered that too.

Her serve has tailed off slightly in the tie-breaker. That allowed Halep

to make her work harder. Or not to be thinking about what she

just lost right now. That's why Halep is looking to jump on it.

Also the way she served, the first serve, that's going to be hard to

keep up. Super. Is that a message? Well it's

a sign, it's the way she plays. She likes to step on top of the baseline

and take the ball early and as soon as the ball comes up, she likes to

move in forward. We saw that drive volley she missed earlier.

Interesting if the self-coaching has gone on. The solid volley as opposed

to the drive volley. I like because she had missed one of those earlier

and sticking with that aggressive approach.

That's strong from 0-30. Nods of approval all round.

Outside, it's raining. This is the Hill. Ed Sheeran headlined at

Glastonbury this year, the song of a castle on a hill. If Konta keeps

going deeper into Wimbledon, she might get part of the estate there.

Renaming might become needed. Poor henman. Trying to take away his

little dash of wibble dob. -- Wimbledon.

Fascinating watching Darren Cahill, so far so good, when you see him

using the back of the chair. Neither camp showing a lot of outward

emotion. It takes something to walk away from

a player. A high profile player, the coach saying we're not part of a

team any more on the same course, I'm done.

Cahill walking away and most players would have said to hell with him.

You know, there's plenty of people who want to coach her and the

wherewithal, maybe he's right what he's saying. And I want you back.

I think she called him up and said I'm sorry. I need you on my team. I

don't want to go through this without you. I saw it in the first,

when she lost the first point of this game, she was looking over to

Darren a little bit more than she did at all in the first set.

Another chance goes on the hour mark.

Taking a little time out. Trying to slow Halep down a little.

Not the fastest serve, but very well-placed.

The first signs of frustration from Konta. She has been on court around

two hour was longer into this final. There is a lot of emotion attached

to it. It is all too much for that gentleman!

Maybe he had a bad night in a tent outside.

LAUGHTER I guess that is what you would call

neutral. Denise Lewis, she has got over a few

hurdles in her time on the way to gold.

It must be fabulous for people like Denise Lewis and others in the Royal

box to be totally relaxed and then just watching how others handle

pressure. That is one way of looking at it!

A low percentage shot, there. There is no question that her ability to

track down inexorable or two weighs on the mind of her opponent.

-- to track down a ball or two. UMPIRE: New balls, please.

I think that is also why it is so important to get a 40-0 lead. You