Julia in bite of her life

JULIA GOERGES plans to grind out a shock win over Serena Williams today.

The 29-year-old German is playing in her first Grand Slam semi-final against the seven-time champion.

Goerges wears a protective mouthguard to stop her grinding her teeth during tense moments on court.

She said: “I don’t know why I do it, but I have been grinding my teeth for about four years and it can damage them and it isn’t good for my jaw either. So I use this mouthguard protector during matches.

“It is just something that happens when I am really concentrating and focused.”

With former world No.1 Angelique Kerber taking on Jelena Ostapenko in the other semi, there is a chance of an all-German final to lift the mood at home after Germany’s early exit from the World Cup.

Goerges, who lost to Williams at this year’s French Open, said: “It sounds pretty cool to have two of us in the semi-finals. It’s great for German tennis.

“Angie did a much better job than I did because she was almost in every semi-final.

“To share this feeling with her, with a nation, that’s something which is special. It sounds crazy to have the chance to share a German final in Wimbledon.

“Serena has won so many Grand Slams. It’s a great opportunity for me to meet her, and an honour to share the court – but I will have tactics and be ready.”