MURRAY AVOIDS FEDERER UNTIL SEMIS
IF there is any consolation for Andy Murray in a hugely underwhelming week, it is that Roger Federer will not appear on his path at Wimbledon until at least the semi-final stage. The risk for the world No1 was that Federer — a seven-time champion at SW19 — might be lurking as early as the quarter-finals had the Swiss lost to Mischa Zverev in the last 16 in Germany yesterday. But Federer’s 7-6, 6-4 win has ensured he will head to Wimbledon with a top-four seeding that could yet rise to three if he wins the title in Halle. His seeding is now guaranteed to keep him out of Murray’s way until the semis at the earliest, which must be some relief to the Scot after his defeat to world No 90 Jordan Thompson in the first round at Queen’s earlier this week. Federer believes Murray has been carrying the scars of his battle to reach the top of the rankings, saying: ‘Andy was tired after getting to No 1 at the end of last year and then has been struggling with injuries. ‘I think the second part of the season will be really crucial for Andy and Novak (Djokovic), as well. It’s going to be really interesting.’ Meanwhile, Britain’s Jo Konta was blown away 6-1, 6-3 by world No 30 Coco Vandeweghe yesterday as the American sealed her spot in the quarter-finals of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham. Afterwards, world No 7 Konta had an icy exchange with a reporter during her post-match press conference. Asked whether the defeat was a blow ahead of Wimbledon, after also losing in the final of Nottingham last Sunday, Konta said: ‘Another defeat in a short period? I think I did okay. I made the final last week. But cheers to the positivity. Wow. Is it a big blow for you? ‘Just because I am No 7 in the world does not mean I am entitled to win every single match.’ New Yorker Vandeweghe, who will face Spain’s Garbine Muguruza in the last eight, said: ‘I made her earn every service game. That was my focus.’
JAMIE MURRAY and his partner Bruno Soares reached the semi-finals at Queen’s yesterday with a 7-6, 4-6, 10-6 win over French Open champions Ryan Harrison and Michael Venus.