Day 8: Chinese History

Zheng Jie became the first Chinese player to advance to the semifinals of a Slam in singles in tennis history. As a wild card. Her gutsy 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 victory over No. 18 seed and headcase Nicole Vaidisova stunned the commentators and raised the hopes of a nation in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics.

Remember back in 2005 when the Chinese players weren't allow to compete at Wimbledon because they had to prepare for the China games? The stringent control the government wields over its athletes has come under fire from everywhere.

But today, one of their players has made history and she didn't even celebrate with much enthusiasm. Perhaps she was simply shocked herself.

But her backhand, return of serve, and wily point construction also shocked NikkiV, who was trying to get her boring, one-dimensional bashing back on track and steer her career in the right direction. I was pleased that she lost as much as I was pleased Zheng won.

I first saw Zheng play in 2004 when she took on Serena Williams on Centre Court in the first round. Serena was in fine form, but I was impressed with Zheng's all striking and it was apparent her game got along great with the grass. Her run through the draw proves it.

And speaking of Serena, who Zheng will play again in the semifinals, has she played a better match?



The Fierce Stomping Diva painted corners and lines, defended absorbed fired on all cylinders and all the above.

Agnieszka Radwanska didn't know what hit her. 51 minutes later, Serena finished with 27 winners to 5 unforced errors, 11 aces to 1 double fault.

I'm not seeing anybody beat this brand of Serena tennis.

If she can keep it up....

Nice to see her get over her quarterfinal blues. This is the first Slam since she won Melbourne last year that she's advanced past the last eight.

As for Aggie. The talented Pole needs a serve. Her first serve is placed well, but her second serve is a cupcake sweet for eating. And while I have no problem with a woman's game compared to a man's (I can't believe I read someone say that there's no way you can compare the two because men are so much stronger), the comparison to Andy Murray John McEnroe was tossing around doesn't work. Neither does the one to Martina Hingis. Aggie's game is quite original given what she does (and does not) bring to the table. I'm not seeing anybody in her game except her.



Venus Williams had a tougher time against Tamarine Tanasugarn in their quarterfinal, but she still advanced in straight sets behind the strength of her huge serve, saving all but 1 of 10 break points.

TammyT did herself proud this forthnight, advanced past the round of 16 at her favorite Slam on her umpteenth try. Too bad her country didn't find it necessary to broadcast her matches. I've little doubt if Paradorn Srichaphan were in the second week of Wimbledon, he'd be all over the television in Thailand.

Sexism is the bitch.

Venus will face first-time Wimbledon semifinalist Elena Dementieva, who fought through her demons to dismiss compatriot Nadia Petrova, who didn't fight through her demons, in three unwatchable sets of tennis.



At No. 5, Elena is the highest seed remaining in the final four.

Who woulda thunk it?