WoS: Murray has no fear

Andy Murray says he’s ready to cut big-serving Pole Jerzy Janowicz down to size in today’s Wimbledon semi-final.

The British player will carry the hopes of a nation on the grass courts against his 6ft 8in opponent.

But Murray, who squeezed past Fernando Verdasco in five-sets in the quarter-finals, is ready for the next challenge: “He might be a big guy with a big serve, but I won’t be intimidated by him.

“If anything, it’s more likely that a player’s endurance ability is something I’d find it hard to compete against. If you know someone can outlast you, it puts a lot more pressure on the beginning of the match.

“If someone just has a big shot then you can try to find ways to take that away from them. On the physical side, you can’t stop someone from being fit.

“In terms of today, I won’t do anything out of the ordinary to prepare for his serve. I practised with a couple of lefties before playing Verdasco, but when I’m playing righties with a big serve I usually just get Dani Vallverdu, who works as part of my coaching team, to stand up the court and serve at me from there.

“I’m sure the nerves will start building the night before and during the day, and if I can get the kind of support I had on Wednesday from the moment I step out on Centre Court, it will make a huge difference.”

In the other day’s semi-final world number one Novak Djokovic takes on Juan Martin Del Potro.

Meanwhile, Sabine Lisicki confirmed her status as the new darling of SW19 yesterday when she won a gruelling three-setter against Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 2-6, 9-7 to reach the women’s final.

Lisicki, who knocked out hot favourite Serena Williams, will play Marion Bartoli, who demolished Belgian Kirsten Flipkens 6-1 6-2.

Lisicki said: “I just thought ‘hang in there’, and the crowd were super.

“The Serena match gave me so much confidence as well. Wimbledon is my favourite tournament and I love being in England. I’m so happy for today, then I’ll refocus for the final.

“It was unbelievable, the last few games were so exciting. 

“Agnieszka played so well, it was a battle and I’m so happy to have won it.

“I didn’t know how it would end, I fought with all my heart but I believed I could win no matter what the score was.”