Lisicki v Radwanska Tip

The betting for the second ladies’ semi-final is fascinating with the number 23 seed Sabine Lisicki made a pretty hot favourite at 8/11 (Boylesports) over the number 4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska (5/4 Betfred).

The reason for the flip from what you would expect is that Lisicki beat mighty Serena Williams in round four and was immediately installed as tournament favourite. It’s true that she loves the grass and has a very decent record at the All-England Club, but she is certainly opposable.

First of all, in three previous good runs at SW19 she has failed to reach the final once. In 2011 she lost her semi-final with Sharapova in straight sets after leading 3-0 in the opener. Then last year, she served for the match in the quarter-finals against Kerber but couldn’t get the job done. Those memories could come back to haunt the 23-year-old, particularly when she must now carry the burden of favouritism.

Furthermore, Radwanska does have the experience of reaching the Wimbledon final - she managed it just last year. The Pole did what Lisicki couldn’t and beat Kerber, in the semis, before extending Serena to three sets in the Championship match.

Finally, it won’t be forgotten by either player that last time they met Radwanska crushed her opponent 6-2 6-1 on the hard courts of Dubai in 2012. It surely won’t be so one-sided this time but I can only see one winner if it does go the distance.

The world number four has progressed in three sets for three rounds running and has shown she can handle the pressure. Therefore, Radwanska to win 2-1 looks a bargain at best odds of 4/1 with Bet365.