2015 Wimbledon Women's Semifinal Preview

Quarterfinal Scores
(1) Serena Williams d. (23) Victoria Azarenka 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
(4) Maria Sharapova d. Coco Vandeweghe 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-2
(20) Garbine Muguruza d. (15) Timea Baczinsky 7-5, 6-3
(13) Agnieszka Radwanska d. (21) Madison Keys 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-3

Semifinal Matches:
(1) Serena Williams vs. (4) Maria Sharapova
It's well documented of Serena's dominance over Sharapova. Not only has Serena won 16 matches in a row (dating back to 2005), but she's only lost three sets to Sharapova. In fact, I was a freshman in college in 2004, when Sharapova last defeated Serena.

I've said it before and I've said it again. When Serena is on, there isn't a lot anyone can do to stop her. What's funny is Serena seems to always play her best against Sharapova as if she's proving a point. With Serena's lofty and amazing credentials, she doesn't need to prove anything to anyone, but I'd like to provide a case in point. Serena lost to Alize Cornet in all three meetings last year, but has routinely dispatched Sharapova, and in relative ease in some cases. I don't mean to disrespect Cornet. She's a good player, but how else can you explain it? I understand the concept about matchups. Different players will pose different problems for players. This is true, but Cornet doesn't have the weapons to really hurt Serena.

Serena is always up to facing Sharapova. It seems she gets a thrill of not just winning titles, but denying Sharapova from winning. It's as if she says if she loses to anyone, it won't be her.

With that being said, this match is Serena's to lose. We've seen players getting inside other player's heads before. Djokovic got inside Nadal's head in 2011 before Rafa turned it around in 2012. Before that, Nadal has gotten inside Federer's head, especially after their classic Wimbleon battle in 2008.

Even though they've played on grass since Sharapova notched the massive upset in the 2004 Wimbledon final, Serena will still remember that feeling of losing to her vividly. Serena remembered when she beat Sharapova in the round of 16 at SW19 in 2010, and when she embarrassed Sharapova in the Olympic final that saw her win only one game in 2012.

Despite her dominance over Sharapova, she knows not to take anything for granted.

Sharapova, despite her aggressive game, doesn't have the weapons to hurt Serena. Serena does everything better: serving, defense and movement, volleying, and finesse (i.e. drop shots and slices).

For Sharapova, her only hope will be to make Serena generate her own pace with slices and try to bring her in with drop shots so she can set up the passing shots. She's learned that trying to go toe-to-toe from the baseline is a bad idea.

For Serena, she needs to make Sharapova feel the pressure. Sharapova has hit 11 winners, but has double faulted 28 times. Serena must take advantage of these free points.

Serena also needs to expose Sharapova's game. She should throw in a few slices to make her generate her own pace and to use her 6-foot-2 inch frame to reach for the low balls. She needs to expose her movement by running her around from side to side on the court and hitting a few drop shots.

(13) Agnieszka Radwanska vs. (20) Garbine Muguruza
Radwanska is on a renaissance of sorts. She's taken full advantage of Kvitova's loss to make an improbable run at SW19. She needs to remain steady and remember she's the veteran and to minimize the unforced errors.

Muguruza is in her first career major semifinal. Will the nerves get to her on this occasion? We saw how poorly Sabine Lisicki handled the Wimbledon final two years ago in a loss against Marion Bartoli.

Muguruza needs to remain aggressive and go for her shots. If Radwanska leaves any balls short, she must pounce.

Radwanska is a counterpuncher by nature. She needs to be a little more aggressive in this matchup because Muguruza can overwhelm her with her power.

In the end, we will see who will hold their nerves better. Muguruza is talented, but has developed into a consistent force, yet. Radwanska, while having a down year, has been around and was known for her consistency before this season.

The fast grass courts should favor Muguruza's aggressive offense instead of Radwanska's defensiveness. However, this is a toss-up. It will probably go to three sets, but we will see who is able to impose their will on the other. If Radwanska, can become aggressive, she will win. However, if Muguruza comes out firing and is able to dictate play, I will like her chances.