We wrote earlier this week about rising star Jerzy Janowicz. Even in defeat Friday, he took further steps to win over some fans.
The Polish No. 1 had no chance of being the crowd favorite Friday while going up against Great Britain's great hope in Andy Murray in the semifinals. And Janowicz's mercurial temperament only added to the challenge.
Down 30-0 at 4-4 in the third set, Janowicz — frustrated over a lost point — slammed his racket into the net and was booed vigorously by the Centre Court spectators.
A few games later, while Janowicz was serving at 1-1 in the fourth set, someone in the crowd yelled out encouragement to the 6-foot-8 heavy hitter. The chair umpire asked for quiet, and Janowicz did too:
(Via ESPN telecast)
The crowd laughed, and the mood of a tense match relaxed however briefly. Murray won in four sets to give the fans what they wanted, but Janowicz certainly announced his arrival this fortnight with his impressive play and ebullient personality.
