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Theatrics and circus acts

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wowed the crowds with his athleticism © PA Photos

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• Profile: Novak Djokovic | Andy Murray | Rafael Nadal | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

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Wimbledon Day 11 Gallery
Murray's dream ended by Nadal
Djokovic reaches first Wimbledon final
What They Said

The Flying Frenchman
After his heroics against Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was unable to prevent Novak Djokovic reaching his first Wimbledon final. But you couldn't fault him for trying. Having dived at full stretch to his right to retrieve what looked to be a sure-fire winner from Djokovic, Tsonga sprung back onto his feet to slap away a winner. Djokovic could only applaud such an incredible display of athleticism, and Tsonga lapped up the cheers from the crowd.

Big gamble backfires
Tsonga has made a lot of fans at the All England Club for his swashbuckling tennis, and his no-mercy approach to his game was no more evident than when serving for the opening set. Having saved three break points, Tsonga took a major gamble at deuce, firing down a huge second serve - 133mph - which failed to clear the net. Advantage Djokovic, and this time the Serb made no mistake as he broke back before winning the tiebreaker.

Playing Rafa at his own game
Rafael Nadal has stoutly denied claims of gamesmanship after calling the trainer during his fourth-round match against Juan Martin del Potro - a move some thought was an attempt to throw the lanky Argentine off his rhythm. In the early stages of the opening set between Andy Murray and Nadal, the British No. 1 called for a trainer, only to wave him away. Sceptics may say that was all part of the game plan for the Scot.

Novak Djoko-splits
Djokovic's improved fitness has seen him burst up the rankings this year and he is set to overtake Rafael Nadal as the new world No. 1 on Monday morning. The Serb's speed round the court on defence was simply breathtaking, and his flexibility quite mesmerising. Djokovic slipped attempting to play a return, and nearly completed the splits as he sprawled on the turf. Far from wincing in pain, Djokovic managed a little jig as he sprung back onto his feet.

Love-all
Tennis fans arriving at the All England Club on Friday morning may have been surprised to see a love-in between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe. Once the most bitter rivals in tennis, now lovers? Well, not exactly, but the pair were unnervingly chummy as they launched a new range of men's underwear under the banner 'Bjorn loves John'. You cannot be serious.

Rafael Nadal showed some fine athleticism of his own © PA Photos

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Get a racket on it
Andy Murray far from had it his own way against Rafael Nadal, but he proved in patches that he could more than match the brilliant Spaniard. One point midway through the third set showed the Scot could even match his opponent's incredible ability to conjure winners from nowhere, reading the direction of Nadal's close range forehand as he sprinted to his right and, somehow, flicked the ball off his racket and over the disbelieving Nadal, seeing it bounce inches inside the baseline. Remarkable.

Don't apologise for being good
At one point in the fourth set, when it had quickly become apparent that Rafa Nadal would brush past Murray once again to reach the final at the All England Club, Nadal unleashed a cross-court backhand winner of such ferocity and power that Murray could do little but smile wistfully as the ball rushed past him. It flicked the net cord on the way, leading Nadal to offer a hand in apology - but to many inside Centre Court it seemed the only thing he was apologising for was being just too good at the game.

Circus act
Nadal didn't only impress with his strokes, however - he impressed with his juggling skills too. When forced to chase down a cross-court forehand the Spaniard slipped, sliding to his feet as his racket was thrown out of his left hand and up in the air. Unperturbed as the racket did three sommersaults with an inverted pike, the 25-year-old simply turned, stuck out his right hand and grabbed the racket - on the grip - at the first time of asking as it headed to earth. If this tennis lark doesn't work out for him, he'll certainly be able to find himself gainful employment down the local circus.

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