With two sets in hand and serving for the set Richard Gasquet looked to be back in the quarterfinals of Wimbledon, but it was just not to be. After Murray broke back in the third set to go 5-5, Murray won the third set tie-breaker and the next two sets to set up a appointment with Rafael Nadal on Wednesday. 

It was nearly three wonderfully played sets by the Frenchman, and then two horribly wrong sets by a different Frenchman that seemed to suddenly inhabit Gasquet’s body. And that was all the Englishman needed to race to a 5-7, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 6-4 win. Possibly the biggest win of this career, but there are some other big stories here as well.

If you want to resurrect your career it seems that Wimbledon is the place to do it.

On the men’s side you will have seen names like: Hewitt, Safin, Schuettler, Baghdatis  and Clement all in the round of 16 today at SW19. And for the ladies: The Williams sisters along with Nicole Vaidisova, Elena Dementieva and Tamarine Tanasugarn all graced the courts today.  For some it could be their last chance at something big in a grand slam for others it is a return to the spotlight they so sorely have missed.

Grass is a surface that brings out the best in some and the worst in others. It is a surface that is fast and unpredictable. And it is a surface that can really bring out the flaws in one’s game. 

As for the best, it brought that out in the Williams sisters. After both were banished to court 2 (the graveyard, as it is known) both came through in pretty sound victories.

While Venus was pushed in her two set victory, Serena did most of the pushing around as she beat fellow American Bethanie Mattek in straight sets. Both sisters looked very strong and both are the talk of the tournament to give the fans a Williams’ final. But we will wait to ask their father Richard who he picks to win until they get through the semis.

As for some of the other surprise quarterfinalists: Tamarine Tanasugarn tied up Jelena Jankovic (2), Nicole Vaidisova (18) chalked one up over Anna Chakvetadze (8) and Jie Zheng of China (a wildcard) made chop suey of  Agnes Szavay (15).  Vaidisoza has been a highly touted player for some time, yet has never made it past the quarterfinals in a grand slam event.  But with Zheng as an opponent she has a very good chance of finally getting over that hurdle.

For the men there will be a few surprise visitors to the quarters. While both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will be waiting for their prey, either Rainer Schuettler or Arnaud Clement will enter the  Wimbledon semi-finals for a career first. Federer will take on Mario Ancic, after Ancic beat Fernando Verdasco in a 13-11 photo finish in the fifth. Fernando Lopez, the serve and volley specialist, ruined Marcos Baghdatis’ week with a resounding win. Lopez will be pitted against the on again/off again Marat Safin.

Safin, who was heard a few years back saying that he abhorred playing on grass has shocked even himself by making his way this far in the tournament.  

So there you have it. A real shocker for the 2008 Wimbledon Championships.

Quote of the day!

"I almost playing in the parking lot. I almost need a helicopter to go to my court."

Tell us who said that and win a free subscription to Tennis Life Magazine. Email your answer to todd@tennislife.com