Tennis: Graf backs compatriot for Wimbledon final

Sabine Lisicki wimbledon 2013

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Seven-time Wimbledon champion Steffi Graf believes Sabine Lisicki has what it takes to manoeuvre a tricky tie with Agnieszka Radwanska to make Wimbledon final.

Graf was the last German female to reach the final at SW19 although she went on to lose the showpiece in straight sets to American Lindsay Davenport.

But the 44-year-old knows exactly what it takes to go all the way at the All England Club and believes the raw power demonstrated by her compatriot will hand her the advantage.

Lisicki was installed as the new favourite to lift the Venus Rosewater dish on Saturday after showing her ability against previous favourite and defending champion Serena Williams in round four.

The 23-year-old then had to work her way past Laura Robson’s conqueror, Kaia Kanepi, a day later to book her place in the last four of the grass court competition.

The German will now be looking to reach her first major final after falling just short in 2011 when she was defeated in the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Graf said: “It’s not easy for anybody to come back and play the next day after such a big victory but Sabine Lisicki stayed focused, played smart and truly seemed to enjoy herself as she continued her winning streak at Wimbledon.

“As confident as Lisicki has been playing and the way she’s been going for her shots, I believe she has a good chance to make it to the final.”

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