Live Commentary: Sabine Lisicki vs. Agnieszka Radwanska - as it happened

Lisicki vs. Radwanska - as it happened

The All England Club's most-beloved German, Sabine Lisicki, was looking to reach her first Grand Slam final when she met fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska this afternoon.

She managed to do so, continuing her dream run at Wimbledon with a topsy-turvy 6-4 2-6 9-7 victory over the Pole.

Read how all the twists and turns unfolded in our minute-by-minute updates below.

5.07pmThanks for joining Sports Mole today. We'll be back for the final in two days' time but before then it's the men and their semi-finals tomorrow. We'll be covering both Djokovic vs. Del Potro and Janowicz vs. Murray, of course. See you then!
5.04pmLisicki will now face France's Marion Bartoli in Saturday's final.
5.03pmTwo hours, 18 minutes that took. What a thriller and a completely different to the annihilation in the opening semi-final.
5.01pmAfter a quick sob in her chair the German heads back but she's now signing autograph after autograph. It could be a while before she is able to leave court.
5pmRadwanska is clearly unhappy and barely congratulates her opponent before making her way off court. It's courtesy at Wimbledon to wait for your opponent but she doesn't and this allows Lisicki some more time to soak up her achievement.
4.59pmRadwanska hits a backhand winner on the first but Lisicki wins this mammoth battle on the next by putting away a forehand.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 9-7 RadwanskaGAME, SET AND MATCH LISICKI!
4.58pmTHREE MATCH POINTS...
4.58pm30-0. She's two points away.
4.57pmAn extended round of applause from Centre Court as Lisicki makes her way to the baseline. She's definitely their favourite.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *8-7 RadwanskaBREAK! This time the German does break as Radwanska's volley drifts long. Lisicki will now serve for the match for a second time.
4.55pmHuge forehands from the German and she's got another break point...
4.54pmRadwanska is well out of position but Lisicki's forehand to the open court goes just long! What a crucial miss that could be.
4.53pmRadwanska can't pick up Lisicki's forehand and it's BREAK POINT...
4.50pmLisicki double faults and she's only got one more game point left.
4.49pmLisicki races to a 40-0 lead before Radwanska reminds her opponent not to approach like that, passing the German with a backhand.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *6-7 RadwanskaFour points in a row for Radwanska see her hold serve. She wins the game as he first serve is called out and she challenges, with HawkEye saying that it did just catch the line. Over to you, Sabine.
4.44pmRadwanska saves them both! First with an unreturnable first serve before an extremely clever point from the Pole bring us to deuce.
4.44pmA 21st return winner from Lisicki gives her TWO BREAK POINTS...
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 6-6* RadwanskaThat's gutsy from Lisicki there. She holds and it's over to Radwanska now. Remember, there's no tie-break in the final set so we carry on with the service games.
4.40pmWe're now at deuce as a nervy drop shot from Lisicki is put away by Radwanska.
4.40pmColossal stuff from Lisicki as she finds an unreturnable serve at 30-30.
4.39pmFantastic entertainment for Centre Court as Radwanska somehow gets to Lisicki's drop shot but can do nothing as Lisicki hits into the open court. For a laugh, the Pole throws her racket towards the ball as it sails past her.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *5-6 RadwanskaLisicki saves the first by tracking down Radwanska's volley before Aggie manages to hold by hitting a first serve that Lisicki returns long. Radwanska now one game away from her second-straight Wimbledon final.
4.35pmPhenomenal disguise on a slice from Radwanska at 30-15 to move to two game points.
4.33pmBig hitting from Lisicki on the opening point of the next as she finishes it off with her 52nd (!) winner of the contest.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 5-5* RadwanskaBREAK BACK! Radwanska takes her fourth chance by slicing to the net and Lisicki is unable to make her lob dip in. Back on serve, what drama!
4.31pmACE!
4.31pmBreak point number three for Aggie as Lisicki hits wide...
4.31pmAnd an unreturnable serve up the T saves the second. Back to deuce.
4.30pmThe first is saved with a crosscourt winner from Lisicki.
4.30pmRadwanska wins the next three though and she has TWO BREAK-BACK POINTS...
4.28pmTension-relieving start for the German as she serves her seventh ace out-wide.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *5-4 RadwanskaBREAK! She's a little lucky, but Lisicki has broken the Radwanska serve and will serve for a place in her first Grand Slam final.
4.25pmBREAK POINT Lisicki...
4.25pmWell played Aggie! Lisicki hits a heavy forehand to the corner at 15-30 which Radwanska gets back before pulling off a crosscourt pass of her own that Lisicki can only get a frame to.
4.24pmLisicki starts the next game with a classy crosscourt pass off the backhand wing. She's sniffing a break.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 4-4* RadwanskaLisicki holds thanks to some gutsy play. At deuce she goes for that iffy drop shot and Radwanska gets there but can't quite reach Lisicki's loopy backhand pass before the German holds firm on the next.
4.21pmShe can't take either though and we're at deuce and nervy times for Lisicki.
4.21pmA big forehand followed by a pair of mighty first serves see Lisicki overcome that backhand to move to 40-15 and two game points.
4.19pmNot a good start. Radwanska's return is limp but Lisicki's easy backhand hits the net.
4.19pmThis is a massive game coming up now. Lisicki looked back to her booming best in her last service game but she's only two games away from exiting the tournament and surely is feeling the pressure.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *3-4 RadwanskaLisicki's return on the next looks like it might creep over but it just dies at the net and Radwanska is able to stop the rot, she'd lost the previous three games.
4.17pmAn extended rally between the pair at 40-15 ends with Lisicki's forehand just catching the baseline to prevent the Pole holding serve.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 3-3* RadwanskaLisicki's back in the mood! She opens with three unreturnable first serves before completing a love-hold with a crosscourt forehand that Aggie can only dump into the net.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *2-3 RadwanskaBREAK BACK! Radwanska picks up the pace in the next rally and looks like she's going to bring it back to deuce but Lisicki earns the break with a stunning crosscourt forehand.
4.11pmWonderful stuff from Radwanska! Lisicki's forehand return looks perfect but somehow the Pole gets to the ball and flicks it back into play and Lisicki misses.
4.10pmLisicki's groundstrokes start to come out of the middle once more and she's got TWO BREAK-BACK POINTS...
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 1-3* RadwanskaLisicki ends a run of six straight games against her by holding to 15.
4.07pmThe German's total unforced error count is 37. Far too many, even though she's hit 39 winners.
4.06pmLisicki has served as many double faults as Radwanska has hit total unforced errors in the match. Wow.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *0-3 RadwanskaLisicki's looking threatening at 15-30 but then puts three straight forehands out of play. Can the German mentally recover from this slump and somehow get back in this game?
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 0-2* RadwanskaBREAK! ANOTHER groundstroke slaps into the net and that's now eight of the last nine games Radwanska has won.
4.01pmNow BREAK POINT Radwanska as her high return just drops in and a few strokes later Lisicki hits into the net.
3.59pmLisicki wins the next three on the trot to move to game point but she can't take it as she fires wide with a backhand. Deuce.
3.57pmRadwanska moves to 0-30 after a Lisicki miss is followed by a big groundstroke from the Pole. Is this going to be a fifth straight game for Aggie?
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 *0-1 RadwanskaAfter a 13th return winner, Lisicki again misfires with a groundstroke to hand Radwanska the hold. Can she steady herself on serve now?
3.54pmRadwanska with a confident start to the deciding set, accurately swatting a backhand winner into the corner.
3.53pmLisicki has understandably gone back to the locker room for a bathroom break. I expect she's staring at herself in the mirror wondering what on earth happened in that set.
3.52pmLisicki made a humungous 17 unforced errors in that set. Radwanska? Just three.
Lisicki 6-4 2-6 0-0* RadwanskaSET! As I said, Lisicki appeared to have given up on that set before she even began that service game. Another loose backhand at 30-40 gifts Radwanska the set and also the advantage of serving first in the decider.
3.49pmTwo double faults in a row and it's SET POINT Radwanska...
3.47pmShe may have her back against the wall, but Lisicki isn't holding back as she opens her service game with an in-to-out backhand winner.
Lisicki 6-4 *2-5 RadwanskaThe run of breaks is ended as Radwanska holds to love, with Lisicki seemingly giving up on this set. Can she regain her composure here?
Lisicki 6-4 2-4* RadwanskaBREAK! That's a poor game from Lisicki, Radwanska didn't have to do much there.
3.41pmNeither woman is looking comfortable on serve at the moment as Radwanska's backhand winner moves her to 0-30.
Lisicki 6-4 *2-3 RadwanskaBREAK BACK! Another return winner moves Lisicki to 15-40. She misses on the first break point but converts the second with a simple volley at the net.
3.38pmWHAT A SHOT! Radwanska with the shot of the match as Lisicki looks to move to 0-40 with a drop shot that the Pole somehow flicks crosscourt for a winner.
3.37pmTwo of those rifling returns from Lisicki to start the game and she's looking good to break back at 0-30.
Lisicki 6-4 1-3* RadwanskaBREAK! It's three games in a row for Radwanska, two of them against serve, as Lisicki fires a backhand out.
3.35pmThe Pole can't even get her return over and we're back to deuce once more.
3.34pmLisicki has had three chances to hold since that break-point save but hasn't been able to take any and now it's Radwanska with another BREAK POINT...
3.31pmWell saved! Radwanska attacks the return but Lisicki's defence is dogged and she manages to just come out on top in the rally.
3.31pmBREAK POINT to Radwanska...
3.29pmAggie was due a bit of luck and she gets it as her backhand from way off the court clips the tape and forces Lisicki to rearrange her stance, something she can't do quick enough and we're at 30-30.
Lisicki 6-4 *1-2 RadwanskaA fourth return winner from Lisicki saves the first game point but Radwanska converts on the second, taking charge of the point before easing a forehand into the open court.
3.25pmLisicki with a win-or-bust forehand at 30-15. She busts as Radwanska picks it up and guides it into the open court.
Lisicki 6-4 1-1* RadwanskaBREAK BACK! Two imposing down-the-line backhands from Radwanska, the second a clean winner off the return, see her level up the second set.
3.22pmA second ACE in a row opens up game point for Lisicki but she squanders it with a horrible volley, letting out a squeal of frustration as she realises that it's going out.
3.21pmBoth saved! First with a forehand winner before an ace out-wide.
3.20pmAnd now TWO BREAK-BACK POINTS for Radwanska as Lisicki misfires with a forehand.
3.19pmNot so good on her serve from the German. Radwanska is 0-30 ahead after a double fault and missed volley.
Lisicki 6-4 *1-0 RadwanskaBREAK! What a way to the start the second set for Lisicki! She moves to 0-30 with a forehand return winner before breaking to love with another rocket return.
3.16pmNot the way to start the second set for Radwanska as she makes just her third unforced error with a loose forehand.
Lisicki 6-4 0-0* RadwanskaSET! Strong resolve there from the German. She serves it out after that slight wobble. Just over half an hour that one took.
3.13pmA one-two-three punch from Lisicki brings us back to deuce, following up a first serve with two big forehands.
3.12pmBREAK-BACK POINT for Radwanska as she dictates the rally before swiping a forehand winner down the line.
3.11pmNervy moments for Lisicki now though at 15-30 as she DOUBLE FAULTS. Her second one of the match.
3.10pmBullish start to the game from the German as she lashes down a 105mph second serve that Radwanska can do little with.
Lisicki *5-4 RadwanskaThe Pole forces Lisicki to serve out the set by holding to 30. Lisicki's first serve is going in 68% of the time and if she keeps that up then it'll be hard for Radwanska to break. Lisicki has lost just one of the 15 points when she's got her first serve in.
3.06pm'Right back at you!' says Radwanska as she kicks off the ninth game with her first ACE of the match.
Lisicki 5-3* RadwanskaLisicki's having all the luck at the moment! She gets a dead net cord to move to 40-0 before blasting down a 119mph serve out-wide to hold.
Lisicki *4-3 RadwanskaBREAK! Radwanska's serve is the first to snap as Lisicki converts at the fourth time of asking. Her backhand pass pops up fortunately off the tape and Radwanska can't react quick enough to divert it into court.
3.02pmRadwanska saves all three! Could that be a huge opportunity missed for Lisicki?
3pmRadwanska's gone along swimmingly on serve so far, but Lisicki's big forehand has earned THREE BREAK POINTS...
Lisicki 3-3* RadwanskaLisicki with a much more confident hold there. She wraps it up with the first ace of the match. Her powerful serve is starting to heat up.
Lisicki *2-3 RadwanskaA love-hold for Radwanska, the first of the match. Lisicki made a few errors there and she needs to calm those down a little as she's already made seven.
2.55pmLisicki takes on the drive-volley and Radwanska gets it back before pulling off a good lob of her own. Lisicki sprints back to get it back but loses the point by hitting long with a pass.
Lisicki 2-2* RadwanskaLisicki holds after being taken to deuce by Radwanska, sealing the game with a deep forehand that Radwanska miscues wide. The Pole thinks the ball was out but she didn't challenge and that's her own fault.
2.51pmLisicki just makes contact with a volley to move 30-0 ahead but we're now back to 30-30 after a couple of loose groundstrokes by the 23rd seed.
2.49pmFabulous way to start the next game! Radwanska with a rare show of power with a backhand down the line. Lisicki gets it back and then wins the point with a delightful lob over her opponent.
Lisicki *1-2 RadwanskaLisicki's return at 30-40 is short and Radwanska approaches the German's backhand and she can't get it over the net so we remain on serve.
2.47pmRadwanska's backhand goes just long and she's under a bit of pressure here at 30-30.
2.45pm"Ohhhh," gasp the crowd as Lisicki rockets a forehand return onto the baseline for her third winner of the match.
Lisicki 1-1* RadwanskaA dodgy toss results in a double fault at 40-0 but the German makes up for that with a booming first serve on the next to match Radwanska in holding to 15.
2.44pmLovely combo from Lisicki to move 30-0 ahead. She demonstrates her power with a huge in-to-out forehand before some delicate touch with a drop-volley at the net.
Lisicki *0-1 RadwanskaLisicki's return slaps into the tape at 40-15 and that's a decent hold for Aggie to begin the contest.
2.41pmA rare unforced error from Radwanska at 30-0 as Lisicki spoons up a return but the Pole hits wide.
2.40pmGreat rally to start the match as Radwanska goes on the attack but hits a weak overhead to allow Lisicki to take control. She can't do that though as she hits wide with a forehand.
2.39pmThe umpire announces that Radwanska won the toss and chose to serve. The big factor to this game is whether Lisicki will be able to find her A-game. Radwanska does have excellent defence but if Lisicki is consistent enough, she should win. Here we go.
2.38pmH2H: Lisicki and Radwanska have met twice in recent times and it's 1-1.
2.37pmThe two women are just finishing up their warm-ups, we'll be underway shortly.
2.35pmWEATHER WATCH! We were warned about possible showers this afternoon in SW19, but the sun has come out for this second semi-final. Let's hope it stays that way!
2.33pmRadwanska is the only player left in the draw seeded in the top 10 though and will definitely present a formidable challenge to Lisicki. She's here today thanks to a three-set victory over Li Na on Tuesday.
2.30pmLisicki is perhaps one of the British public's favourite Germans. She has become an All England sweetheart thanks to her smiley nature. It's not just her endearing personality, she's also a darn good tennis player, knocking out the heavy favourite for the title - Serena Williams - in the last 16.
2.27pmRead more about that win here, but now our attention turns to the arguably more intriguing of the two semis.
2.24pmHello hello! It's already time for the second women's semi-final at Wimbledon after Marion Bartoli's battering of Kirsten Flipkens.
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