Awesome semifinal goes the way of the home favorites

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The Germans are in the final! Photocredit: Stefan Moertl.

Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst believed the crackling atmosphere on Center Court helped them storm triumphantly into the final of the smart Major Hamburg as they finally overcame Americans April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings.

The Germans produced an absolutely sensational performance which got the Rothenbaum rocking on Saturday afternoon and guided them to a first-ever success over the American superstars in FIVB competition.

A capacity crowd cheered and roared after every point – and the fans’ sparkling display of noise and support pulled and pushed Ludwig and Walkenhorst through in a breathtaking tiebreaker that saw the Germans survive a match point for the Americans.

“It’s like having a third player on the court with a crowd like that,” said a delighted Laura. “They help us a lot, they get behind us when we’re in front and when we’re behind and they’ll definitely play a big part.”

A clearly delighted Kira smiled and said: “The crowd are helping us push through in each game. In between points the atmosphere is amazing, it’s so much fun.”

One of the highlights was an incredible rally in the second set that was finished by a perfect pokey from Ludwig to make it 19-19, which gave us goosebumps when the crowd erupted in celebration.

That joy was short-lived as Ross/Walsh Jennings battled back to take the game to a decider, but the home crowd’s passion picked up their heroes and carried them through an unbelievable seesaw final set to what promises to be a spectacular finish of the day.

So Germany are in the final. Was it written in the stars? We’ll find out at 5!

Center Court was packed to the rafters to see the Germans triumph. Photocredit: Stefan Moertl.