Prologue: Preview of Wimbledon’2010. Will it be a record equaling 7th championship for Federer? Or a second Borg double for Nadal in three years? Or Britain’s Andy Murray will re-write the history? Or finally 3 time finalists Andy Roddick will put an end to American men’s longest drought? Or a dark-horse will emerge triumphant or will Djokovic break his grand slam jinx? An unbiased comprehensive dissection of an each title contender with a due credit being given to his current form, past record, history, surface, psychological pressure, etc.
Wimbledon’10 will be 124th year of championship which is widely hailed as Mecca for world tennis. Green pastures of London have never been so intriguing and widely recognized before. A victory at Wimbledon would apathetically secure a place for a player in history. From being championship which believes in tradition to transforming itself with the necessities of modern game like retractable roof. On the whole it has evolved to be the biggest stage for performers and never has been stakes leveled so higher. On June 21st as the sun rays hastily graze the green field as the modern emblem for architecture retractable roof glides inwards, the centre court would be all packed and geared up to welcome their beloved champion Roger who would be on a quest for 7th title with accolades reverberating from every box of court (Of course who can forget strawberries). A look at the contenders and their prospects at Wimbledon’10
Rafael Nadal: He along with Roger comes unbeaten having withdrawn from last year after his fortuitous victory in ’08. Like in ’08 he comes this year having won French open without dropping a set (Along with his much hyped red slam- Montecarlo, Rome, Madrid, France). Though when one looks at the play Nadal was less dominant in ’10 than in ’08. Unlike in’08 where he won Queen’s having beaten both Roddick and Djokovic in his run for title, his early exit in Queen’s with a straight set defeat to Lopez after a 3 long sets slugfest victory over little known Istobin shadows his form on grass.
Nadal in ’08 had rather a lame draw having to go through likes of Kiefer, Schuttler, etc. But in’10 he is most likely to face American Blake then a probable 3rd round against Gulbis (who took Nadal to 4 sets back in’08 at Wimbledon, beat Roger on clay and took Nadal to 3 sets on his clay). Then a 4th round against a big serving talented American John Isner (has been notching up good wins leading to championship and will be a tough nut to crack as one break would make a difference) or Michail Youzhny who beat him at U.S. Open’07 and did trouble him couple of other times. Then a much awaited French open final rematch against Robin Soderling (Soderling big hitting and big serve would cause problem or two to Nadal’s forehand) in quarterfinal.
Nadal is emotional consumed coming into championship though his mettle can never be underestimated.
Andy Murray: In ’09 Murray was in red-hot form having won Queen’s and a personal best performance at roland garros. But this time around there is nothing much to say about his form. His ground strokes aren’t able to penetrate and keep his opponents honest. Murray of all has the simplest draw as it is laden with clay court specialists like Ferrer, Benneateau, Simon, Almargo, etc. His first strenuous test would be against Simon (who beat Roger on clay) and then winner of Queen’s American Sam Querry. If all goes well then his likely quarterfinalists would be Tsonga (very unlikely the better seeded Spaniard Verdasco would make it to quarters)
On the whole it will be Murrays draw to lose.
Andy Roddick: His performance has been timid and sluggish since his epic final loss to Roger in last year finals. Except a couple of tournaments he has failed to make a mark. Serve is his only weapon and odds are always stacked in his favor at SW 19. Likewise Murray Andy came to last year Wimbledon after his best finish at French Open 4th round and a good show in early part of season.
Roddick of all has the toughest draw. His likely 3rd round opponent is German Phillip Kohlschreiber who did beat him at same stage during US Open’09. Then mostly an all American 4th round against Mardy Fish (who has reached finals at Queen’s) or against tall hard hitting and big serving Croatian Marian Cilic who is on a good run of form lately. Then a virtual quarterfinal of battle of aged with Lleyton Hewitt who has finally proved that no one can beat 15 times with a shock victory over Roger in Halle’s or against Novak Djokovic (The outcome would depend on which side of Novak shows up)
Roddick has to be at his peak to scrape through this draw and with his sulking confidence he has a mountain’s to climb.
Roger Federer: It would be naivety of one to believe Roger isn’t a favorite to win. Lately his performances at slams have to be judged separately from other tournaments. There are so many parallels to be drawn between Roger and Pete’s performance at the lawn tennis championships. It’s that slam which is dear to them. Difference between Roger’08 to Roger’10 is that he has monkey of French open and Sampras record of his back. He comes into tournaments to enhance his legacy further than with pressure of having to win. Federer was very unlucky to play Soderling in almost mud clay and in extreme windy conditions. Though his rare grass court defeat should be cause of worry but when we put it in broader view that defeat means little.
Federer has ostensibly simple draw. He has opportunity to build up his form for later stages of tournament in his early rounds with players like Massu, Robredo, Lopez, etc. His main test would be against Berdych in quarterfinal. (Berdych has beaten Federer in their last meeting). Expect match to go to 4 sets with a couple of tight tie-breaks but Roger with a slightly off day should be able to come out victorious.
Roger career from here on would be gauged with his show against Berdych and playing against Roger in a five set match at Wimbledon is different ball game all together. For Federer it’s the attitude more than aptitude these days.
PREDICTION:
Semi-finals: Roger Federer vs Novak Djokovic
Jo Wilfried Tsonga vs Robin Soderling
Finals: Roger Federer vs Robin Soderling
Winner: ROGER FEDERER
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