JULY 2008

By Matthew Cronin

Read more … Wimbledon's Wackiest Venus, Serena Shoot for Seventh Heaven

THE MEN

NOVAK DJOKOVIC: Seems to improve by the week, and grinded way to the ‘07 semis in tireless style of Hewitt. With an improved serve and serviceable volley, he’s a bigger threat, especially since he believes he’s the No. 1 in waiting.

ANDY RODDICK: With a huge serve and a love of fast courts, he’s the obvious No. 4 favorite, but a bum shoulder kept him out of Paris and who knows if it will hold? Scored his first win over Fed in nearly five years and can fire his way past Nadal and Djokovic on grass on a great day, but clearly is behind The Big 3 and can only prove he belongs by putting up a significant result.

ANDY MURRAY: Has never reached a Slam quarter and won’t come in with a high seed, but his serve and volley have improved and he’s an excellent returner. Now we’ll see whether the feisty Scot can answer his nation’s high hopes with the pressure on.

IVAN LJUBICIC: Powerballing, thoughtful Croat revived at Roland Garros and says he’s ready to make a final charge at the top 10. Why not here, where he can blow holes in the turf?

LLEYTON HEWITT: The ‘01 titlist has played little this year, but in France showed top-flight stuff. If nothing else, he’s still savvy and tough, which could take him a long way.

A FEDERER VS. NADAL THREE-PEAT? Think back to the delicious five-setter that Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal played last year, when Federer tied Borg with his fifth straight title. Holding his second break point with Fed serving at 1-1 in the fifth, Nadal sped to his right into the doubles alley, planted his feet and let a huge forehand fly down the line. For a split second, it looked as if it would find the line, but it hooked just wide. Few results can be captured in one single point, but Fed’s spectacular 7-6(7), 4-6, 7-6(3), 2-6, 6-2 win may have come down to that one errant forehand. Nadal has more than proven himself on clay and has been Fed’s prime contender at Wimby the past two years, having also reached the ‘06 final. Plus, he’ll come in with more confidence than ever after destroying the Swiss at thre French. But he still has to prove that he’s not a one-surface wonder at the Slams by actually winning a title. Nadal had to scratch and claw to reach the Wimbledon final last year, and if he doesn’t find a way to serve big and return aggressively, and play well inside the court, he might not make it there. For his part, Federer has the weapons, touch and know-how on grass and has rarely shown himself to be vulnerable. But breaking Borg’s record will put pressure on him and he hasn’t exactly dominated this year, which could mean he’s due for a few steep hurdles. With that said, if they both play to form, it’s Fed’s title and Nadal’s runner-up status to lose.

MARDY FISH: This might seem like a stretch, but the vet is an excellent serve and volleyer who showed tremendous pop in upsetting Fed en route to the Indian Wells final. Plus, he loves grass. With the right draw, the semis aren’t out of the question.

 

Spoilers: Nikolay Davydenko, Richard Gasquet, James Blake, John Isner, Ivo Karlovic, David Nalbandian, Tomas Berdych, Fernando Gonzalez, Gael Monfils, Mario Ancic, Radek Stepanek, Robby Ginepri, Ernest Gulbis, Michael Llodra.

 

THE WOMEN

MARIA SHARAPOVA: Aussie champ grew petrified at closing time in Paris, but grass suits her laser-like attack. Has played as well as anyone this year. Her groundies are always there, but serve and return aren’t. If she can dominate early in points, ‘04 champ is due a second Wimbledon title.

SERENA WILLIAMS: Bizarre early loss at Roland Garros raises questions again, but she has the tour’s most consistent big serve and threatening return. Key is consistent first-week play so she can grow secure in her attacking game.

VENUS WILLIAMS: Never doubt the four-time champ at Wimby. On lawns, she’s a player apart. But does she have same burning desire as in ‘07, when she seared the field? Not speaking with as much conviction, but that could be a coy ploy to title No. 5.

ANA IVANOVIC: Doesn’t have a style that fits neatly into the lawns, but has tremendous power off the ground, and an excellent volley and return. Success will depend on whether she can rein in her sporadic serve, but is the new No. 1 and a title threat at every stop.

JELENA JANKOVIC: Serve is biggest weakness and she’s not going to blow anyone away with her forehand, but is savvy, consistent and usually willing to battle.

AMELIE MAURESMO: If the ‘06 champ is ever going to win another major, it’ll likely be here. Body is breaking down along with her confidence. Yet she’s the only woman on tour who can purely serve and volley. That still matters.

LINDSAY DAVENPORT: The ‘99 champ and new mom hasn’t played in three months, which makes a title run improbable. But no top seed wants to see her thumping serve and returns. Semis not impossible.

SVETLANA KUZNETSOVA: Terrific hands around the net, but doesn’t always get there. Problematic late at tourneys, but is a quarterfinal lock.

 

Spoilers: Dinara Safina, Victoria Azarenka, Vera Zvonereva, Nadia Petrova, Agnes Szavay, Dominika Cibulkova, Caroline Wozniacki, Casey Dellacqua, Kaia Kanepi.

 

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