Categorized | Editorial, News

Wimbledon Draw Presents a Challenge for Both Nadal and Federer

As the defending Wimbledon champion, Roger Federer has been given the top seed despite relinquishing the number one ranking to Rafael Nadal earlier this month.  Federer will attempt to capture his seventh crown to equalize Pete Sampras’ record at the All England Club. After injury prevented him from defending his 2008 title, a salubrious Nadal is seeking his second back to back French Open and Wimbledon trophies.  However, each man’s section is filled with rivals capable of tripping him prior to the finals.  Here’s a look at the draw.

After his historic string of consecutive semifinals was broken at the French Open, Federer had his tight grip on the title in Halle loosen by Lleyton Hewitt. Since prevailing in Australia, Federer has fallen to multiple adversaries whom he has owned and has yet to claim another title.  In light of Federer’s vulnerability, it’s perhaps Andy Roddick’s opportunity to avenge his three previous Wimbledon final defeats by knocking Federer out in the semifinals.  Beforehand though, Federer could have stiff competition in the round of 16 from French Open semifinalist Jurgen Melzer and in the quarterfinals from either Thomas Berdych or Nikolay Davydenko.  But, with the latter just rejoining the tour after nursing an injury for several months, he may be less of a factor.

Roddick may have some trouble of his own to contend with.  The American could see Marin Cilic or Phillip Kohlschreiber in the round of 16.  Kohlschreiber, the 29th seed, has taken down a few big names in his career which makes him dangerous.  In the quarterfinals, Roddick is projected to meet Novak Djokovic.  Djokovic has a tricky first round match against Oliver Rochus to whom he loss in Miami.  In addition, Djokovic has a potential fourth round encounter with Hewitt.  Djokovic’s game has been suffering of late which means that Hewitt has a good shot at reaching the quarterfinals in which case Roddick would be the outright favorite.

In the bottom half of the draw, Nadal could battle big server John Isner in the fourth round.  Isner has a game which translates well to grass and could bother the Spaniard. Then, the world number one has a possible clash with French Open finalist Robin Soderling in the quarterfinals.  Considering their contentious five set, two day third round encounter in 2007 and with the evolution of Soderling’s game if these two collide, it will be an intriguing match.

Out of the top four seeds, Andy Murray, who could be Soderling’s or Nadal’s semifinal counterpart, appears to have the least intricate path to the quarterfinals. Yet, Murray’s game has been on life support since coming up short in Australia.   The defending champion at Queen’s Club, Murray was ousted in the early rounds this year.   As a result, for 2010 Queen’s Club winner, Sam Querrey, whom Murray may encounter in the round of 16, this could be a golden opportunity to earn his maiden quarterfinal spot at a major.  Fernando Verdasco and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga are two additional players who could trouble the Brit.  Still with Tsonga sidelined by injury post French Open, he is a colossal question mark.

With a horde of opponents bruised psychically, the time seems ripe for the passing of the torch at Wimbledon.  The flame bearer may be none other than Roddick who after being a three time runner-up is certainly due.

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