What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, Monaco was on cloud nine as he ushered in his 28th birthday by taking apart world number eight Mardy Fish for his first semifinal showing at the Sony Ericsson Open.

The Monaco of the quarterfinals was no where to be found the opening set. In twenty-seven minutes, conceding only eight points with two by way of double faults, Djokovic wrapped up the first set.

Monaco last encountered Djokovic in 2010 and had yet to compete against the new iron man version. Having lost their previous four meetings, Monaco was perhaps shell-shocked. With such a dismal performance, the Argentine could only improve.

Monaco salvaged break point to open the second set then held at love for 2-1. Later, however after having two game points, Monaco surrendered his serve allowing Djokovic to get to 3-2.

Subsequent to staving off a break point, Monaco’s first of the evening, Djokovic extended his lead to 4-2.

With his backhand letting him down, Djokovic fended off triple break point to get to 5-3. Soon, with a hold at love, Monaco forced Djokovic to serve for the match.

The plot thickened as Monaco in another game with triple break point, converted the fourth time of asking to level the set at 5-5.

As Djokovic squandered a break point in the eleventh game, the match ultimately went to a tiebreaker.

Monaco’s weak link, the forehand, handed Djokovic a mini-break for 5-3. Although the Argentine recovered to ward off one match point. As another forehand sailed long, Djokovic booked his place into his fourth final in Miami.

Miami is Djokovic’s second final of the season after successfully defending at the Australian Open. Djokovic was pleased with the straight sets win “it was exciting match I think for us and for the crowd. It was semifinals. It was never going to be easy. I didn’t expect an easy match and just happy to be through”.

Yet, Djokovic admitted that he gave his opponents hope the last two matches “as I did yesterday in the quarterfinals, I started very strong, just going for the shots, being very aggressive. Then I just wasn’t able to close it out. . .all the credit to him for fighting and coming back. I gave him points. I made so many unforced errors that I got him back into the match”.

Djokovic will meet Andy Murray in the final. The Brit got a walkover as Rafael Nadal withdrew from the semifinals due to a knee injury.

Djokovic knows he will pay dearly if he has second sets similar to the last two against Murray “It could have been easily a third set. . .I’m in the finals and that’s a positive fact. I’ll try in the finals not to have that letdown”.

Subsequent to the semifinals at the Australian Open, Murray and Djokovic battled in Dubai with the former coming out on top.

Djokovic has a 7-5 edge over Murray. Murray defeated the Serb in the final at the Sony Ericsson Open in 2009.

The world number two and four have budded heads eighteen times previously with Nadal the winner on thirteen of those occasions. Murray is the 2009 champion in Miami while Nadal has been the runner-up three times including last year.

Juan Monaco continues his sensational run in defeating top American Mardy Fish to advance to his first semifinal in South Florida. The Argentine is seeking to clench his maiden Masters’ 1000 level final.

Monaco will see defending champion Novak Djokovic across the net. Djokovic has a 4-0 mark against the Argentine, they have not played since 2010.

Here is today’s complete order of play :

Friday, March 30, 2012

STADIUM Start 12:45 pm

Vania King (USA)/Monica Niculescu (ROU) v
[5] Maria Kirilenko (RUS)/Nadia Petrova (RUS) WTA

Not Before 3:00 PM

[4] Andy Murray (GBR) v [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) ATP

Starting at 7:00 PM

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v [21] Juan Monaco (ARG)ATP
[6] Sara Errani (ITA)/Roberta Vinci (ITA) v
[WC] Gisela Dulko (ARG)/Paola Suarez (ARG) WTA

Despite Djokovic’s 7-5 record against his rival, the Serb is well aware that Ferrer is someone who never admits defeat until the hand shake at the net.

After securing a break in the opening set, Djokovic jumped to a 3-1 edge. On a double fault from Ferrer, a second break was gifted and swiftly Djokovic punctuated the set.

Subsequent to breaking Ferrer to start the next set, Djokovic found himself in a protracted game. With his reliable backhand floundering, Djokovic surrendered his serve. Ferrer went on to guard serve and move ahead 2-1.

Unable to capitalized on a break point in the fourth game or build on a 0-30 advantage later, Ferrer stared at double break point when his forehand kissed his side of the net. Soon, Djokovic banked the break to arrive at 5-4.

However, with Djokovic serving for the match, Ferrer won a 40 stroke rally to manufacture break point. Then, with a forehand overhand winner, Ferrer knotted the second set at 5-5.

Down the road, a tiebreaker was required. Djokovic dominated to pen his name opposite Juan Monaco in the semifinal.

Djokovic acknowledged that he came in expecting to work for this victory “David, he’s like a wall on the court. [He] gets a lot of balls back, always makes you play an extra shot. So that’s something that I was expecting”.

The Serb went on to say “I needed to play aggressive and step into the court from the first point. That’s what I did. I had a fantastic first set. . .then in some moments, I allowed him to take control in the rallies and just waiting for him to make an unforced error. He used it wisely and he got back to the match. Luckily for me, it was decided in tiebreaker”.

Djokovic expressed that everyone on tour respects Ferrer greatly “because of his dedication to the sport. He’s a great guy off the court. Loves the sport. He’s very determined to improve always, a great competitor. You know, he runs for every ball. Before the match you see him, 20 minutes, he’s like nonstop running around. He’s so warmed up, he makes you warm up better. . . it’s bad luck for him to lose in many semifinals”.

Earlier in the day, Monaco who is celebrating his 28th birthday astonished top American Mardy Fish 6-1,6-3 to get to his first semifinal in Miami. Monaco who will be in his second Masters 1000 semifinal is hoping for his maiden victory over Djokovic.

Monaco and Djokovic have met four times last in 2010. Consequently, Monaco has never clashed against the new version of Djokovic who had a near perfect season in 2011.

After reaching her maiden semifinal in Miami, Wozniacki will attempt to advance to her initial final of the season. Subsequent to her enormous victory in the quarterfinals over Serena Williams, the 21 year old will not be deterred by the challenge.

A runner up three times including 2011, Sharapova has been to the final on every occasion that she’s progressed past the fourth round at this event. It’s the initial encounter between these two this year. Sharapova has a slim advantage in their head to head of 3-2.

Surprise quarterfinalist Juan Monaco takes the court against Mardy Fish after the ladies. Although they’ve split their previous four meetings, Monaco won the last two in 2011.

Monaco is vying for his first semifinal appearance in Miami. His only previous semifinal at the Masters 1000 level was in Shanghai in 2010.

Fish who has had a lackluster beginning to this season is in his first quarterfinal of 2012. The world number eight is hoping to reach the semifinal here for the second straight year.

The top doubles team of Mike and Bob Bryan are also in action in the afternoon and will take on Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek in the semifinals.

In the evening session defending champion Novak Djokovic squares off against David Ferrer. Ferrer was one of the few players to notch a win over Djokovic last year. Djokovic has prevailed in seven of their twelve meetings. Ferrer has been a semifinalist twice at the Sony Ericsson Open, last in 2006.

The night closes with Marion Bartoli and Agnieszka Radwanska with each player striving for her first final at the Sony Ericsson Open. Both women are on a high after landmark triumphs.

Bartoli defeated world number one Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals terminating Azarenka’s perfect year. Radwanska stopped Venus Williams who was on a spectacular run her initial tournament following a prolonged absence.

Bartoli will be searching for her initial victory over Radwanska. The latter has captured all six of their previous encounters.

Here is Thursday’s order of play :

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Stadium Start 1:00 pm

[4] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) v [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) WTA

Not Before 3:00 PM

[21] Juan Monaco (ARG) v [8] Mardy Fish (USA) ATP

[1] Bob Bryan (USA)/Mike Bryan (USA) v
[7] Leander Paes (IND)/Radek Stepanek (CZE) ATP

Starting at 7:00 PM

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v [5] David Ferrer (ESP) ATP

Not Before 9:00 PM

Marion Bartoli (FRA) v [5] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) WTA

Court 1 Start 3:30 pm

[6] Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) v
Lukasz Kubot (POL) OR Max Mirnyi (BLR)/Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) OR Daniel Nestor (CAN) ATP

Once Djokovic obtained the quick break for 2-0, there was a feeling that this session would be brief. Yet, Troicki wasted five break points which permitted his rival to consolidate for 3-0 in the initial set.

The one break deficit proved to be Troicki’s undoing in the first set.

In the second set, Djokovic again got up to an early break for 2-0. However, this time, Troicki capitalized on break point and went on to square the set at 2 all.

Yet, later, with a bevy of miscues, Djokovic had triple break point. When Troicki’s forehand sailed wide, Djokovic went in front 4-3.

Troicki mounted a comeback by getting to double break point. But, Djokovic stood his ground and consolidated for 5-3.

Subsequent to a Troicki hold, Djokovic arrived at triple match point. Courtesy of another mistake from his counterpart, Djokovic sealed the match and punched his ticket into the fourth round.

With this victory, Djokovic is now 11-1 versus his countryman with 10 successive wins. In Miami, once Djokovic has progressed past the second round, he’s advanced all the way to the final. It was the case in 2007, 2008 and 2011.

In the round of 16, Djokovic faces Richard Gasquet. The Frenchman overcame Albert Ramos 6-2,5-7,6-3. Djokovic has prevailed in five of the six meetings against Gasquet.

Mardy Fish defeated Kevin Anderson in two sets while Nicolas Almagro bounced fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco 6-3,6-4. Consequently, Fish and Almagro will meet in the next round and fight for a place in the quarterfinals.

Following that is another fourth round match as Serena Williams clashes with Samantha Stosur. This will be their first encounter since Stosur surprised Williams in the final at the U.S. Open.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic looks to continue his campaign for a third Sony Ericsson title. With a 10-1 record, the world number one is the overwhelming favorite as he faces compatriot Viktor Troicki.

The evening session begins with Roger Federer duking it out with Andy Roddick for a spot in the fourth round. Federer is 21-2 versus his opponent. Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic close out the night as they tussle for a berth in the quarterfinals.

Also in action are Victoria Azarenka, Juan Martin Del Potro, Mardy Fish and Caroline Wozniacki.

Here is today’s complete order of play :

Monday, March 26, 2012

STADIUM Start 11:00 am

Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) v [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) WTA

Not Before 1:00 PM
[6] Samantha Stosur (AUS) v [10] Serena Williams (USA) WTA
[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v [27] Viktor Troicki (SRB) ATP
[11] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) v [23] Marin Cilic (CRO) ATP

Starting at 7:30 PM
[3] Roger Federer (SUI) v [31] Andy Roddick (USA) ATP

Not Before 9:00 PM
[WC] Venus Williams (USA) v [15] Ana Ivanovic (SRB) WTA

GRANDSTAND Start 11:00 am

[28] Kevin Anderson (RSA) v [8] Mardy Fish (USA) ATP
[12] Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v [20] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) ATP
[8] Na Li (CHN) v [12] Sabine Lisicki (GER) WTA

Not Before 4:30 PM
[1] Victoria Azarenka (BLR) v [16] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK) WTA
[21] Juan Monaco (ARG) v [14] Gael Monfils (FRA) ATP

COURT 1 Start 11:00 am

[17] Richard Gasquet (FRA) v Albert Ramos (ESP) ATP

Not Before 1:00 PM
[6] Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) v
Marcel Granollers (ESP)/Rafael Nadal (ESP) ATP
[30] Julien Benneteau (FRA) v [5] David Ferrer (ESP) ATP

Not Before 4:30 PM
[23] Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) v [4] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) WTA
Colin Fleming (GBR)/Ross Hutchins (GBR) v
[7] Leander Paes (IND)/Radek Stepanek (CZE) ATP

COURT 2 Start 11:00 am

Vania King (USA)/Monica Niculescu (ROU) v
[7] Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)/Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) WTA

Not Before 12:00 PM
[22] Maria Kirilenko (RUS) v [7] Marion Bartoli (FRA) WTA
[WC] Garbine Muguruza Blanco (ESP) v [5] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) WTA
Vera Dushevina (RUS)/Shahar Peer (ISR) v
[WC] Gisela Dulko (ARG)/Paola Suarez (ARG) WTA

COURT 3 Start 12:00 noon

[WC] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)/Lucie Safarova (CZE)
vNuria Llagostera Vives (ESP)/Arantxa Parra Santonja (ESP) WTA
Lukasz Kubot (POL)/Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) v
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX)/Scott Lipsky (USA) ATP
Julia Goerges (GER)/Samantha Stosur (AUS) v
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP)/Flavia Pennetta (ITA) WTA

The order of play for Saturday at the Sony Ericsson Open is stacked with marquee matches. Action gets under way with five-time Miami champion Serena Williams facing of with Roberta Vinci. Andy Roddick will also be in action taking on Gilles Muller. Roger Federer begins his campaign to add another Miami title to his resume when he takes on Ryan Harrison. Sharapova will round out the day matches on Stadium court in a match up with Sloane Stephens.

The Grandstand court will also feature premiere matches with the likes of David Ferrer, Kim Clijsters, Mardy Fish and Juan Martin Del Potro scheduled to play.

The night session is highlighted by 2011 Sony Ericsson Open champion Novak Djokovic. Djokovic will play his first match in Miami against Marcos Baghdatis. The night session concludes with Samantha Stosur versus Chanelle Scheepers.

Here is today’s complete order of play :

Saturday, March 24, 2012

STADIUM Start 11:00 am
[21] Roberta Vinci (ITA) v [10] Serena Williams (USA) WTA

Not Before 1:00 PM
Gilles Muller (LUX) v [31] Andy Roddick (USA) ATP
[3] Roger Federer (SUI) v [WC] Ryan Harrison (USA) ATP
[Q] Sloane Stephens (USA) v [2] Maria Sharapova (RUS) WTA

Starting at 8:00 PM

[1] Novak Djokovic (SRB) v Marcos Baghdatis (CYP) ATP
[6] Samantha Stosur (AUS) v Chanelle Scheepers (RSA) WTA

GRANDSTAND Start 11:00 am

Bernard Tomic (AUS) v [5] David Ferrer (ESP) ATP
[Q] Sergei Bubka (UKR) v [14] Gael Monfils (FRA) ATP
Kim Clijsters (BEL) v [23] Yanina Wickmayer (BEL) WTA
[Q] Frank Dancevic (CAN) v [8] Mardy Fish (USA) ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
[11] Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) v Ivo Karlovic (CRO) ATP

COURT 1 Start 11:00 am

[17] Richard Gasquet (FRA) v Cedrik-Marcel Stebe (GER) ATP
[8] Na Li (CHN) v Iveta Benesova (CZE) WTA
[28] Kevin Anderson (RSA) v Sam Querrey (USA) ATP
[12] Nicolas Almagro (ESP) v [Q] David Goffin (BEL) ATP

Not Before 6:00 PM
[29] Petra Cetkovska (CZE) v [4] Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) WTA

COURT 2 Start 11:00 am

[17] Shuai Peng (CHN) v [12] Sabine Lisicki (GER) WTA
[Q] Bjorn Phau (GER) v [20] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) ATP
Albert Ramos (ESP) v [15] Feliciano Lopez (ESP) ATP
[1] Bob Bryan (USA)/Mike Bryan (USA)v
[WC] Paul Hanley (AUS)/Bernard Tomic (AUS) ATP

Not Before 5:00 PM
Kevin Anderson (RSA)/Milos Raonic (CAN) v
[3] Michael Llodra (FRA)/Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) ATP

COURT 3 Start 11:00 am

[21] Juan Monaco (ARG) v Yen-Hsun Lu (TPE) ATP
Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP)/Flavia Pennetta (ITA) v
Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE)/Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) WTA
Igor Kunitsyn (RUS) v [23] Marin Cilic (CRO) ATP
Eric Butorac (USA)/Bruno Soares (BRA) v
[2] Max Mirnyi (BLR)/Daniel Nestor (CAN) ATP

COURT 6 Start 11:00 am

[5] Mariusz Fyrstenberg (POL)/Marcin Matkowski (POL) v
Lukasz Kubot (POL)/Janko Tipsarevic (SRB) ATP
[6] Mahesh Bhupathi (IND)/Rohan Bopanna (IND) v
Jurgen Melzer (AUT)/Jamie Murray (GBR) ATP
[Q] Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v [27] Viktor Troicki (SRB) ATP
[8] Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)/Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)
vVera Dushevina (RUS)/Shahar Peer (ISR) WTA

COURT 7 Start 11:00 am

[WC] Dominika Cibulkova (SVK)/Jelena Jankovic (SRB) v
[7] Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ)/Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) WTA
[30] Julien Benneteau (FRA) v Benjamin Becker (GER) ATP
Vania King (USA)/Monica Niculescu (ROU) v
Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN)/Shuai Zhang (CHN) WTA
Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE)/Shuai Peng (CHN) v
[5] Maria Kirilenko (RUS)/Nadia Petrova (RUS) WTA

COURT 8 Start 11:00 am

Mona Barthel (GER) v Ekaterina Makarova (RUS) WTA
[3] Sania Mirza (IND)/Elena Vesnina (RUS) v
[WC] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)/Lucie Safarova (CZE) WTA
Tomas Berdych (CZE)/Lukas Dlouhy (CZE) v
Santiago Gonzalez (MEX)/Scott Lipsky (USA) ATP
Ekaterina Makarova (RUS)/Jie Zheng (CHN) v
Natalie Grandin (RSA)/Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE) WTA

Moreover, besides Nikolay Davydenko who was unable to defend his 2008 title due to injury, since 2006 no prior year’s champion has advanced beyond the round of 16.

By winning the BNP Paribas Open, his third title of the season, Federer is now searching for his third career back to back Miami- Indian Wells trophy. Amazingly, Federer has not been to the final in South Florida since 2006.

In all likelihood, if the Swiss plans on being a finalist, he will have to battle past Djokovic in the semifinals. Even before that, Federer could be troubled by 2010 champion Andy Roddick in the third round and Mardy Fish in the quarterfinals who will try to best his 2011semifinal result.

In the bottom half of the draw, 2009 champion Andy Murray and three time runner-up Nadal are on a collision for the semifinals. With 2012 BNP Paribas Open finalist John Isner or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga possible quarterfinal rivals, Nadal will have to be steady if he intends to keep his date with Murray.

For his part, Murray may have to maneuver around the hugely talented Canadian Milos Raonic in the third round; this would be their initial meeting. Then, the quarterfinals could offer the dangerous Tomas Berdych as Murray’s opponent.

At this juncture last year, Djokovic was undefeated and had claimed three titles. By prevailing at this year’s Australian Open in such dramatic fashion, Djokovic reminded all that he is fearless.

On the other hand, Djokovic’s two losses in 2012 signal to the rest of the field that he is ultimately human. Consequently, although slightly, the door is now ajar for either Nadal, Federer, Murray or Del Potro to come through in Miami. Main draw play begins on Wednesday.

The U.S. summer hardcourt series got under way this week with the Atlanta Tennis Championships. In a replay of last year‘s final, Mardy Fish and John Isner collided in the ultimate match. The result was similar as Fish vanquished Isner 3-6,7-6,6-2 to defend his trophy.

With the title in Newport a few weeks ago, Isner was trying to win back to back title for the initial time in his career while Fish was in his maiden final of the season.

As a result of a double fault, Isner faced double break point to open the match. However, by finding his serve, Isner held. Later on, when Fish’s forehand sailed long on break point, Isner took a 3-1 lead. This was the difference in the first set, as Isner went on to guard serve and carry it 6-3.

With a forehand miscue by Fish on break point, Isner capitalized and secured the initial game of the second set. Soon though, with a backhand down the line winner, Fish manufactured double break point. When Isner double faulted, the players were back on serve.

Since neither contender could fabricate another break point, the second set went to a tiebreaker. Subsequent to getting the initial point, Isner got on a roll and built a 5-1 advantage. Then, with a powerful forehand, Isner forced Fish into a mistake to obtain double championship point at 6-4.

Yet, by pushing his backhand long and with Fish thumping an ace, Isner watched two chances combust. Promptly, with a superb backhand crosscourt volley winner, Fish had set point. Next, as Isner hit a forehand wide, Fish captured the second set.

At the start of the previous set, Isner seemed to be suffering from the heat. On the other hand, Fish looked like he had hardly warmed up after tiebreaker. Consequently, Isner would need to draw on all his reserves to pull off a victory.

With Isner double faulting, Fish arrived at double break point. When Isner’s backhand dropshot missed its mark, Fish banked the opening game of the decider.

After Fish consolidated with a love game, Isner easily guarded serve to stay one game behind. With Fish serving at 3-2, Isner struck a nice backhand down the line winner for double break point.

Still in the longest rally of the afternoon, fatigue bested Isner causing him to send a forehand long. Ultimately, Fish maintained serve and extended his lead.

When Isner double faulted on break point, Fish had a 5-2 edge. After quickly reaching triple match point, Fish crushed a forehand crosscourt winner to claim the championship.

Fish stated that he was “lucky” to come away with the win because “nine out of ten times when John is up a set and a break, he will close it out”. Furthermore, Fish expressed he cannot remember Isner ever surrendering a tiebreaker after a 5-1 advantage.

Fish admitted that fitness was in part a factor “I felt great. . . I pride myself on my fitness now”.

This upcoming week, Fish will be the top seed at the Farmers’ Classic. Juan Martin Del Potro, the 2008 champion, will make his summer hardcourt debut as the second seed at the same event.

For the second year in a row, Roger Federer is on course to equalize Pete Sampras’ record of seven Wimbledon titles. Defending champion Rafael Nadal is also through to the second week as he goes for his third French Open-Wimbledon duo. While Novak Djokovic, the hottest player this season, is in great form through three matches.

The world’s top three players are still the ones to beat heading into the round of 16 while world number four and hometown pick Andy Murray is also alive with an outside chance. Here’s a review of the past few days and a look at the rest of the tournament.

Federer has looked superb through the first three rounds of play. The Swiss dominated his third round match against a less than 100% David Nalbandian who’s had his number previously.

In the fourth round, Federer takes on Mikhail Youzhny. Federer has won all ten of their prior meetings and the Russian has never been beyond the round of 16 at this event.

David Ferrer tied his best showing at the All England Club by reaching the round of 16 and will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who was a quarterfinalist last year. The winner of that contest will probably battle Federer in the quarterfinals.

After straight sets triumphs his initial two matches, Djokovic had to bear down against Marcos Baghdatis to move on in four in the third round. On Monday, Djokovic meets Michael Llodra in the fourth round. Although Llodra is sensational on grass, he should be no match for Djokovic.

Eighteen year old Australian qualifier Bernard Tomic is the unforeseen name in the second week. In the first round, Tomic took down veteran Nikolay Davydenko. Next, he erased a 2 set to love deficit to topple another veteran Igor Andreev.

In the third round, Tomic stunned an ailing Robin Soderling in straight sets. The teenager clashes with veteran Xavier Malisse in the round of 16. The one left standing will probably see Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Consequently, a Djokovic-Federer semifinal seems a done deal.

Although Nadal was pushed his first three rounds, the Spaniard still dispatched his opponents in three sets. Juan Martin Del Potro was also tested in his second and third round matches by Olivier Rochus and Gilles Simon respectively but came through. As a result, the anticipated duel between Nadal and Del Potro will occur in the round of 16.

Since Del Potro’s return from wrist surgery, the two only tussled once at Indian Wells. Del Potro has improved considerably since that meeting. Yet, with his previous success on this surface, Nadal will squeak by.

With three time Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick’s shocking exit in the third round to Feliciano Lopez, Mardy Fish is the sole surviving American. In his maiden fourth round showing at the All England Club, Fish collides with 2010 runner up Tomas Berdych.

Berdych and Fish have never played. Considering his 2010 breakthrough, Berdych has underachieved this year. Therefore, Fish has a tremendous opportunity to cinch his primary quarterfinal at Wimbledon where he will stare at either Nadal or Del Potro.

Twice a quarterfinalist at Wimbledon, Lopez encounters Lukasz Kubot in the round of 16. The 29 year old qualifier in his second main draw at this tournament ousted Arnaud Clement, then Ivo Karlovic and subsequently upended Gael Monfils in the third round.

With Murray’s erratic performance so far, his fourth round rival Richard Gasquet should be able to capitalize. However, twice, Roland Garros in 2010 and Wimbledon in 2008, Gasquet blew a 2 set to 0 lead against the Brit. That is a gargantuan psychological hurdle for Gasquet to overcome. As such, Murray should make it to the quarterfinals.

Murray prevailed in all four meetings against Lopez and appears to have a comfortable road to the semifinals. The question is whether Nadal or Del Potro will be his adversary.

Similar to the French Open, the top four players have a good chance of colliding in the semifinals. With Federer ending Djokovic’s perfect season, the latter will be looking for revenge. Djokovic is hungry for this distinctive prize which can work in his favor or his detriment.

On the other hand, Federer has the pressure of wanting to make history. The same applies to Murray with his nation hoping to claim its home trophy for the first time since 1936. Nadal is playing with fewer expectations which sets up the perfect scenario for him walking away with the championship for the second straight year.