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.

For the first time at the All England Club, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are the top two seeds. Defending champion Nadal will fight to collect his third hardware at this venue and his third French Open-Wimbledon combo. Djokovic who registered his maiden loss of the year at the previous major after a forty-one match unbeaten run will attempt to reach his first final at SW 19.

Two other competitors are also hoping to make history. Third seed Roger Federer tries to equalize Pete Sampras’ all time record of seven titles while fourth seed Andy Murray carries the aspirations of an isle on his shoulders. This fortnight, Murray aims to terminate his nation’s 75 year drought at its home major. Here’s the breakdown of the 2011 Wimbledon draw.

For world number one Nadal, it should be smooth sailing until the third round. In that session, the defending champion could be bothered by phenom Milos Raonic. Again in the round of 16, Nadal will be on crash alert with Juan Martin Del Potro his likely opponent. Consequently, there are various rocks along the road early on for the top seed.

In the quarterfinals, Nadal could face a rematch of last year’s final with Tomas Berdych. Considering Berdych’s average performance this season, the Spaniard should have the advantage. However, a semifinal against either Andy Roddick, a three time finalist, or Murray will be a harder challenge.

Having won the Queen’s Club trophy for the second time, Murray has once more found his mojo. Murray’s potential third round counterpart is Marin Cilic and either Stanislas Wawrinka or Richard Gasquet in the fourth round. While these are all worthy adversaries, Murray should have the upper hand.

Roddick also has a favorable path until the round of 16 where the unpredictable Gael Monfils possibly awaits. A Murray-Roddick quarterfinal would be a rematch of their sensational 2009 semifinal. Although Roddick’s year has been sub-par to date, he can rebound at SW19 where he has had great success previously.

Djokovic and Federer anchor the bottom half of the draw. Thus, the two could collide in the semifinals.

Federer’s initial obstacle could be in the third round in the form of David Nalbandian. The Argentine has been contending with injury but has the tools to trouble Federer. In the quarterfinals, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or David Ferrer could offer Federer stiff opposition. Still, the Swiss maestro would be in the driver’s seat.

Like Federer, Djokovic could have a few early intricate encounters such as Marcos Baghdatis in the third round and Michael Llodra or Viktor Troicki in the round of 16. Yet, Djokovic should move on to the quarterfinals.

The wildcard in that section is Robin Soderling. Even though grass is not Soderling’s strong suit and he’s been inconsistent this season, Soderling will be a formidable hurdle for either Djokovic in the quarterfinals or Federer in the semifinals.

Call it kismet or curse, John Isner and Nicolas Mahut who last year redefined the meaning of marathon match will do battle again in the first round. Without question, each man is praying for a less dramatic outing this time around.

Surprises at the majors have been few on the men’s side with Nadal and Federer dominant at the ultimate six to seven years. However, the gap has shrunk between the top three players with Djokovic raising his game to new heights this season.

Nadal, Federer and Djokovic have the greatest possibly of hoisting the trophy on the final Sunday. With less than one hundred points separating him from the Spaniard, Djokovic could rearrange the pecking order and overtake Nadal at number one after this event.

For Nadal to retain the title, Federer to bag number seven or Murray to become a hometown hero, for at least one or all, the road may lead through Djokovic. Fasten your seatbelt, Wimbledon will be quite the ride this year.

Although his performance has been patchy this year, Nikolay Davydenko has a 6-4 record against Nadal. With ten titles on clay including one recently in Munich, Davydenko, the twice semifinalist at Roland Garros, is a formidable potential challenger for Nadal in the round of 16.

Despite a downward slide the last two months, Robin Soderling can at any time regain the form which brought him three consecutive titles early this year. As such, the two time French Open finalist, the only person to defeat Nadal at Roland Garros, could be a serious obstacle in the quarterfinals.

Along with Nadal, Andy Murray is in the top half of the draw which could set up an intriguing semifinal clash between the two. The dangers for Murray include rising star Milos Raonic in the third round and talented Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov in the fourth round.

In the quarterfinals, Murray could face stiff opposition from clay court specialist Nicolas Almagro and 2010 French Open semifinalist Jurgen Melzer. Yet, after the disappointment of failing to close out Djokovic in the semifinals in Rome, Murray’s greatest roadblock may be mental.

Provided his left thigh is at 100%, Juan Martin Del Potro could end Djokovic’s perfect season in the third round. Beforehand though, Del Potro will need to dispatch Ivo Karlovic in the first round.

If Mikhail Youzhny and 2010 French Open semifinalist Tomas Berdych had built on their success from last year, they could be viewed as true threats to Djokovic in the quarterfinals. However, with their results of late, Berdych and Youzhny are unlikely to pull off an upset considering Djokovic’s play and confidence at an all time high.

After flirting with a second round exit in Madrid at the hand of Feliciano Lopez, Roger Federer faces the Spaniard in the opening round. On notice, Federer will have to be vigilant if he plans to stick around for round two.

In the round of 16, Federer could also be tested by hometown favorite Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. Furthermore, David Ferrer will be a perilous quarterfinal adversary for the Swiss.

For the first time in many moons, Federer finds himself in the backseat when it comes to being one of the favorites at a major. To once again become part of that conversation, Federer will need to mute Djokovic in the semifinals.

With Nadal victorious last year and Djokovic solely defending his quarterfinal status, only the latter can gain ground in the rankings. Consequently, after the French Open, there might be a radical shift at the summit with Djokovic king of the mountain. The event begins in two short days.

After failing to consolidate on an opening service break, Del Potro fabricated double break by forcing a backhand error from Verdasco. With the latter making another miscue, Del Potro went ahead 2-1. This time, with an ace at 40-0, Del Potro solidified his lead.

With Verdasco burying a backhand into the net, Del Potro again had double break point. Then, as Verdasco’s forehand flew long, Del Potro broke a third time for a 4-1 lead. By easily guarding serve his next two service games, Del Potro bedded the first set.

In the second set, Del Potro’s persistent power proved too much for Verdasco. Thus, as Verdasco’s forehand crosscourt went wide, Del Potro manufactured double break point. Del Potro burned Verdasco with a forehand crosscourt pass winner to break the initial game of the second set.

Once more with a comfortable hold, Del Potro moved in front 2-0. The Argentine consistency on serve meant that Verdasco had no break point opportunity.

Subsequent to having double game point, Verdasco committed two consecutive mistakes for deuce. As a result of a third error in a row, Verdasco gifted Del Potro break point. With Verdasco sending a forehand down the line wide, Del Potro took a commanding 5-2 advantage.

Perhaps a tad anxious serving for the championship, Del Potro double faulted to give Verdasco break point. However, Del Potro promptly recuperated with a backhand crosscourt winner and got to deuce.

By striking a backhand crosscourt winner, Verdasco arrived at another break point. Yet, because of a backhand error, the Spaniard vaporized that opportunity.

Later, Verdasco netted a return which resulted in Del Potro’s third match point. As Verdasco’s forehand crosscourt traveled out of regulation, Del Potro finally closed out the championship.

Del Potro’s strong performance this week means he will climb back into the top 30 in the rankings. Estoril is Del Potro’s third career clay court title, the previous two were in 2008.

Following a tough three set first round against qualifier Pedro Sousa, Del Potro has been sharp. He ousted top seed Robin Soderling in straight sets in the quarterfinals. If Del Potro maintains his current form, he will be a heavyweight at the two upcoming Masters series and at the French Open.

With three titles already this season and a 20-2 record, Soderling should have felt pretty good going into this contest. However, a recent ailment and an earlier than expected exit at Indian Wells allowed just enough room for Soderling to doubt his chances.

As a result of a net court winner, Del Potro obtained his fourth break point opportunity in the fourth game of the first set. The Argentine capitalized when Soderling’s backhand down the line sailed wide. Then, with an ace on game point, Del Potro consolidated for 4-1.

Because of sensational serving, Del Potro guarded the one break advantage and carried the first set.

After Del Potro broke the first game of the second set, Soderling came alive with two winners to go up 0-30. Yet, Del Potro’s serve came to the rescue. The Argentine saved the game for a 2-0 lead.

Later, Del Potro captured an insurance break. Then with a strong game closed out the match.

When Del Potro won the title in Delray, he felt that the true measure of the state of his game would be prevailing over a top ten player. Having accomplished this objective, Del Potro was asked to evaluate his progress “when you play against these kinds of players and [win it gives you a little bit of confidence]. Today, my serve, my forehand, my backhand, everything worked incredibly well. He’s a really good player. He had chances, too, but I took my opportunities. . .that was very important for my confidence”.

For 2010 Sony Ericsson Open semifinalist Soderling, on all fronts, his play was a disaster. Soderling commented: “I’m not playing well. I’m not feeling well. I’m not moving well. I’m not serving well. My serve is normally my biggest weapon. My backhand is not good. There are a lot of things I need to work on”.

In explaining the drop in his performance since February when he collected a spate of titles, Soderling said “I had some tough times after Marseilles. I got sick and had some small injuries which I struggled with for a while. I haven’t been able to practice the way I wanted to”.

Earlier in the day, Mardy Fish dispatched Richard Gasquet in straight sets. The reward for Fish’s hard work is a fourth round date with Del Potro. It’s a rematch of the International Tennis Championships semifinal whereby Del Potro was victorious.

David Ferrer, the sixth seed, breezed through his match with Smodev Devvarman. In the subsequent round, Ferrer will contend with fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers who shocked Michael Llodra.

John Isner ended Alex Bogomolov’s dream run. Bogomolov booted fifth seed and 2009 champion Andy Murray in the previous round. Upcoming in the fourth round for Isner is Kevin Anderson. Anderson defeated Pablo Andujar who had victimized Fernando Verdasco in the second round.

Novak Djokovic continues to be unstoppable. In under an hour, Djokovic bounced wildcard James Blake 6-2, 6-0 to book his spot into the fourth round.

Djokovic will battle fellow countryman Viktor Troicki. Troicki topped another American Sam Querrey in a difficult three setter.

The first set Bogomolov could do no wrong while Murray had trouble finding his rhythm.  Although Murray tried his best to snap out of his funk and battled in the second set, Bogomolov found the answers to vanquish the three time majors finalist.

After the match, Murray was asked whether “a confidence problem is plaguing you right now?  Murray answered:  “No, I think it’s more than that.  I mean, I played poorly last two weeks.  I was happier with the way that I competed this week than last.  But, yeah, confidence could have something to do with that.”

Further Murray stated “ the same thing happened around, the same time last year.  I have been practicing well, training well, and then [in] the matches can’t get anything going. That’s obviously disappointing. . . But I think when you’re not playing that well and you’re struggling a little bit, you start to miss balls by a few inches, then, net cords or whatever, challenges and stuff, they seem to go against you more”.

With all that has transpired the last few months, Murray appears in need of a good coach to place him back on the right path.  To a question along these lines, Murray responded “whether I get someone or not . . . it wouldn’t be down to the last two matches, because as a whole, you need to assess things properly.  It’s not anyone’s fault for giving me wrong tactics or practicing the wrong way.  That’s not the reason why I played like I did . . .  I’ll have to think about it and see what I want to do”.

Bogomolov has been playing well of late.  He attributes this victory to his previous results which have been great.  As such, Bogomolov feels it “ really [gives] you confidence and [permits] you to play the bigger points better.  Once you’re in that state, you believe you can do certain things that you weren’t able to do before”.

Robin Soderling got out of a tight spot.  After dropping the first set, Soderling rebounded to defeat Ivan Dodig 3-6,6-2,6-4.  In the third round, Soderling will meet either Juan Martin Del Potro or Philipp Kohlschreiber.  Kohlschreiber stunned Soderling in the third round at Indian Wells.

On the comeback trail, James Blake continues to make great strides.  Blake took out 27th seed Thomaz Bellucci 2-6,6-4,7-6.  Blake will face either sizzling Novak Djokovic or Denis Istomin in the third round.

In his post match interview Del Potro was asked if he thought his comeback was on track and if he was back to where [he] needed to be. Del Potro responded that he “didn’t think so” however he added that “I’m improving faster than what I expected.” Del Potro acknowledged that there is a difference in the level of his game versus Nadal and other top 10 players, but he stated that he “is getting closer”.

Del Potro is now on a collision course with Robin Soderling in the third round. Del Potro faces Philipp Kohlschreiber in the second round, while Soderling begins his Miami campaign against Ivan Dodig.

In other first round action 2008 Sony Ericsson Open Champion Nikolay Davydenko was upset by Kevin Anderson. This is the second time that Anderson has eliminated a past champion in the opening rounds in Miami. In 2008, Anderson bounced defending champion Novak Djokovic in the second round.

James Blake also advanced in Miami after staging a come from behind win over fellow American Michael Russell. Blake closed out Russell in a third set tie break and will face Thomaz Bellucci in the next round.

​ROGER FEDERER:  I guess, you know, it’s myself to blame if I win or lose, which I kind of like, and that it’s one on one, or if you like, in doubles two or two. ​But there’s a distance, so there is always a lot of fair play.  There’s no ugly plays in that way.  Good sport to watch on TV; good sport to watch live.  It’s atheltical and has a bit of everything.  I think it’s really nice.
 
​Q.  How are you finding the transition from one court to the next?

​ROGER FEDERER:  Well, it’s still hard court, so should be all right.  It’s a bit more humid here.  It hasn’t been brutal, so it’s been all right.  It was nice and warm as well in Indian Wells, so it’s been okay. Obviously I’ve played a lot of tennis, so maybe just I’m a touch tired, but I’m happy I still have a few more days.  So there’s no issue there. ​I practiced yesterday and today here and I feel fine, you know.  There’s not much to say really yet.  Conditions are obviously slightly different, adjusting, you know, string tensions, just understanding how far the ball flies, how it bounces, and all those things. ​That’s why I just need a couple more practice sessions and I’ll be okay.
 
​Q.  A few weeks ago Andre Agassi said of Andy Roddick, if it weren’t for you, that he would have had a tremendous career.  Do you take a little bit of joy in knowing you’ve knocked Andy out of sort of that major block?  What do you see in him down the road?

​ROGER FEDERER:  No, I’m not happy at all.  I think he’s done actually really well.  I mean, he achieved all his dreams basically  you know, except maybe winning Wimbledon  but he was in many great matches in finals there, which he can always look back on. ​I think that was very nice, as well.  Clearly he’d like to win those, but not everybody can say they’ve been in multiple Wimbledon finals, you know.  He’s won the US Open, was world No. 1, won Davis Cup. ​How much more do you really need to be happy as a tennis player?  So I think he’s actually  considering that everybody always is so negative around him, you know, especially in terms of the press, I think he knows what he achieved.  The players know it, too, and that’s why he’s so respected. ​His career is not over yet.  There are still things to achieve out there.  I’ve always enjoyed my matches with him. And, no, I don’t feel happy that I did any  I had a part in maybe making his career worse or better or whatever, you know.  Who knows, if I wasn’t around maybe somebody else would have been around, you know.  So you never know.
 
​Q.  As you know, there was earthquake disaster in Japan.  If you don’t mind, could you leave a message for the Japanese people.

​ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, it’s been very sad news, of course.  I’ve followed, you know, what happened in Japan, and it was devastating, you know, to say the least. ​It’s always one of those natural disasters, that really, you know, touch everybody, to see those terrible pictures.  And then obviously thinking of my good times in Tokyo when I was there and good times I had, which I really enjoyed, you know, obviously the fans I have in that part of the world  or in Japan in particular, you know. ​I can only tell them that I’m thinking of them as well and that I wish them only the best and that they can rebuild and get stronger out of how it was before, because it’s not an easy situation right now.
 
​Q.  Kim Clijsters said yesterday that she wouldn’t go to Asia because of the radiation; she wouldn’t take her kids, et cetera.  Does that sound like anything that you would consider?

​ROGER FEDERER:  Um, I haven’t even thought about it yet because I’m not going to Asia, you know, in the next couple weeks.
 
​Q.  She said Shanghai.  She said no China.  No Japan.

​ROGER FEDERER:  Really?  No, it hasn’t even crossed my mind yet.  I will only think about that when the situation is right in front of me.  But we’ll get the green light or not from someone else, you know. ​At the end of the day you always have to take your own decision, but I don’t think it’s gonna be a problem by then, to be honest.
 
​Q.  How difficult it is to win Indian Wells and here?  Why is it so difficult to win them in a row?

​ROGER FEDERER:  Back to back?

​Q.  Yeah.

​ROGER FEDERER:  Why is it hard?  I mean, I guess it’s hard to win backtoback Masters 1000s in general because you have a lot of good players in the early rounds.
​This one you have no excuse not having had enough time off, because there is enough time so you actually can get ready.  It just seems like I guess here and in Indian Wells usually everybody is playing pretty well, you know, because the season is underway for a couple of months.
​Everybody can play on hard courts, you know, so it’s not really a surface that’s favors a particular playing style.  You know, the South Americans have their chance, like the Europeans and the Americans have and so forth.  So I think it’s pretty straightforward, and that’s why I think they’re tough to win back to back. ​But then again, if you’re hot, like Novak at the moment, or me back a few years ago when I won backtoback Indian Wells and Miami, you could do it, you know, just because the draw falls into place, you are playing well, you are not thinking too much, and you are very just better than the rest at the moment.
 
​Q.  Kim said yesterday that having a child has helped her to, A, enjoy tennis more, and B, also put it into better perspective in terms of her life picture.  I was wondering if it’s similar or what it’s done for you.

​ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I mean, I don’t feel like I needed kids to put it all in perspective, to be honest.  It’s definitely had a huge impact in my life, in how, you know, you go through life 24/7 thinking about kids and making sure that you put them on the right path, and, you know, you help and support, you know, my wife and so forth. ​But I didn’t feel like I needed a kid to distract me from a loss or something.  I always felt like I had the right mindset when it came to what tennis means to me.  It means a lot to me, you know.  But there’s many more important things than tennis, as well. ​It’s what I really enjoy doing.  The travel has been incredibly a lot of fun for me to be able to share that with my wife and my kids, you know.  It’s been a wonderful time. As they’re growing, they understand more, they can come and watch matches, you can play with them more, and it only becomes more enjoyable, the tour.  I’ve always made the tour for me special by inviting my family, my friends, having a good time, sort of getting that home away from home feeling. ​Now with the family on tour with me, my own kids, it’s different, you know.  It’s maybe nicer.  I guess it’s nicer, you know, but it’s always been a lot of fun traveling on the tour.
 
​Q.  It seems kind of strange not to see you ranked No. 1 or 2.  You’ve been that for so long.  Does it seem any different to you at all?

​ROGER FEDERER:  No, you don’t  1 or 3 is different, yeah, but 2 or 3, it’s all right.
 
​Q.  Along the lines of your kids and tennis, could you’re a dualcouple tennis family.  Could you see your children playing pro tennis?  Would you encourage them?  Along those lines, there are a lot of people saying they don’t want their kids to lead the life that they have led.

​ROGER FEDERER:  Um, I don’t know if I would encourage them.  I would support them.  You know, if they want to play tennis, if that’s what they like doing, we’ll see how it goes.  You know, how many hours they’ll spend hitting against a wall and going to tennis practice and where, you know, is our home gonna be and all those things.  I really don’t know yet.
​Depends also a little bit on how long I’m playing, you know, how much in contact do they come, do they actually play more or less when they’re on tour with me?  I don’t know.  It all depends on those things. ​Right now I don’t see any signs that they like it or don’t like it, so it’s still completely up in the air.  But, you know, I think sports is a great education, you know.  To spend time with other kids, learning how to lose, learning how to win, all those things I think is a good thing for a lot of kids, you know. ​You cry because you lost; you’re happy because you won.  You know, you pretend you won something big.  All those things I think are nice.  That’s why I’ll support them in any sports.  If it’s tennis, at least I know a little bit about that sport. (Laughter.)  Other sports, maybe I don’t know so much.
 
​Q.  You have a very solid outlook, but are you puzzled, annoyed, or amused by people who say that the Federer era is over, he’s down to 3 and sinking?

​ROGER FEDERER:  Well, depends on who says that.  I don’t know if it’s 5% saying it, 95% saying it.  Then at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter too much to me if someone is saying that or not. I still think I’ve had a great six months.  I feel like I’m playing really good tennis, and right now Novak is just a bit better than the rest.  And that’s okay. ​I’ve gone through phases like this on multiple occasions with Rafa, with Murray, with even Agassi and Hewitt and Roddick and so forth.  It’s just something that’s part of the game. ​I never expected myself to dominate for 15 years, you know.  So it’s always  it goes in phases.  This is a good one.  I think at the top right now I think actually everybody is playing well:  Rafa, myself, even Murray.  You know, maybe he has not had the best last couple tournaments, but he did make the finals of the Australian Open. ​I’m sure he’s gonna be extremely strong again this year.  And Soderling, maybe if he were not  if he would feel better physically, also I think he’s also had a great six months winning Paris and I think two or three titles this year. So everybody is playing really well at the top, but then you hear stories being made up.  They are also part of our sport.  And it’s fine, whatever it is, as long as I don’t get affected by them.  That’s what counts.
 
​Q.  Off of the question he just asked, one of the criticisms of you came recently from Martina Navratilova saying that she doubted whether you’d be back at the level of three or four years ago or back at No. 1.  The fact it’s coming from her, does that register at all for you?

​ROGER FEDERER:  Sure.  You’d rather hear other things, you know.  Maybe she missed the London World Tour Finals.  I don’t know.  Maybe she was somewhere else climbing Kilimanjaro. I don’t know.  I love her. ​Look, I think she’s been an inspiration to my wife and I always love seeing her, but if you had the microphone in front of you and you get a negative question, you get dragged into it.  You have to answer it. ​So that’s what happens.  And she’s in front of the microphone a lot of times, you know, like other experts, as well, and eventually you can’t just say only good things.  You have to also say more negative things.  Then you pick up on these, and next thing you know it’s like I’m being asked and then I have to answer it, which is unfortunate. ​I have no problem with Martina.  She’s allowed to say.
 
​Miami Tennis News: I believe it was Pete Sampras who said if you won one major a year that’s a good year.  Would you subscribe to that theory?

​ROGER FEDERER:  Yeah, I think so.  I don’t know what you guys think.  But then again, at the end of the day, the whole season is not just majors.  We play 20, 25 tournaments during the year and only four of them are Grand Slams, so why are we all here?  It’s not because it’s a Grand Slam. So these matter, as well, and many other tournaments, too.  Some are more emotional and some are less.  But, you know, you always have to look at the tour as a whole. I’m sure for different people there are different highlights during the year  and majors are definitely one of them for me  but they’re not the only ones.

On the ATP side, Rafael Nadal, the world number one may battle 2009 finalist Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals.

With Roger Federer dropping to the number three in the rankings, the Swiss could clash with Nadal in the semifinals.  Moreover, Federer may contend with defending champion Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals.

If the draw plays out according to the seeding, in the bottom half, David Ferrer and Robin Soderling will be slated to meet in the quarterfinals.  However, Juan Martin Del Potro could spoil that face-off.

Also located in the bottom section is the hottest player on tour, world number two Novak Djokovic. The Serb could have a rematch of this year’s Australian Open final in the quarterfinals with Andy Murray.

Whether it’s Del Potro, Ferrer or Soderling in the semifinals, at this stage, Djokovic seems ready to mow over all comers.

Turning to the ladies, Caroline Wozniacki is perhaps hoping to see Na Li in the semifinals in order to avenge her Australian Open loss.

For defending champion Kim Clijsters, it’s all about her shoulder.  In the past, Clijsters has easily taken care of Victoria Azarenka and could collide with her in the quarterfinals.

Francesca Schiavone and Vera Zvonareva are possible semifinal opponents for Clijsters.  Since her rejoining the tour, Clijsters has yet to play Schiavone.  However, Clijsters has a perfect 11-0 record against the Italian.

Clijsters has encountered Zvonareva five times since coming back with the Russian prevailing on three occasions. Overall though, Clijsters has a 7-3 edge in their head to head.

For Clijsters repeating will be completely dependent on how well she has recuperated from her shoulder injury.

Main draw action begins on Tuesday March 22.  A a complete view of the male and female draws is available by clicking here.

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With a sensational stab at a booming serve, Cilic forced a backhand miscue from Soderling to secure a mini-break at 5-3.  After Soderling failed on a crosscourt pass, Cilic was at 6-4.  However, Soderling managed to wipe out both set points.  Later, when Soderling’s backhand down the line landed long, Cilic had his fifth set point.  As a result of Soderling’s return going long, Cilic finally had the set.

Following a love game to start the second set, at 1 all, Cilic sent a forehand out of play to hand Soderling his second break opportunity of the game.  Soderling banked the break when Cilic dumped a backhand into the net.  Subsequent to consolidating with a love hold for 3-1, his next time up, Soderling committed three successive errors to gift Cilic triple break point.  As Soderling’s backhand crosscourt sailed long, the players were knotted at 3 all.  Yet, after having multiple game points, Cilic produced an unforced mistake to give Soderling a break chance.  By anticipating Cilic’s shot, Soderling struck a forehand pass up the line winner to regain the lead at 4-3.  Soderling solidified the break by holding, then broke again at love to push the championship into a final set.

Subsequent to a prompt service game, Soderling got to break point after Cilic’s forehand found the net.  Still, Cilic was able to prevail in that game.  For the next three games, each player cruised.  But, in the sixth game, Cilic began with a double fault.  Later on, Soderling thumped a backhand down the line pass for a winner and arrived at triple break point.  When Cilic flubbed another backhand, Soderling had the break for 4-2.  Once again with a fast hold, Soderling got to 5-2.  Although Cilic held, Soderling serve was impenetrable.  With Cilic bouncing another return long, Soderling had triple match point.  The Swede wrapped up the title with a forehand up the line winner.

Despite being disappointed, Cilic recognized that he had a fantastic week with victories over Tomas Berdych in the quarterfinals and saving match point against Mikhail Youzhny in the semifinals.  Cilic stated “I am looking forward to coming back next year”.

Soderling is also grateful for the great run he has had of late saying “I am happy I won”. Soderling congratulated Cilic on his play because it was a battle particularly “the first set was really played well . . . Keep this up and you’ll have a great year”.  Moreover, Soderling expressed his gratitude to those in his box who stick by him day in and day out “win or loose, you are there . . .thank you”.   Thus far this year, Soderling’s only loss has been in the round of 16 at the Australian Open.