Wimbledon Predictions

I can't see anybody touching Roger Federer at his favourite tournament and on his favourite surface. It is now going on 4 years since anybody has managed to defeat him on grass and I don't see that trend changing. Andy Roddick, the next biggest threat to Federer on grass isn't at his best form at the moment. Nadal despite his positive comments before the tournament is not truly at home on grass and will be happy to repeat last year's fantastic run to the final.

It is quite stunning to think of Federer matching Bjorn Borg's record of 5 consecutive titles and beating Sampras' 4 straight victories. It would be fitting as well, as Federer was the man that ended Sampras' streak, beating him in the fourth round in 2001. For me, that was the defining moment for Federer - elevating him from merely being a very talented player to the perennial champion he is today. If Federer is to win his fifth consecutive title, he will have to work for it. A tough match against Marat Safin - one of the few players on tour with the capacity to beat Federer on his day - beckons in the third round with James Blake and Andy Roddick to follow.

The women's draw is far more open with any of 10 players standing a good chance of winning it. Serena Williams with her power is always a threat here, as it Maria Sharapova. I have been very impressed by Jelena Jankovic of late, but she is too much of a baseliner and lacks the all-round game necessary to win the title. The defending champion Amelie Mauresmo remains a big threat if she can play consistently and hold her confidence together. Such is the depth of the women's game now that you cannot rule out a great run from any of Ivanovic, Chakvetadze, Safina or Vaidasova. However, I will go with my heart rather than my head (which leans towards another Williams win) and plump for Justine Henin to complete the career grand slam. It has been a tumultous year for her and winning Wimbledon would be just rewards for the determination she has shown.

One other thing I would love to see at this Wimbledon is a good run from Tim Henman. Ironically, what may just help his cause is the fact that there hasn't been a huge fanfare over his chances at the tournament this year. He faces a tough opening match against Carlos Moya but what follows is a relatively safe passage through to the fourth round. If Henman can build confidence and form over the course of the tournament, he may well find himself in the thick of another run at Wimbledon. Hopefully, he can cause more of a stir that last year where he was absolutely hammered by Federer in the second round. A good run would be just brilliant for Henman who has stuck with it despite having a terrible year so far.

Update: Federer did indeed win the title though it was a mightily close fought thing against Nadal in the final. My head (as opposed to my heart) triumphed and Venus Williams did take the title. One of the many outsiders did fight their way through to the final in the form of Marion Bartoli (defeating my beloved Justine in the process).