After witnessing the great tennis we were all treated for today, I suddenly have a craving to write an article.
I could sit here and talk about Federer's gritty victory against the former #1 and Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt. Or the shock of the day on the women's side as the second seeded Jelena Jankovic fell prey to Tamarine Tanasugarn (which would likely be met by a resounding "who"?)
And of course, I could sit here and talk about the match of the tournament, the Scot against the Frenchman, Andy Murray against Richard Gasquet in what was a thrilling five setter that satisfied every tennis fan around the world.
But rather I will keep it interesting and give you my predictions for the rest of this tournament on both the men's and women's side.
Women:
Quarterfinals:
#18 Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) vs. Jie Zheng (CHN)
Zheng took out top seed Ivanovic en route to this quarterfinal matchup and has looked strong on the grass courts. Vaidisova has taken care of business and escaped against Chakvetadze with a gutsy 3 set victory. Zheng has yet to lose a set, but is the clear underdog.
Result: Vaidisova in 3 sets.
#14 Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) vs. #6 Serena Williams (USA)
Serena Williams looks in top form through four rounds and she looks determined to get back to the finals to meet her sister Venus in a surprisingly thin women's draw that has the Williams sisters as clear favorites. Radwanska has been playing good tennis but is no match for Williams. I expect a close first set, with a late break to Serena, and then I expect her to pull away in the second.
Result: Serena in 2 sets.
#5 Elena Dementieva (RUS) vs. #21 Nadia Petrova (RUS)
The last two Russians in the tournament on the women's side go head to head. Petrova has yet to lose a set while Dementieva is picking up her game as the tournament continues. If Dementieva can get her first serves in, the match will not see a third set. But, of course, she won't.
Result: Dementieva in 3 sets.
#7 Venus Williams (USA) vs. Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA)
Venus Williams is playing solid tennis right now and the four-time champion meets a feel good story and 31 year-old Tamarine Tanasugarn, the woman who took out Jankovic. This time though she won't be out on court 18. She'll be on show court, court 1, having the pleasure of being the next victim on planet Venus.
Result: Venus in 2 sets.
Semifinals:
#18 Nicole Vaidisova (CZE) vs. #6 Serena Williams (USA)
Serena Williams has been the most impressive player on the women's side from the baseline as well as from the net. Vaidisova will have been physically drained from her previous matches while Serena will be no doubt looking ahead to Breakfast at Wimbledon.
Result: Serena in 2 sets.
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6 months ago
I think I pretty much agree with you all the way around.
I'm looking forward to a Safin/Federer matchup and also Nadal/Murray. Murray put on a great show, and if he brings that energy against Nadal he should win at least one, maybe two sets from him.
Do you think Nadal might be getting into Federer's head a little? I think Federer used to just think he could dominate anyone and everyone. But now I think he has to be sorta keeping Rafa in his mind.
from 6 months ago
i think you are right. the fact that he moved backward so much at the french has to be a concern to him. Nadal is much closer to a Wimbledon title than Federer is to a French and that scares Federer. Of course he won't admit it, but he is afraid of Nadal. Whether he wins or loses Wimbledon, Nadal is a force to be reckoned with and Federer is starting to accept this as fact.
6 months ago
Wow Nikil! I'm impressed with those nearly perfect picks! Great job and explanations, 5 stars!
That Federer v. Nadal match was SICK!!! Best I've ever saw!
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