What to look for at the Big W

There’s always the smooth green grass, that gradually gets rough around the edges as the final weekend looms.....
John McEnroe’s gentle chastising of his man-crush (also known as Roger Federer)....
Strawberries and cream...
All-white ensemble....
Roger Federer at his immaculate best

Despite what the Federer-bashers out there are saying, the biggest favorite to win the big W of course, is the world number one. Going by Roger’s tough draw he sure has his task cut out for him. But let’s also remember that he has won 59 straight matches on his favorite green turf, and has lifted the trophy at the cathedral of tennis for five years in a row. So, the odds are stacked highly in the Swissman’s favor.

Now that I’ve made my all-important Federer point, here are some interesting match-ups to look forward to:

Djokovic vs. Baghdatis, Quarter finals

Two promising young stars, both with great talent, one with a great deal more thirst. One befuddled an in-form Federer during a tough four-setter at the Ozzie Open final in 2006, the other took the same title from a virus-stricken Federer two years later (yes, no better tennis-o-meter out there than Federer himself). This match, if it happens will be 10-1 in Djoko’s favor – that Serbian grit is pretty hard to surmount, unless your last name’s Nadal or Federer.


Roddick vs. Blake, Fourth round

Ahh, an all-American clash between two of the most endearing and gracious men on the tour. Roddick’s big-serving has often got the better of the relentless returner, but James has never looked better. Fortunately for tennis fans, neither has Andy. He took out Federer for the first time in 12 meetings (uhhhmmm, who hasn’t, recently?) and won back-to-back matches against Djoko and Nadal en route to his title in Dubai, so he has got to be feeling good despite his Queens loss. Personally I’m rooting for another Roger-Roddick final (refer end of post).

Bagdhatis vs. Nalbandian, Fourth round

The beautiful shot-maker vs. the relentless counterpuncher – that will have to be special. On a good day the delightful Marcos could thump Nalbandian with his exquisite shot-making but if this one is good enough to go to a fifth set I’m giving the edge to the unrelenting Argentine.

Berdych vs. Ancic, Fourth round

What better than to watch two big-hitters pound the ball so hard, blades of grass come flying off the smooth lawns of the All England club? Lightening-fast trajectories traced by fuzzy green balls against the green and white backdrop of Wimbledon will be quite a sight.

Gasquet vs. Murray, Fourth round

These two young guns are among that breed of promising stars who have yet to prove themselves by going deep in a major – maybe this will be the year! One thing’s for certain – there’ll be some beautiful shot-making, something the Brits are crazy about, especially when it involves one of their own (albeit one that extricates himself from his colonial cousins). The Scottsman’s likely French opponent is not to be taken lightly however – after all he has oft been prematurely crowned the next Roger Federer.

Federer vs. Djokovic, Semi-final

Djokovic is the second favorite man to beat Federer on his favorite turf, so while this match-up will certainly be an amazing one for tennis fans, I don’t see Novak come close to stalling the world number on his path to his sixth straight title. Djokovic’s all-court game to complement Federer’s versatility will be a treat to watch on grass.

Roger vs. Roddick, Final

This is the final I’m hoping for, and not just because it will be less straining on my nerves than the alternative! Despite Andy’s recent racket thumping tantrums, I think he’s had a great year so far, and if that ace-unfurling shoulder holds up, there is a good chance he’ll make it to championship Sunday. Since the two contemporaries have always displayed a sight to behold for tennis fans on Center Court, there is a lot to look forward to, not the least of which would be Andy’s gracious and witty concession speech, when Federer’s wins his sixth straight Wimbledon crown!

Roger vs. Rafa, Final

Much as this likely final will see me sitting on the edge of the coffee table, my nails digging into my elbows, teeth chattering and eyes often tightly shut, so as to miss the most important points of the match, no other turnout for championship Sunday could be quite as exciting as this one. Especially because Federer has a score to settle, and settle it he will. Personal feelings aside, with Nadal beginning to net-rush as much as he is, and with Federer serving and volleying like before, wouldn’t this be an old-school tennis fan’s dream?! Step aside, McEnroe and Connors! Here come Rog and Rafa.