Federer Takes A Break At the Net (AP/Niedringhaus).
With Roger Federer kicking things off on Centre Court at 1pm precisely, we could be in for either very routine opening day at Wimbledon or a preview to a very wild ride. With a weather forecast calling for somewhat cool conditions, the courts might be playing a tad slower than usual. And while Federer will be greeted with a hero’s welcome on the greatest tennis court in the world, another champion, although on every other surface but here, will have to make do with her own return to the biggest stage in the sport back in the boondocks of the outer courts. Ah Justine, we haven’t forgotten you. But we’ll have to walk a bit to find you tomorrow.
Although Federer is expected to cruise over Alejandro Falla while Venus Williams should have no trouble against Rossana De Los Rios, some other top names will need to be on their best to get through the next round. Andy Roddick, who for some reason, will open up his campaign on Court No. 1 (gee didn’t being part of the second greatest final in a long time count for anything) against Rajeev Ram, needs to be ready to go as Ram likes the grass courts. This is one of many first round matches in which both players will go in not having ever played each other and it could prove to be a factor. But I still think Roddick will get this done in three sets.
While Kim Clijsters gets some facetime on Court No. 2 when playing against Maria Elena Camerin, a former finalist, Justine Henin, has to make do with playing the last match of the day on Court No. 12 against talented Latvian Anastasija Sevastova. I guess Henin still hasn’t earned enough respect from the All-England Club to get a decent debut court but based on her recent form, she should get through this one in straights.
Meanwhile there are so many matches tomorrow but here are a few more that should be entertaining: Shahar Peer vs. Ana Ivanovic, Anna-Lena Groenefeld vs. newly seeded Melanie Oudin who really needs a nice run to keep her ranking intact, Yanina Wickmayer vs. Alison Riske, another young American upstart who could pull off the upset, Francesca Schiavone vs. Vera Dushevina (don’t be surprised if the Italian loses early on the grass this year) Mardy Fish vs. Bernard Tomic (is this the year Tomic finally lives up to his hype as the next great Aussie hope?) and finally Novak Djokovic vs. Olivier Rochus who is 3-1 lifetime against the Serb. Many think Rochus could pull off the upset here. But if someone has a winning record against somebody, is it really an upset or just form holding?
Like I said, tomorrow will be a window into the next two weeks.
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