Teamsiliconvalley - Sports Blog

Well we are into the 2^nd week of Wimbledon, the business end of the most prestigious and the oldest of the 4 grand slams. With the unexpected loss of Rafael Nadal, who partnered with Roger Federer to produce probably the most cherished final of our generation (Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Rafter 2001 final would probably come in as a close 2^nd).

But with or without Nadal we have 4 great clashes on our hands today – and interestingly all 8 players involved in these 4 clashes come from 8 different nations.

Match 1: Ivo Karlovic (Cro) [22] vs. Roger Federer (SUI)[2]               IST 5:30pm

A match that may be won in the tie-breakers as the 6ft 10 inch giant has not dropped his serve so far in 79 service games, firing 137 aces in just 4 rounds. The more famous big server by the name of Andy Roddick comes a distant second at 96 aces.

Can Federer settle the dispute outside tie-breakers or will Karlovic succeed in doing to Federer what Richard Krajicek did to Sampras in 1996. Federer fans world over will love to remain away from those tie-breaks. And without doubt the magician has the ability to break those towering serves.

Match 2: Tommy Haas(GER)[24] vs. Novak Djokovic(SRB)[4]           IST 5:30pm

Almost a cross-generation battle between the youngest (22 years) and the oldest (31 years) players remaining the men’s draw.

Novak Djokovic had promised a lot when he burst on international stage winning the Australian Open last year, but off-late he seems to be going the Roddick way. This is his opportunity to answer the critics but the resilient German, whose form seems to improve with age, would be a sure favourite if the matter enters a 5^th set.

Match 3: Andy Murray(GBR)[3] vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero(ESP)           After Match 1

Home crowd favourite and the bookies choice to take on Federer in the final, given Rafa’s absence. Although a defensive or counter punching style of play which won’t win him many fans outside UK, still he is really consistent at what he does making life miserable for more attacking opponents.

Juan Carlos Ferrero has nothing to lose, having already made it to QFs on a wild-card entry, and should play a pressure free base-line game. opportunity for him to cash in on the performance pressure that British crowd would be exerting on the young Scot.

Match 2: Lleyton Hewitt(AUS)  vs. Andy Roddick(USA)[6]                After Match 2

A true slug-fest expected between 2 fighters on tennis court. Roddick may have a slight advantage with his big-serve but Hewitt has his scrambling abilities and the confidence boosting comeback win over Radek Stepanek. Bound to be a true entertainer, with no clear favourite. Tennis quality may not be the highest but competetivness would more than make up for it.

Will come back with the results and post match analysis soon.