After four rounds, three of my four semifinal picks are still there. Roger Federer grew stronger as the tournament went on while Rafeal Nadal had some controversy surround him with “coaching” allegations.
My unlucky pick was Andy Roddick, who received a humbling beating by a superb Lu Yen-Hsun. Taiwan's Yen-Hsun sent Andy Roddick crashing out with a stunning 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4), 6-7 (5/7), 9-7 performance over the three-time finalist.
With that victory, Yen-Hsun (ranked 82 nd) became first Asian man to make the last eight since 1995.
So, here is my prediction how the rest of the tournament will play out.
QUARTERFINALS
Roger Federer (1) vs. Tomas Berdych (12)
I see Federer overcoming Berdych with the narrowest of margins. Berdych won their last meeting in a third-set tiebreaker, but Federer is 2-0 on grass including beating Berdych in straight sets at Wimbledon in 2006.
Novak Djokovic (3) vs. Yen-Hsun Lu
Novak Djokovic, plain and simple. Yen-Hsun shocked the tennis world when he upset fifth-seeded Roddick, but there is nothing to suggest he will do the same to Novak. Djokovic is not ranked third in the world for nothing.
Andy Murray (4) vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (10)
It should be Murray, he reached the semis last year and his country is counting on him. However, Tsonga won’t give up that easily. When both were teenagers, Tsonga had the better of Murray.
Rafael Nadal (2) vs. Robin Soderling (6)
Nadal won easily a few weeks back in the French finals, so I expect him to do the same this week if his knees can handle it. Soderling possesses a huge serve that might help to soften the blow, but Nadal looks hungry for success.
SEMIFINALS
Roger Federer (1) vs. Novak Djokovic (3)
Federer is 9-5 up against Djokovic, but this one might be a real battle of wills. I am making a calculated guess that Federer`s experience will push him through, but just!
Rafael Nadal (2) vs. Andy Murray (4)
Earlier this year Murray was leading in straight sets in the Australian Open when Nadal had to retire due to a persisting knee injury. Murray would love to advance to the final but Nadal is Nadal. Fit he will be unstoppable. Nadal to advance.
FINAL
Roger Federer (1) vs. Rafael Nadal (2)
It's the dream final, the repeat of the classic 2008 final which Nadal won. Federer might be burning deep inside to cement his place once and for all as the greatest to ever play the game by capturing his seventh Wimbledon title. He would also love to put another past the Spaniard and he is leading 2-1 on the grass.
However, Nadal got the better of Federer in recent matches and is leading 14-7, but most of them were clay or hard court meetings. Should Nadal`s knee trouble keep at bay, I think Nadal will prevent Federer from capturing his seventh title. Nadal to win the 2010 Wimbelton championship!
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