The true favorites will be the second week at Wimbledon
Saturday, in a very busy day, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro and Tomas Berdych advanced to the fourth round, as Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams for the women.
The biggest surprise of the first week occurred Saturday when the qualified Australian Bernard Tomic (158th, 18) has swept the fifth-seed Robin Soderling. A huge crowd of over 45,000 fans had invaded the site of Wimbledon and the famous file (The Tail) of those who hoped to purchase general admission tickets extended over a mile.
Nadal has completed a trouble-free third round match against Luxembourg’s Gilles Muller and will face Argentina’s Del Petro Monday in what promises to be one of the big shocks of the round.
“Rafael is the best player in the world and it will be a big face off,” said the Argentine, back in form after a long period away from the courts in 2010. “This is my best major tournament since my return and I am progressing every game.”
Del Potro had beaten Nadal before his injury, en route to the title of U.S. Open in 2009. “He beat me easily in Indian Wells this spring, however recalled Argentina. I do not know if I have progressed enough since, but I will do my best … “
In the bottom of the table, Federer and Djokovic were still strong Saturday, although the Serb had to give a tough round to Marco Baghdatis. The second and third world should not be tested too seriously before ending up next Friday in the semifinals.
“I’m really happy with my game so far,” said Federer after his easy win in three sets against Argentine David Nalbandian, one of his pet peeves in the past. “A score of 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 against Nalbandian, that’s fine, and I feel in good shape for the second week.”
Discrimination?
In women, the tournament is very open. Eliminations of the second and third favorite, Vera Zvonareva and Li Na, not really surprised on grass and real favorite, Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka, Serena and Venus Williams are all on the go.
The double defending champion Serena Williams, who had played only two games in one year before the tournament, played his first real good game Saturday. “I found my service he seemed to have remained at a party somewhere …-, and played with more confidence, said Williams.
Favorite “bookmakers” London despite his long absence, Serena has not surprised: “I bet certainly not against my chances …”
For now, the ladies are mostly about the discrimination they feel victimized in the programming of games. The Williams sisters Caroline and Wozniakci denounced the fact that they have all been forced to play on the short unwelcoming no. 2, a fate that is never reserved for top players.
“Some traditions are hard to change,” quipped Wozniacki, Friday, referring to the ratio 2: 1 matches for men that is usually applied to the two main courts of Wimbledon. “Serena and Venus won 18 Wimbledon titles (singles into doubles), they no longer deserve to play on Centre Court.”
The guide indicates that the tournament matches are to be distributed equally on all courts and that women have the advantage some day, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. This is not the case in recent years and the head referee Andrew Jarrett is often criticized, even by some players.
Serena, who sparked controversy in midweek, did not want to add Saturday, applauding rather the fact that there were three games before the female on the main courts.
“As Caroline said, it’s hard to change mentalities,” simply stated Williams.
Disappointment for Canadians
Canadian players had high expectations and yet only one will be the second week, the amazing Shamasdin Amil, a virtually unknown Ontarian, double with Australian Chris Guccione. Even veteran Daniel Nestor, recent winner at Roland Garros with Max Mirnyi and two-time champion at Wimbledon has already been removed twice.
The last Canadian hopes rest on the shoulders of the Quebec Eugenie Bouchard fifth favorite in the junior, who will begin the tournament against Switzerland on Monday morning Megane Bianco.
