Wimbledon 2009 Men's Semi-finals Preview

Roger Federer vs. Tommy Haas

The battle of the single-handed backhands was the headline for a preview when these two met for the first time in a grand slam at the Australian Open in 2002. At the time Tommy Haas was world no.2 and Roger Federer wasn't even in the top 10. Fast forward seven years, and the script is completely different. Federer is on the cusp of history, while for Haas its already a huge accomplishment reaching the semis at Wimbledon.

The beautiful backhands remain as potent as ever. The difference being that for Federer it is often overshadowed by that brilliant forehand, while for Haas it is still the main weapon. Haas has used his backhand down the line to great effect. However, the factor that has really propelled Haas into the semi-finals at Wimbledon has been his spectacular serve and volley. Many of his opponents have been flummoxed by this approach including Novak Djokovic.

Federer credits his amazing comeback against Haas at Roland Garros as the catalyst for winning the French Open. Haas might very well be the toughest opponent that Federe has faced so far. However, as good a game that Haas played against Federer on clay, its a different thing altogether playing Federer on grass. There certainly will be some brilliant rallies, beautiful strategic play, but in the end Federer just has to many weapons to unlock Haas and will make them count to book his place in a historic final.

Andy Murray vs. Andy Roddick

Andy Murray played his best tennis against a challenging opponent in the quarters against Ferrero. The serve was impenetrable, the ground strokes were brilliant, and the approach shots and volleys were too beguiling for his opponent. If Andy Murray maintains this level of play, its hard to see who can stop him.

This match-up should be a potential stumbling block for Murray, as after all his opponent has made it two Wimbledon finals already. However, the Andy Roddick of 2009 is not the same player. Incredibly Roddick has made it this far with only one straight sets victory. His return game has been really poor throughout the tournament. He has been riding on his excellent serve, culminating with a record 44 aces against Hewitt in the quarters.

Unfortunately for Roddick, Murray's returning prowess means he is going to be under pressure on his service games like he has never been before. Furthermore, Murray's craft and intelligent pacing of shots are exactly the sort of tactics that can completely unravel Roddick's game. Throw in the deafening home support and Murray should also book his place in a historic final.

Wimbledon 2009 Women's Semi-finals Preview

Elena Dementieva vs. Serena Williams

If it wasn't for the Williams sisters, Elena Dementieva's dominating performances at Wimbledon this year would get more coverage. She has dismantled all her opponents easily and efficiently. Most surprising about her play has been the serve which has held up remarkably steady so far. The ground strokes continue to be brilliant.

Serena Williams is playing some exceptional tennis so far. Apparently facing her toughest test in the quarter-finals, it was scary how Serena just managed to change gears effortlessly just when Azarenka seemed to be challenging her. The serve remains as strong as ever, and the winners from the back seemed to have increased in frequency.

Hopefully Dementieva will at least manage to get Serena to a tie break. If this wasn't a match on grass, a case could be made for Dementieva on the basis of her baseline game. However, one just gets the feeling that Dementieva will be broken a few times, while its almost impossible to see Serena losing her service games. That essentially will be the difference.

Dinara Safina vs. Venus Williams

While it has been quite easy to lambast Dinara Safina for her mental frailty in the big matches, there is no denying the fact that the Russian is now a consistent performer who knows how to win matches against opponents she should be beating. Already a runner-up in the first two grand slams, Safina has shown tremendous character to make it to the semi-finals over here. While her tennis has hardly been of the highest standard, she has done amazingly well to win scrappy matches many didn't expect her to.

For the first time in the tournament, Venus Williams clearly did look to be the better player than Serena when she thrashed Radwanska in the quarter-finals. There didn't seem to be a single aspect of her play that was questionable. It could easily have been a double bagel for Venus, such was her authority. Her net play has been exquisite to say the least, and backed up by the power of her ground strokes, Venus is the clear favourite.

While Safina certainly has dug in well so far, the fact of the matter is that against Venus the match isn't going to be a scrap. Venus will dictate play on most points, and her superior mobility and brilliant volleying should be enough to see off Safina in straight sets.

Wimbledon 2009 Men's Quarter-finals Preview

Roger Federer vs. Ivo Karlovic

The career Grand slam completed, the Swiss master is now playing with a relaxed mindset which he hasn't had for a while. The ease of movement and grace of play is as good as ever on grass. Even against really determined opponents such as Kohlschreiber and Soderling, Federer's level of play hasn't dropped. His serve hasn't looked this good in a long time.

Speaking of serve, if there is one player who epitomizes this aspect of the game it is the Croatian Giant Ivo Karlovic. For the longest time, Karlovic was considered a one-trick pony. However, over the past two years, Karlovic has certainly made a concerted effort to improve other parts of his game. This was certainly in evidence when he beat other big servers Tsonga and Verdasco in tight matches that featured a lot of tie-breaks.

As much as Karlovic's game has improved, it is still hard to see him beating Federer. The great serve might get him a tie-break or possibly even two, but Federer is no slouch with tie-breaks, and his level of returning is superior to any opponents Karlovic has faced so far. The Croatian's eccentric celebrations will end against the man who is poised to make history yet again.

Novak Djokovic vs. Tommy Haas

At the start of Wimbledon I wasn't sure about Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon. However, since the incredible masterclass that was executed against Mardy Fish in the third round, we have finally managed to get a glimpse of the real Djokovic. The serve is impenetrable, the ground strokes are heavy and the aggression in his play is paying huge dividends.

For Tommy Haas it has been a dream run. In an incredible tennis match against Croatian prodigy Marin Cilic, Haas finally showed some mental strength to come back from facing match points in a match where he was two sets up in the first place. The one-handed backhand is as effective as ever, and the surprising amount of serve-volley has certainly caught all his opponents off-guard.

This quarter-final is probably the toughest one to call. Haas absolutely outclassed Djokovic in the Halle final in the tune-up to Wimbledon. Although the Djokovic that is playing currently is a different animal altogether, there is a certain confidence and understanding of the surface that suits Haas well right now. One has to be believe that for the veteran to win, he is going to have start well and win it straight. However, if the match goes the distance, its advantage Djokovic.

Lleyton Hewitt vs. Andy Roddick

A few years ago, this match-up was a regular one during the latter stages of grand slams. While Andy Roddick has managed to stay in the top ten despite struggles, fitness issues and a lack of consistency has meant that Lleyton Hewitt has plummeted down the rankings.

Andy Roddick's tournament has been far from exceptional. Until his easy victory over Tomas Berdych, Roddick lost a set in each of his first 3 matches. In all his early matches, opponents managed to break his serve, while his return game barely threatened. If it wasn't for his mastery of tie-breaks the American might well have packed his bags already. However, the service winners and ace count remains as high as ever, and that always makes Roddick a tough opponent on grass.

Lleyton Hewitt put himself in the spotlight when nobody expected to, with a brilliant victory over Juan Martin Del Potro. All the old tricks were back, the backhand topspin lob, the working around of opponents. Add in some aggressive play, and pop on the serve, and there have been glimpses of why Hewitt was No.1 at one time. The never say die attitude also remains, as evidenced in the brilliant comeback from 2 sets down against Stepanek.

Roddick is the seed over here, and many people's tip to win. However, if Jurgen Melzer and Jeremy Chardy can trouble Andy Roddick with smart returning, then Hewitt is in a different class altogether. If Hewitt manages to keep going on his own serve, then there is the real possibility of an upset over here. If Roddick gets out quickly of the blocks, then he should be able to dictate the tempo.

Andy Murray vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero

Yet another feel-good veteran story in this year's draw. Juan Carlos Ferrero needed a wild card to participate in this year's Wimbledon. The All England Club must feel chuffed about their decision. Following a remarkable 5 set win against Fernando Gonzalez, Ferrero then demolished 8th seed Giles Simon. Ferrero seems to have recalled his spin and slice serves which were his hallmarks in his heyday, while his baseline game remains solid enough to trouble the best.

Andy Murray is carrying the hopes of a nation, and following the mesmerizing victory in the round of 16 against Stanislas Wawrinka under lights at Wimbledon for the first time, the momentum clearly is in his favour. Nonetheless, it should be acknowledged that Murray hasn't been at this absolute best on grass so far. The two easy victories against Gulbis and Troicki have masked some serious questions that were displayed against Kendrick and Wawrinka. Nonetheless, if the serve holds sway, then Murray is incredibly difficult to beat.

Its been a great run for Ferrero. The Spaniard appears to be very determined, and has even talked about being prepared for Murray. Yet despite his experience and craft, to really unsettle Murray one has to unleash power against him. This lack of power, coupled with the Murray's variety and home backing should enable the Scot to keep the nation hoping and dreaming.

Wimbledon 2009 Women's Quarter-finals Preview

Dinara Safina vs. Sabine Lisicki

I have to be honest, I wasn't expecting Safina to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon after her performance at the finals of Roland Garros. To her credit, the World No.1 has hung in there in some really uncomfortable matches on a surface that really doesn't suit her game, to make it this far. Her performance against Amelie Mauresmo in the round of 16 was a good boost to the Russian as she had to come back in the match from a set down and subsequently breaks in the following sets.

Sabine Lisicki is a name nobody would have expected to see in the draw for the second week. Yet this talented upcoming German seems to have a natural game for grass. She has a tremendous serve, so far being out-aced only by Serena Williams. In addition she generates power of either side with her ground strokes. The confidence that she showed in defeating Kuznetsova and Wozniaki, two of the most in form seeds was ominous.

Dinara Safina might be no.1 in the world, and she has performed admirably. Nonetheless, Lisicki is on a roll, and after beating two much better players on grass, I think the German will be too strong for Safina who might still be recovering from a tight battle against Mauresmo.

Venus Williams vs. Agnieszka Radwanska

It is almost impossible to believe this, but Venus Williams is actually playing even better tennis at Wimbledon this year than when she won it last year. Known to struggle a bit in the early rounds, Venus has absolutely demolished her opponents so far. Her movement on the grass is peerless in the women's game, and the variety she is currently displaying in her game is simply top-notch.

Agnieszka Radwanska is a teenager with huge potential. In an age, where power seems to be the mantra in the women's game, Radwanska's finesse and strategic play is a refreshing sight. Couple in the fact that she is extremely comfortable at the net, and you have a tricky opponent.

Regardless of the trickery and subtlety of the young Polish girl, the mastery of Venus on this surface should prove too strong. This will arguably be the toughest match for Venus at this year's Wimbledon so far, yet she should progress in straight sets.

Francesca Schiavone vs. Elena Dementieva

Francesca Schiavone is another name that not many would have expected to see at this stage of the tournament. However, the wily Italian veteran certainly has the game that should see her at least in the top twenty. Schiavone is an expert at playing within her limitations, with stable ground strokes and a topspin forehand the basis of her game.

Elena Dementieva has made it this far quietly under the radar. After a promising start to the season, the diminutive Russian suffered a blip in form. However, with her serve coming on unusually well so far at Wimbledon, Dementieva has looked extremely comfortable and commanding in her performances.

Schiavone is a fighter, however the overall game of Dementieva should be too strong for the veteran. In addition Dementieva's experience at this stage of a grand slam, means she should be able to handle any uneasy passages of play that Schiavone throws at her.

Victoria Azarenka vs. Serena Williams

Alongwith Caroline Wozniacki, Victoria Azarenka has laid down a marker as the new challengers to the top tier in women's tennis. The Belorussian has tremendous talent, and the confidence of her impressive season so far has elevated her game to top five level. Apart from an excellent challenge from a resurgent Nadia Petrova, Azarenka has looked at ease on the grass.

Serena Williams seems to be playing a consistent game of one-upmanship against her sibling. She has been almost as dominant as her sister, and her dismantling of Daniela Hantuchova, who has previously troubled Serena was as comprehensive a performance as one can expect from the two-time champ.

Azarenka will be a grand slam champion for sure. However, her time is not now. Similar to Venus, this will be Serena's toughest test. Similarly, she will come through it, as the Williams sisters move smoothly towards another final showdown

French Open Women's Quarter-final Preview

With the exit of her vanquisher in last year's final, Dinara Safina now stands as the firm favourite to win her first Grand slam. However, the experience of Serena Williams, Svetlana Kuznetsova and possibly even Maria Sharapova may still have a say.

Dinara Safina vs. Victoria Azarenka

The joke going around is that once Dinara is on court at the French Open, the players scheduled next are already in the waiting area after half an hour. Such has been the sheer dominance of World No.1, that she is the overwhelming favourite to win. Yet to lose more than 5 games in the tournament, simply no words can do justice to describe her game now.

What is certain though, is that Victoria Azarenka will probably win 5 games against Safina by herself. The Belorussian youngster is the rising star of Women's tennis, and her consistency in the first half of the season would suggest that her beating of the champion in the last round was hardly an upset. An intelligent mind coupled with the ability to string winners consistently makes Azarenka a treat to watch. Its just unfortunate that she is in Safina's half of the draw.

Prediction: Azarenka's time will come very soon at a Grand Slam. However, the current moment belongs to Dinara Safina. It won't be done in 50 minutes, but Safina will win in straight sets.

Dominika Cibulkova vs. Maria Sharapova

One player has confounded expectations by reaching this stage in a Grand Slam for the first time. The other has confounded expectations by reaching this stage in a Grand Slam despite being out of the game for more than a year.

For both, this tournament is already a huge success. Tactics are almost irrelevant in this match. It is the mental aspect, where this game is going to be won. Expect Cibulkova to be a bundle of nerves. Despite going the distance in all her matches so far, Sharapova should have the experience to pull through.

Prediction: Cibulkova seems to be another rising star in the WTA. Yet Maria Sharapova seems to have the mental tenacity and will power to win these matches, along with the momentum. It won't be a classic, but Sharapova to win in 3 again.

Sorana Cirstea vs. Samantha Stosur

Yet another match-up between two players who have done remarkably well just to get to this stage in the tournament. In beating Jelena Jankovic and Elena Dementieva, Cirstea and Stosur respectively have shown that they aren't afraid to play in the big games.

It seems only natural that there will be lots more seen from the Romanian teenager in the future. For the veteran Stosur, this is a phenomenal effort after years of success on the doubles circuit.

Prediction: Cirstea certainly seems to have the better all-round game. However, Stosur has the experience, and fatigue might also be a factor against Cirstea after her marathon against Jankovic. A calm Strosur to win in two tight sets.

Serena Williams vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova

While Dinara Safina has been gathering all the plaudits, Serena Williams has been doing her job quietly and effectively. While she struggled a bit in the early rounds, Serena's demolition of Alexandria Wozniak was an ominous sign for her opponents. Yet one can't help but feel Serena is most vulnerable on clay than on any other surface.

Despite a tricky encounter against Radwanska in the round of 16, Svetlana Kuznetsova has probably played the best tennis on the women's side after Safina. Kuznetsova's forehand remains as formidable as ever, and the ease with which she has moved forward to finish points has been excellent. For Kuznetsova, it really is a matter of holding nerves against Serena.

Prediction: Serena has played just well enough to reach the quarters. There is no doubt that she has to raise the level of her game for this match. However, even that may not be enough, against an opponent who is certainly better on clay. Kuznetsova to win in 2 extremely close sets.