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.
