In 2007 many changes have occured and many are not welcome. And despite that many more changes are being talked about and kicked around leaving many fans and players to wonder about the future state of tennis. But this time of year it is all about Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tournament. Sunday July 1, 2007 is Wimbledon's day of rest and in a perfect world where we would know the final 16 of both the men's and women's draw this would be fine. Unforunately, only half of the play has occured the other half postponed until Monday. But that will not stop me from putting in my two cents.
Gentlemen's Singles
This year because of rankings, there were many potentially good matches that did not live up to their expectations (Federer vs. Safin) and other matches, originally written off that had the hearts of fan's pounding (Henman vs Moya & Henman vs. Lopez). But as we head into the second week of Wimbledon the older players are either bringing their A games and players of the next generation are starting to develop and showcase theirs.The matches are not only mouth watering but are battles of the old generation vs. the new generation. And what do I mean? There are three types of players who are on the main circuit.
- Old and Decripit
Players that fit into this category are players like Tim Henman and Carlos Moya. These players are 30 and over and sportcasters are calling for these players retirement. These players who miraculously do not need the aid of walkers to walk on and off the court or medical attention between games are in their last years. Whatever their past accomplishments they are almost ignored as the constant and never ending talk about their retirement take precedent over everything else.
- The Twilight Players
Marat Safin, Lleyton Hewitt, James Blake, Tommy Haas and even Roger Federer are these special players that are still active on the pro tour and make it far into tournament but in tennis years their bodies are starting to break and slow down, which makes it harder for these players to win. These players are between the age of 24 and 30. They have other wins in them but its harder. Even for Rodger Federer, a player who many assume will make history and beat the record of Pete Sampras, it is a question of how many does he have left in him.
- The Up and Comers
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Gael Monfils, Andy Murray, and Marcos Baghdatis just to name a few. These are the ones who are 23 and under and are playing the best they will ever likely play. They were diamonds in the rough and now they are starting to show on the pro tour that they will be the next great thing. These are the young guys who will be playing each other for years to come.
That said, the potential Final 16 for the men's side is setting up to be a show down between the Twilight Players and the Up and Comers and that is how it is supposed to be. These two groups get to prove who is best and I cant stay I don't mind seeing who will win. My pick for the final four are Federer, Tsonga, Djokovic/Canas, and Nadal.
Ladies Singles
Unforunately or fortunately, there are too many possible winners for the ladies draw. In fact, it all comes down to who comes to play. If one lady is having an off day she is gone. The field is too open The odds are on Henin, then Sharapova, the Williams Sisters, Amelie Mauresmo and Jankovic. However my money is on Henin.
