It’s that time of the year again when players have had to make the immediate transition from the Parisian clay to the grass. So, what does Wimbledon 2011 has in store for us?
Well, like always, we look at the men’s category first, and when you look at the top six players, you have to admit that it hasn’t been this competitive in recent years.
There are at least five players who can win the tournament (no prizes for guessing who the main four are: Messrs Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Scottish hope Andy Murray), which makes the tournament all the more intriguing.
In my opinion, the dark horses would be Robin Soderling and Juan Martin Del Potro; the latter though never a serious threat on grass, has been lying low for quite some time since his return to the circuit and would very soon be amongst the scheme of things.
Could this be the tournament that would mark his return to the majestic form that propelled him to winning the US Open in 2009?
Like most fans of the sport, I would love to watch Federer and Nadal battle out another slam final, but with the men’s half throwing up so much talent and big names, that seems unlikely this year.
But, you never know with Federer already feeling at ‘home’ and Rafa in great form.
As for the women’s half, the Williams sisters are very much in the spotlight with their comebacks of sorts, but could the long lay-off and a lack of match-fitness work against them?
Well, they are made of sterner stuff and like all top athletes, deliver their best in the big tournaments, so writing them off would be a silly choice.
Let’s not forget Li Na who has been in great nick this season, a powerful hitter herself and a swift mover, could take the fight all the way through.
The injured Kim Clijsters will be missed; it would have been an interesting toss-up had she been in the mix.
I can’t think of any other player in the women’s draw who can pose a challenge, other than the current world number one, Caroline Wozniacki?
In my opinion, she doesn’t top the list of favourites, but is capable of lasting the distance.
Let the show begin, may the best two players triumph.
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