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The “Big Four” of the men’s tennis headline the day seven of the Wimbledon Championships 2011.
While the home favorite, Andy Murray opens up on Centre Court against the talented Richard Gasquet, the defending champion and the top seed Rafael Nadal provides the evening banquet against the most “dreaded” dark-horse of the tournament, Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro.
Del Potro had lifted the US Open trophy in 2009, becoming the first player to beat the likes of both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the same Slam.
Both, the number two and three seeds have been put on Court No.1. Novak Djokovic is scheduled to play against the Frenchman Michael Llodra, while the Swiss takes on the hot-headed Russian Mikhail Youzhny.
Andy Murray v Richard Gasquet:
Head to Head: 2-2
Last Meeting: 2010 French Open. Murray won 4-6 6-7 6-4 6-2 6-1
When the match-up reads something like this, the first thing that strikes the mind is the five-set duels between the two.
Though we hardly talk about Murray-Gasquet rivalry, they have been able to bring out the best in each other. They have met four times and twice on the Slam level, both of which have been classic five-set encounters extending over a period of four hours.
And Murray has clawed his way back to win from behind two sets down – once here in 2008, he won 5-7 3-6 7-6 6-2 6-4 and at the French Open, in 2010, he prevailed 4-6 6-7 6-4 6-2 6-1.
Revenge will be on the Frenchman’s mind as they meet for a fifth time on Monday (the Monday is known as “Manic Monday” for a reason).
While Ivan Ljubicic made Murray struggle in his last match, Gasquet has convincingly beaten his previous three opponents, and is yet to drop a set in the tournament.
With one of the best single-handed backhands on the tour, he will be looking to fancy his chances for a second semi-final appearance on SW19.
Murray needs to attack the Frenchman’s weaker forehand wing. If his first serves go in, Murray is likely go through in four.
Rafael Nadal v Juan Martin Del Potro:
Head to head: 5-3 to Nadal
Most recent encounter: BNP Paribas Open semi-final. Nadal won 6-4 6-4.
Hyped as the “Match of the Day”, the match is scheduled in the evening, the third at the Centre Court.
Juan Martin del Potro, the 2009 US Open champion, is back from a wrist injury and is relishing his best performance in the green lawns of London (he had never advanced beyond second round here). No doubt, he would love to remain soaked in the Slam atmosphere for a longer period of time.
Stands on his way is the great, mighty Rafa who disposed the challenge posed by Gilles Muller in third round in straight sets 7-6(8-6), 7-6(7-5), 6-0, saving two set points in the first set.
Juan Martin del Potro dispatched the Frenchman Gilles Simon in his previous round in tight three set affair 7-6(8), 7-6(5), 7-5.
The pair have met eight times, with the record leaning 5-3 in favor of the Spaniard but Del Potro has got the better of Rafa thrice in their last four encounters. However, del Potro succumbed in straight sets 4-6, 4-6 in their only meeting on grass.
Del Potro is improving with every match, but the defending champion is enjoying a seventeen-match unbeaten run at the grass courts of Wimbledon.
Del Potro needs his serve and forehand to click to stand any chance against Rafa. Though I would go with Rafa in four, I won’t rule out the possibility of an upset in the round of 16.
Novak Djokovic vs Michael Llodra
Head to head: 2-1 to Djokovic
Last Meeting: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Djokovic won 6-3 6-3.
The in-form Serbian Novak Djokovic, tipped as the hot favorite to win this year’s Championships, along with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, takes on the 19th seeded Frenchman Michael Llodra in his fourth round clash.
Novak Djokovic has enjoyed a stellar season till now, having a win-loss record of 41-1, the sole defeat coming at the hands of Roger Federer at the French Open semi-finals.
He saw off Baghdatis’ challenge 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, in his third round encounter.
Llodra, one of the pure, serve and volley players left in the tour, has been quite impressive in his campaign in Wimbledon 2011.
In the twilight of his career, he is still considered as the best volleyer in the game. And his serves can give the Serb a good run for his money.
Novak’s blistering form makes him the overwhelming favorite to win against the Frenchman. The Frenchman barely stands a chance against the Serb.
But the other name of sports is unpredictability, though I will stick to Novak Djokovic sailing through in straight sets.
Roger Federer v Mikhail Youzhny:
Head to head: 10-0 to Federer
Last Meeting: 2007 French Open. Federer won 7-6 6-4 6-4
Mikhail Youzhny may suffer another breakdown against an opponent who holds a psychological advantage of winning all previous 10 encounters between them.
Roger has enjoyed a smooth ride till now in his bid for a seventh Wimbledon title. His serve has been the strongest weapon in his armory.
With the form and variety Roger has displayed, the Russian will find it hard to match the laser-like precision of his opponent.
Mikhail Youzhny, seeded 18 in the tournament, rallied past the 16th seed Almagro in a tough four setter 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3), 6-3, to set up a clash with the in-form Federer.
This is the sixth time he has reached the round of 16 and he has never gone past this round in all his previous appearances.
Though the Russian possesses consistent ground strokes, this match might end his Wimbledon hopes this year.
I will go with Federer in three.
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