On Wednesday, the Wimbledon schedule will feature top stars. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, among others, will fight for semi-final tickets in the quarter-finals.
First of all hold on – that hasn’t happened for a long time! Roger Federer will not – yes, correctly heard – not be playing on the Centre Court in his quarter-final match against Kevin Anderson. This was announced by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Tuesday.
“It’s just another court,” may the tennis fan say. For Federer, however, this change could cause some difficulties. Court number one is smaller than the Centre Court and has a completely different acoustics. The place also feels different.
Federer is simply no longer used to dueling on a “side court”. An advantage for outsider Anderson? Maybe. The likeable South African, who can cause a sensation with his smooth basic strokes and strong serve, is used to playing on a different court all the time.
However, the favourite role will clearly be on the side of the “Maestro”. Federer has not yet issued a single sentence – not even last year – and is in outstanding form. “FedEx” is aggressive, self-confident and a lot of fortune. The semi-final is within reach.
The Centre Court is a real treat. Two greats of tennis will meet in the second quarter-final on the main court: Rafael Nadal and Juan Martín del Potro. According to Nadal, he is in top physical shape and appears more self-confident on the Holy Green from match to match.
That del Potro had to work overtime against Gilles Simon because of an interruption in the darkness plays Nadal in the cards. Del Potro once again shows great fighting qualities in this year’s Wimbledon tournament and will make life difficult for Nadal. Tension is pre-programmed! This duel is always explosive. Because: It is known that “Rafa” and Delpo” are not necessarily the best friends.
One who has never flown under the radar through a tournament has secretly played his way into the quarter-finals. Novak Djokovic. Nobody had expected such a strong Serbian form before the tournament and the “Djoker” is already in the top eight of the tournament.
Without any pressure and with regained hunger, the twelve-time Grand Slam champion bit his way through and now has a real chance of winning his fourth title in London.
The Serb in 12th place will meet Kei Nishikori, who has rediscovered his love for grass court tennis and will have to prepare for a long fight. On the Centre Court – by the way.
Perhaps the tournament directors should consider changing the substitution rule for the balls before the fourth quarter-finals. Milos Raonic and John Isner are two players who will not shy away from second serves near the 200km/h mark.
The yellow felt balls will certainly be chased over the net edge at enormous speed. Isner is still a bit ahead on serve, but Raonic moves better and has a more complete game in his repertoire.
The outcome of this duel is completely open. It is definitely going to be loud…