Ok, so this is cheating a little bit, since Venus already took down Dementieva in straight sets to advance to her second straight final.  However, knowing Dementieva’s big match history, and my propensity to pick favorites anyway, I think we can all agree I would have picked V. Williams.  So, let’s move on quickly to S. Williams vs. Jie Zheng before that match is over, and in all honesty, I’m not sure we have much time.

I say that in jest, actually.  Jie Zheng is playing great tennis, and should feel absolutely ZERO pressure against Serena.  I can definitely see Zheng keeping the match tight, but I cannot see her actually winning the match.  Serena simply has too much confidence on Centre Court, and I think the prospect of playing her sister in the finals gives her a little extra motivation.  Expect Serena in a tight two setter, something like 6-3, 7-5.

One of the Semifinals over on the Men’s side is actually not set.  Because of the rain delays yesterday, Schuettler and Clement have to finish their quarterfinal match today.  The winner, of course, will enjoy a thrashing at the hands of Rafa Nadal.  I know both players have done well to get here, but the most accomplished either has beaten was James Blake (who Schuettler beat in the second round), and Blake has a pretty poor history on grass.  So, while I applaud both of their efforts, and I will hope for a close match, I think either is in for a pretty good throttling at the hands of Nadal. 

The premiere Mens Semifinal match is Federer vs Safin.  While Safin is ranked 75th, by this time it’s apparent to everyone that he is playing like player that was ranked in the top 10 so long (just ask Djokovic) before he was riddled with injuries.  His opponent this time is not Djokovic, it is Federer.  And this is not the Federer that won only four games off Nadal in Paris, this is the Federer that has not dropped a set in five matches here, nor has he lost on grass in his last 65 matches or so.  I think if Safin can get off to a fast start, he will have a fighting chance, otherwise look for Federer to win in straight, or maybe four sets.

Two notes: Serena just took a 4-1, two break lead over Zheng; Clement just won the 4th set tiebreaker to force a fifth and deciding set.

…American male left in the singles draw at Wimbledon.  Thanks to Blake and Roddick both bombing out yesterday, American fans have just Bobby Reynolds to cheer for at the All England Club.  Luckily, both Williams sisters remain in the Women’s singles and doubles, the Bryan brothers are currently decimating a couple of Russians, and Jamie Cerretani (paired with Victor Hanescu) is in the second round of doubles as well in his first Grand Slam appearance.  Who is Jamie Cerretani?  Besides playing college tennis at Brown University, he also has the distinction of winning his first ever doubles title against your truly in a grinder of a match at the 1992 New England Open. (more…)

I was not able to travel to Wimbledon this year, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been able to tune into ESPN 2 during working hours.  That being said, here are some random musings on what has gone on the first couple of days:

- Once again, a European Grand Slam has not been nice to males from the United States: first round losers include Wayne Odesnik, Donald Young, John Isner, Vince Spadea, Robby Ginepri, Mardy Fish, Kevin Kim, Sam Querry, Bobby Renyolds and potentially James Blake (who just dropped the first set to Christophe Rochus.  Yikes. (more…)

Busy busy getting ready for Wimbledon, here are some people who actually have a bit more time to come up with some thoughts on tennis:

The Sports Guy actually wrote a full article about tennis, albeit a bit negative, but any press is good press, right?

Apparently, Andy Murray is ready for the pressure at Wimbledon.  I have my doubts.

Sandra Harwitt’s piece on some redemption seeking females at Wimbledon.

Peter Bodo’s thoughts on Nadal’s recent success on grass.

Latest Ad In/Ad Out feature from Jon Wertheim, as well as hit latest mailbag.

Tennis Week interview with Ana Ivanovic, and another one with her fellow Serb, Jelena Jankovic.

It’s been awhile, but Federer could potentially fall from the No.1 spot he has had a firm grasp on for seemingly forever (February 2nd, 2004).

As my lack of posting should suggest, the French Open was extremely busy (and successful) for us here at Grand Slam Tennis Tours, and as result I could not give you my thoughts nearly as often as I wanted to.  So now, after having recovered from jet lag, I will attempt to convey my thoughts about Roland Garros 2008 to you, although I may pretend I’m Federer and give up at the end.  Sorry, cheap dig, I couldn’t help it.

- The weather this year was subpar, to say the least.  However, while spectators might not have enjoyed some of the cloudiness and drizzle, the result was slower courts than normal, and that probably had something to do with Rafael Nadal’s complete dominance over the entire draw. (more…)