Seems like AO all over again! Murray as top favorite despite he never passed the fourth round in any grand slams. and Nadal is underdog despite he is a defending champion because of minor problem ???????
WOW so smart!

he was finalist at us open last year and been to QF at AO 2 or 3 years ago. What are you talking about?
Minor problem???
Wow even smartert!

tennislover...although I am in agreement that Mandy - sorry, Murray - is really just a wee bit overhyped (he has a shot at Wimby just as everyone else but I am in disagreement that he is the 'top favourite'), I'm inclined to point out that he actually reached quarter-finals at Roland Garros this year, and was runner-up at USO 2008. So he HAS been past the fourth round at GS. :)

I am confused to the whole "Nadal is the underdog" angle. As usual I do think that Uncle Toni overplayed and overhyped Nadal's knee (especially with that comment saying Rafa's confidence was hampered by RG loss, urm, really wtf) and Rafa will be out in full fierce force.

(For tennis' sake I do hope that Rafa's knee IS overhyped)

For me the Wimby title forces still rests with the Fed and Rafa. Despite Nole's form as of late, I would actually still rate him as a stronger force than Murray.

US open last year indeed, and for the part time fans, he made the Roland Garros quarter finals only a few weeks ago. I sometimes think fans come out just for the odd slam to watch a little tennis. Federer for Wimbledon though, the legend is back.

Rafa likes being the underdog... which is funny that it is considering that he is the defending champion and ATP's World #1.
I wouldn't call tendinitis an "injury" as much as normal wear and tear from playing high-level tennis and winning trophies back-to-back. Rafa goes for every ball... so he pays a high price physically. Some people say that learning to save your energies is part of the game. But I don't like that aspect of it. I mean yes, during a MATCH you should try to stay strong until the end. But you should not be hampered by the fact that you know that if you win you will have to start all over again in two days, and if you win that tournament, there is another one starting the day after that!! It's insane to even have to think that way. A player should be able to give it all mentally and physically in every match, and then have a reasonable amount of time to recover.

His girlfriend is kinda cute...^^

Rafa not favourite? That's ridiculous. If he's not fully fit, that is. I think this WImby is hard to predict. For me favourite is if all is 100%. 1. Roger 2. Rafa 3. Murray 4. Djoker

For murray maniacs a nice quote from James Blake:"Andy's hands are so good he can do almost anything with the ball. He's got the ability to beat anyone in the world and he's definately a possibility to win Wimbledon." He should know!
However, I do agree with Torres9 over seedings, not sure I'd put Djoker at 4 though. But sure there's a possibility..how exciting!!

i think rafa is going to roarrrrr in the coming wimbledon !
if he becomes fit completely , he'll definetly win.
I feel,that his era has begun...

ok ok ...lets not start taking insurance policies out by saying rafa is injured and what not . He 'will be' fully fit for WIMBY and i have no doubt about that . His uncle completely overplayed the extend of his injury and that is no secret considering how Rafa and Toni both gave completely different interviews with regards to participation in WIMBY ..defending champ will be there in full force and you gota be dumb to doubt that . ...back to the matter at hand .. ...

Even though he is defending champ ...there is this 'dude' who is the 5 time champ ....and common sense tells u that u gota give the title of the 'favourite' to him considering he was in the finals last year and lost in 9-7 in the fifth !!! ( not in the 4th round ...not in straight sets ) .

Murray , Djoker , Soderling , and John 'Nobody' Smith all have an equal opportunity of winning this as both Fed and Rafa ...i think we have all learnt from RG09 havent we ?

With that said ....I hope my man Fed willl roll his train on to #15 come SW19 . Its just destiny ....nothin but pure magic is the Fed !!

SW19 ...where we right the wrongs !
C'MON !!!!

I agree that both Federer and Nadal would be stronger favourites for the title. That said though, Murray is definately in with a shout. He is going to win a slam before long and the way he is playing it might just be Wimbledon. I expect him to reach the semis. Still think his best shot this year will be the US Open.

fedexfan,what does "where we right the wrongs" mean? what's wrong according to you? the fact that Rafa won Wimbledon last year is wrong?? the fact that anybody other than Roger can win a Grand Slam is wrong?? that's just ridiculous...

and as for the favorites,yes,Roger's the biggest favorite,of course and I think he's gonna win.But I would like to see a Rafa-Andy semi or final (depending on the draw).That would be nice...

sisterofnight12 , i knew someone was gona call me out on this . didnt think it would be u . its a federite thing ....they know :)
not intended to offend you ...my apologies if it did.

SW19...where we right the wrongs ...
C'MON !

Wrongs righted! Goodness me, by that logic I assume Rafa fans can't wait for RG2010!! Come on, time for change!

The better player won on that day at Wimby, same as RG. I don't see a wrong in that. But you are right deuce. RG10 is eagerly anticipated!

where we right the wrongs...
federites united front, SW19 ( huh? is that wimby? *scratching head* )














can't wait for RG10!
FFT, secret converted rafan to federite

C'mon, time for a change!
deuce, cheering on Andy Murray to take charge. SW19 or...SW20...or US Open

must have US Open tickets....

Oh so sorry about the big blank space there guys. Was posting about Malteser's going to SW19 tomorrow to attempt getting RF autographs and moved the paragraph... in excitement, forgot to delete spacing :o, :-(

Good luck Malt!

I think Nadal is perfectly fine. I actually think, his being a little tired, even after a month off may be more of a problem than knee pain, which I'm sure is not nearly as bad as it sounds. He probably just wanted time off.

Eh, where did the rest of my post go, that doesn't look related to Murray. I'll sum up that that was just supposed to mean Murray is basically screwed unless Nadal breaks his leg, even then I still give Nadal lead. I also meant that he was screwed against Fed whom did not drop a set last year. I mean everyone went away into a hole and grass court shots from Federer slaughtering everyone would freak him out I think. Nadal's just making everything work for him is something that would really annoy Murray. He still has a better shot than Nole.

I find it really weird when people NOW are saying that Rafa kness are fine and the problem is over exaggerated!!!.......

So many times before people have predicted that Rafa's reign in tennis will be shortlived BECOS of his knees!!!!.....but now that he is citing knee problems......no one wants to believe it!!!!!.........what do you people want?!!!!!

I think I know the answer!!!!!..........it seems to me that many are hoping for Rafa to play at Wimby bcos if he doesnt and Federer happens to win the title.....NO ONE.......especially me, will find his win insiginificant because it was not against Rafa!!!!!.......Like i said before.......i dont care how many GSlams Federer wins........once its not against Rafa......the win pales in significance!!!!!!......and i think Roger knows that!!

I for one would be happy to see Rafa play.......but not at the expense of his knees!!!!.....after all he has nothing to prove!........he IS #1 and he's rightly earned it!!!!

VAMOS RAFA!!!!!

MonaLisa: "I find it really weird when people NOW are saying that Rafa kness are fine and the problem is over exaggerated!!!.......

So many times before people have predicted that Rafa's reign in tennis will be shortlived BECOS of his knees!!!!.....but now that he is citing knee problems......no one wants to believe it!!!!!.........what do you people want?!!!!!"

I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure Rafa will give his BEST shot, and seeing that he is last years winner, that shot is going to be strong (no doubt about it). I expect the Rafa of old, but with a "NEW" FED in town... Murray? He is good, but the SLAM at Wimby? (not just yet). No matter, each match will be played one point at a time. My prediction is the FEd is the "ONE". Like a BULLET (full speed ahead) right on the Bull's Eye for another WIN. Another Wimbledon to treasure beyong compare! Another Victory! Another Ecstatic moment! Another career High! Always nice to dream about such results. It's tennis, the dream of choice is ours for the taking! LOL Anyway, always nice to dreams about the results. :) Go FED go! C'MON FED!!! COME 'MONNNNNNE FED! :)

MonaLisa....I understand about believing that the wins without Rafa pale in comparison, the logic I understand I mean. Honestly though, I find that a foolish notion, an insult to anyone else that finds a good two weeks of play and finds the final. I suppose, it is more epic when it is a rivalry like Rafa vs Fed but if Rafa isn't in the final, it is Rafa's fault, so Fed deserves it. Same can be said for Rafa if the the person he beats is not Fed, ay?

Sorry guys totally forget about US open I don?t know how that is so strange for a Roger's fan!
But some how Murray's effort are always aver ratted and this is so annoying if he wins Queens then he is grand favorite just because he is English (though actually he is Scott ) because they have a very strong media then he is favorite.
Personally I think his chance is in US open this year which he had a good result in.
By the way Nadal announced this morning that he will participate in EXHABITION this Friday, so DE JA VO totally didn?t buy the knee problem since day 1 I think Nadal ego cant take a defeat on dirt without talking about an injury though it seems like his uncle is the one with bigger issues talking about the risk of the injury on the rest of his career ?????????.wow!
Nadal is the 2nd favorite after Federer like it or not, and Murray will be stopped by one of them end of the story.

MonaLisa, if Rafa were good enough in hardcourts those days when Fed was dominating, probably all Grand Slam final will be Roger Vs Rafa but he only broke through last year. So, Fed just have to beat whoever is in the final those days and a lot of times it is against the player that beat Rafa.

So, Fed Slams are all significant.

no way any slam win can be insignificant...but monalisa definitely has a point here as highlighted by Bud Collins a week ago.."he can becum the greatest of al time but rite now i dont think we can call him the GOAT because there is a man in his era who continuously beats him on big occasions,last yera's wimb and and this year's Aus open results are the best examples".....

Rafa fans,rafa is getting back on track..keep praying and showing ur lovely support...he is due to take a practice court this afternoon in london and an xhibition on 19th against wawrinka seems quite likely.=) cheers and VAMOS RAFA!!

OK, the same point on H2H is all that Rafa fans have to say. Whatever. We Fed fans say something else.

5-times-in-a-row Wimby winner(2 was against Rafa)

5-times-in-a-row USO winner (Rafa was never gud enuff to be in the final)

Nuff said.

Toni is a sly fox. Let's watch and see how Rafa moves and plays in the early rounds. Then we'll know for sure.

I say Roger is the GOAT, and current and past legends agree. Some Rafans don't want to say this. We'll let history determine how great the greats are, how about that?

GO ROGER!! You're still THE ONE!

Rafterfan...the only ones who are denying FED of GOAT are rafa fans ...for some reason the opinions of all the tennis greats just dont matter to some . But then again , this is a forum and ur suppose to give ur 2 cents worth of comments .

Fed is GOAT . There is no blady doubt about it . But even as GOAT he is still a man and can win or loose on any given day . Come wimby , he will be tested im sure . My hopes and prayers are with him to show what he can do on that beautiful green surface . His tennis was made for wimby ...it was made to display what pure classs means ...WIMBY 09 ..where we right the wrong


C'MON !!!

There was no wrong committed fedex. The better player on that day won. Nothing wrong in that.

fedexfan...loving the new motto...'right the wrongs'...
zoey...not at wimby honey til next tuesday....(not today!).....
Fan4tennis....you do the GREATEST MATCH ever played a huge disservice..

quote....The better player won on that day at Wimby....unquote....

yes...if you look at the outcome...but surely...a woman of your natural grace and intelligence...could have at least recognised that this match could have gone either way....I mean we are NOT talking about a straight sets win here...we are talking about the match being as close as any match could be....we are talking separating rafa and roger with a hair's breath...it was ridiculously close....

Serving for the second set at 30-30, Nadal was given an official warning for taking too long between points (first ever warning...)...remember that?

At 2-3 in the third set, Nadal saved four break points.................

Nadal saved 2 set points at 3-6 but federer took the set with an ace to raise a cheer! yey! fed fans!............................

By now there was a spring in Fed's step and an extra zip in his shots. I

n the fourth set he again had to come back from the brink to keep his hopes alive. ... trust me...this match is etched on my brain........
From 4-5 and 0-30 down FED won four points in succession, then we had the tie break! Fan4tennis! the tie break baby! How could you forget!?

Nadal led 5-2. His nerve faltered at this point and he served A DOUBLE FAULT...Rafa serving a double fault? No? (sharp intake of breath)....
Rafa then went on to force two match points.....Federer served the FIRST with a service winner and the second with a SENSATIONAL BACKHAND winner down the line.....................
At 8:8 in the tie-break....Federer hit a cross-court forehand winner and then took the set when Nadal hit a backhand return long!....................
With federer serving at 2:2 and deuce in the final set the rain came....Play started at 8.24 pm after a 30 minute break and Federer held serve with TWO SUCCESSIVE ACES.....
Federer came back on his own serve from 0-30 at 6-6 TO LEAD 7-6, but Nadal levelled once again to 7-7....

we all know what happened then....so plzzzz fan4tennis...do NOT ever underestimate the power and the talent of this match...it was the closest ever and it could have gone either way.....

C'MON!
Allez Federer!

Malteser1.....my gosh!!!!!..........perhaps you should think of giving up your day job!!!!!.......details, details, details........i thought I was bad!!!!.....lol!

By the way.........I am not saying that Fed's GSlam wins are All insignificant.........and I tend to agree that Fed is the GOAT.........but for now.........only for now!!!!........however......in order to make me a FIRM believer, Federer HAS to beat Rafa in a GSlam with Rafa (and FEd) at their BEST.........not when Rafa is playing on one lung and with no knees!!..........unless thats the case.......I really dont want to know.......because EVERY time Rafa has beaten Fed is when Fed was playing at his very best (forget mono!)........so its only reasonble for me as a Rafa fan to want Federer to beat Rafa on the same level playing field!

And with regards to Uncle Toni's comments on Rafa's confidence.......I dont think its all a gimmick!.......its fair to assume that Rafa may be feeling a bit diffident about his form just like Fed did over the past year or so.........it happens to the best of us!!!.......its called human nature!!!

And if its a gimmick.......i think its a damn good one.....bcos NO ONE knows for sure!

VAMOS RAFA!

Yes malty, it could've gone either way BUT IT DIDN'T! Rafa outlasted Roger by hitting winners on the crucial points. By saying my quote of "The better player on that day won. Nothing wrong in that" does a huge disservice to that match is ridiculous. You can list all you want, all the great shots fed made in that match, but that does not erase the fact that Rafa made great shots too and he WON that match. Rafa IS the Wimby 2008 Champion because he was the better player on that day! How would you word it?

fan4tennis..you are a terribly stubborn woman...for you to simply down play the GREATEST MATCH EVER to be played with one simple sentence does not do the majesty of that match any justice...my quote....

Fan4tennis....you do the GREATEST MATCH ever played a huge disservice..

quote....The better player won on that day at Wimby....unquote....

yes...if you look at the outcome...but surely...a woman of your natural grace and intelligence...could have at least recognised that this match could have gone either way....I mean we are NOT talking about a straight sets win here...we are talking about the match being as close as any match could be....we are talking separating rafa and roger with a hair's breath...it was ridiculously close....unquote....

I would not argue that the 'better player on the day won'....it's not as simple as that is what I am saying...yes..a win is a win...but I think you have to give this match the credit and the kudos it deserves...don't you think? So i gave you a blow by blow account of what happened...trust me.....when that match was played....i was in awe...i was off my seat....i was hyperventilating....i was in disbelief.....i spilt my coffee everywhere.....i could NOT take a toilet break...i was hooked... in agony.....the sheer hypnosis of that game was life changing....and you...with one simple....ill thought out....unappreciative sentence... say what you say.....it's ridiculous...

THAT is how I would word it FFT... I think a lot more eloquently and a lot more appreciatively than you I have to say...

Mona lisa...roger has beaten rafa in two slam finals honey.....rafa is ALWAYS gonna play with knee problems (tho' he played a 3 hour practice session last night...so i guess not so bad....).

Roger will always have mono in his system...it is a virus that stays with you forever...tho' lies dormant.....so you cannot ever disregard these two elements from both players......

and you are right...i should give up the day job....but what can I do?

C'MON!
Allez Federer!

I don't see the need to write long, drawn out descriptions of a match or give a play by play action that took place a year ago and has been discussed at length on every tennis site available. Because I won't write a "dissertation" about it like you does NOT mean I don't appreciate that match. I LOVE THAT MATCH!!!!!!!!

VAMOS!!!!!!

fan4tennis .....you guys still think rafa deserver the RG even though he did not make it past the 4th round . Roger lost the wimby by a whisker ....so i think u can understand where malt is coming from ...

however , in the spirit of sportmanship ..ill give it to you ...Rafa was the better player on that day .....but how much better ....hmm....not by much ....i would go much as to saying it even came down to luck at that final moment ...ANYWAYSSS ...that was almost a year ago ...

Today ....WIMBY09 ....fed is no longer chasing history ...its time to start making it ...
We believe ....no matter what has happened or what happens .....federites will always believe....always ....and there are so many of us here who have proven that we stick to fed even in the darkest of times .

WIMBY09 ...where we right the wrongs .
C'MON !!!

fedex, you are wrong to assume that I think Rafa deserves RG09. The better player on that day won and that was Roger. How could I possibly think that Rafa deserves it more when he did not come close to the final? But I don't consider the RG trophy "Rafa's" and therefore a wrong was committed.

The better player on that day won Wimby08 and that was Rafa. Rafa is in possession of the current trophy so no wrong is committed. He isn't in possession of "someone else's" trophy.

fft ....good to know ur not one who thinks he deserves the trophy :) it is difficult to defend that considering what happened .

I already said rafa was the better ( by a whisker ) on that day ....did not disagree there ...( as hard as it is to say...ohh its killing me hahah )

C'MON !!

Now I know why Rafa needs to maintain his speed and fitness to play his brand of tennis.

Forehand: Since his swing is long he needs to be in position earlier to execute a good shot

Backhand: Double-handed backhand has shorter reach than one-handed backhand so he needs to be in position earlier to execute the shot.

Now it figures why one-step slower Nadal is no match for Federer