Wimbledon 2005

Gentlemen's Singles
Defending Champion: Roger Federer

Quarter I

Top-ranked Federer is looking for a hat-trick for his WImbledon collection. His road to the quarters has been fairly easy, looking back on the previous 2 slams of the year - only to be stopped by birthday boys Safin and Nadal in the semis. Honestly, this astrology bit is not much of a bother for me, but J.Johansson is all set up to meet the defending champion on his birthday at the quarterfinals.

Pimpin has been doing poorly of late, but his serves and severe groundtrokes put him at an advantage, and to sweep past consistent GS performer Davydenko (among others) to reach the quarters is more than likely.

QF Match: Federer vs J. Johansson

Quarter II

This quarter, not the fourth one (see below) is the hardest part of the draw. A grudge match of Hewitt (did anyone actually miss him?) versus Blake, Ancic vs Hrbaty in 3R, and back to back matches against Paradorn and the Scud for Safin.

When all the smoke clears from this quarter, Safin will face super Mario and Hewitt will square off with Dent in R16.

QF Match: Hewitt vs Ancic

Quarter III

Every draw will always have a wide open quarter, and this is the one for this tournament. Canas isn't exactly stellar on grass; Novak, Schuettler and Mirnyi have had their better years behind them. On the comeback trail are Haas and Thomas Johansson, yet they will be going heads up in 3R. My guess is that Haas will get past Johansson and Novak in the next round to reach the quarters.

Former runner-up Nalbandian has a good chance go the distance this year, and will face the winner of Nadal and Schalken in R16. My guess again, Schalken will outlast the French Open champ, but will wilt against the former Wimby runner-up.

WF Match: Haas vs Nalbandian

Quarter IV

With Karlovic as the only one posing as a threat for last year's runner-up, Roddick should easily make it to the quarters. However, the story and quite the same at the top of this quarter. We have perennial favorite, Henman, and a consistent grass performer, Grosjean. Then toss in Malisse and Popp, then this part will be quite a circus.

Experience will bring Henman past Popp, but not too sure with Grosjean. I'll go with Tim.

QF Match: Henman vs Roddick

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Ladies Singles
Defending Champion: Maria Sharapova

Quarter I

Top seeded Lindsay surprised everyone with a QF appearance in Paris (and surprised us consequently with her loss to Pierce), and I'm hoping she's on top of her game on grass. With or without practice. Again, she's slated to meet Kim in R16, and this time, Kim will defeat Lindsay, having gotten some practice over at Eastbourne.

Same deal for Svetlana over Patty - warm up events count.

QF Match: Kim vs Svetlana

Quarter II

Amelie needs to recover from a mediocre year (given her ranking) and salvage what is left for a great Grand Slam run. Two titles and QF at Melbourne is a great record, but we are all wondering when her GS moment will come (same goes for Kim). She's got a clear shot at the SF here, with an almost shoo-in spot for the QF.

Anastasia and Elena D are scheduled to meet in the R16, but that's if Anastasia has recovered from her emotional baggage, and Elena from her sore thigh. Most probably not. I'd like to bet that Jelena would take their place in the quarterfinals.

QF Match: Amelie vs Jelena

Quarter III

My favorite section of the draw yet. Justine to get past Mary or Ana to reach the QF, Daniela to make a cameo appearance against Venus, and a sister showdown in the 4R. This is the earliest they've met in recent memory, right?

QF Match: Justine vs Serena

Quarter IV

The defending champion does have a good draw. I want to see her whoop that Bulgarian Sesil. Hehehe. That taken aside, not much problems for her, 4R matchup with Tatiana (yes!) and a QF match with compatriot Nadia.

QF Match: Nadia vs Maria