Roger Federer (SUI) vs. Tomas Berdych (CZE)
After a tough opening two rounds, Federer has looked like the Federer of old in the last two rounds and hasn’t dropped a set. He beat 16th-seeded Jurgen Melzer 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 and was dominant from the outset. Many people have question if he is still the best, and I think until he loses on grass he is!
Berdych needed four sets to beat Daniel Brands of Germany in the fourth round and that is after a five-setter in the third round so be sure to keep an eye on his fitness heading into this match. This is his second appearance in the quarters of Wimbledon, and his first since 2007.
Match-Up:
Federer is 8-2 against Berdych, but lost to him earlier this year at Miami in three sets. They last met on grass in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2006 and Federer won that in straight sets. It seems like Berdych is finally starting to put it all together. He reached the semis of the French Open and is playing very consistent tennis right now. We all know how talented he is, it has just been a question of his mental strength and that seems to equal his physical abilities now. However, Federer has taken his game to the next level. He can do a little bit of everything, his serve is fantastic and his movement is simply incredible. His ability to change gears and hit any shot at any time will give him the edge.
Nick’s Pick – Federer in 4 sets
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) vs. Andy Murray (GBR)
Tsonga almost lost in the second round to Alexandr Dolgopolov, but was able to win the match 10-8 in the fifth set. He took care of Tobias Kamke in straight sets in third round and then needed four sets to beat Julien Benneteau in the fourth round. This is his first appearance in the quarters of Wimbledon and it’s the first time he’s reached the quarters of a Grand Slam since the 2009 Australian Open.
Murray has played some of the best tennis throughout Wimbledon and has yet to drop a set. He beat American Sam Querrey in straights to reach the quarters and has now advanced to at least the quarterfinals at Wimbledon the last three years. The English fans could certainly use a boost and will not focus all their attention on Murray after their soccer team was ousted by Germany the other day!
Match-Up:
Murray is 2-1 against Tsonga and this is their first career meeting on grass and their first this year. Tsonga looked like Muhammad Ali and he plays like the great boxer as well. He is always throwing big punches with his groundstrokes and he will come after you from the outset of the match. The crowd loves his energy and enthusiasm, but against Murray he will not have the support he is used too. What Murray will do is play great defense and neutralizes pretty much all of Tsonga’s offense. He is returning the serve like Agassi used to and that gives him the edge in this match. I look for Murray’s run to continue, but it will not be easy.
Nick’s Pick – Murray in 4 sets
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