Brian Baker's Comeback Keeps Going at Wimbledon

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Brian Baker's Comeback Keeps Going at Wimbledon

By Erik Gudris

Photo Credit: Getty Images

(June 28th, 2012) For Brian Baker, his spring comeback is stretching into the summer as he remains a player to watch on the men's tour.

Baker defeated Jarkko Nieminen 6-0, 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the third round of Wimbledon, marking his best result at any Grand Slam event. Baker, currently ranked #126 in the world, started his comeback to the pro tour by earning a wildcard in Roland Garros earlier in May. Since then, Baker reached the finals of Nice where he defeated Nikolay Davydenko and Gael Monfils along the way and got to the second round of Paris where he lost to Gilles Simon in five sets.

With Baker's relaxed yet powerful game featuring one of the best backhands on tour, it's easy to see why many are thinking Baker could be a threat on all surfaces so long as he stays healthy and doesn't endure any more injuries.

''I feel the effects of the matches on my body, that's for sure, but there's nothing going on that is keeping me from being able to prepare and play good tennis," said Baker. "Yeah, I have to spend some time getting treatment after matches and even if it's not really bothering me that much, I'm still going to address it and make sure it doesn't turn into something else. I have been away from the game too long to try to have anything else keep me away."

With each victory, Baker is also starting to get mentioned as a possible member of the U.S. Davis Cup team when they face Spain in the semifinals later in September. With all the extra attention, it will be interesting to see how Baker handles going from the feel-good story of the year to a possible new American star.

Until that happens, Baker will just keep focusing on reaching the second week of Wimbledon. Baker takes on France's Benoit Paire in the next round.