Rafael Nadal is Winner of Wimbledon 2008 Final

The final score of Wimbledon 2008 final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal was: 4-6 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (10-8) 7-9.

Who could think that Roger Federer can be defeated at Wimbledon. I stated that Nadal stands in a good chance but even I never thought that Nadal would defeat Roger Federer in the final of Wimbledon 2008 and clinch the title. I guess that even Nadal himself could not believe until he actually won the match. After winning the match, he fell in the ground in happiness. He cried in excitement. The father of Nadal also cried. For a long time, Rafael Nadal was excited and full of emotions just like his father.

Even when Nadal got the trophy, he was holding it with emotion. In his interview, he acknowledged that Federer was indeed the best player of this time and Federer is indeed the best player of Wimbledon. He is right and Federer also became emotional and he vowed to come back next year with more determination and get back what really belongs to him- Wimbledon title. Of course, Nadal has now something new to fight for. Until now, it was considered that Nadal was the top player in clay court while grass court is only for Federer. Nadal is happy today that he could break this image. The crowd was behind him most of the time. This is the thing shocked me a lot. Federer is very popular in Wimbledon but Nadal got a lot of support behind him today. May be the spectators wanted to see an exciting upset. They really got full return for their money.

The match continued for more than 4 hours (nearly 4 hours and 50 minutes) and it was interrupted by rain more than once. It was the longest match in the history of Wimbledon final. Nadal took the first two sets. Then Federer came back by taking the next two sets and thus leveling the match. The fifth set became very exciting and the momentum was changing all the time in favor of the two players. At one stage, it appeared that Federer had got the upper hand but Nadal came back impressively and clinched the set by 9-7. Yes, Nadal could break the serve of Federer just once and it was enough.

This is undoubtedly the greatest final match in the history of Wimbledon tennis. Bad luck for Federer as he could not win the trophy for the 6^th time and make a record. I guess that Borg has a sigh of relief tonight as his name will stay in the record book for another 6 years at least. Nadal could equal another record of Bjorn Borg. Bjorn Borg won the trophies of both French Open and Wimbledon in 1980. After that, no one could match this feat. Rafael Nadal could touch this record in this year. Yes, earlier this year, he won the title of French Open 2008. It seems that 2008 is going to be a bad year for Federer. He could not win any of the grand slam events so far in 2008. He has the US Open in September to get something.

For the time being, it is all Rafael Nadal.

Venus Williams is Champion of Wimbledon 2008

It was a battle of the Williams and in the end, it was Venus Williams who defeated her sister Serena and clinched the title of ladies singles final in Wimbledon 2008. This was the fifth Wimbledon singles title for Venus. She is now 25 years old and she is still going high. The score of Venus vs Serena was 7-5 6-4. From the score line, you can easily see that the match was very close. Both of them were equally strong and in the end, Venus was just a bit better in both the two sets.

BBC reported:

The competitive tone was set early in the way Serena took on Venus's serve from the outset and broke in the opening game thanks to a stunning backhand winner.

She pressed home the advantage by holding to love and if there remained any doubt that there would no quarter given, it was banished when Serena approached a short ball and hit it straight at her sister - with Venus somehow putting away the volley.

The first set was very exciting. Serena started the match quite well and she played confidently. At one stage, Serena took a lead of 4-2. However, Venus fought back and took the set by 7-5.

Wimbledon 2008: Serena Williams vs Venus Williams

Another all-Williams Grand Slam final will be showcased tomorrow at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London in the women’s singles final of Wimbledon 2008. This is going to be the third time, Venus Williams and Serena Williams will take on each other in the final of Wimbledon. In the previous two occasions, Serena Williams emerged winner. All Williams final is nothing new to the tennis fans as the two sisters faced each other on six occasions in grand slam finals with Serena winning five and Venus winning once. However, Wimbledon 2008 is going to be the first grand slam final to feature the two sisters since they met in Wimbledon 2003 last time.

Serena and Venus both are at their prime now and neither of them dropped any set in the tournament en route to final. So, an exciting final seems to be waiting there on 5 July 2008. Serena Williams defeated China’s surprise package Zheng Jie in the semi final before Venus Williams had won over Russia’s Elena Dementieva in the first semi final.

No doubt, father Richard Williams will face the pleasant-problem to choose between his two daughters. However, Richard could be happy thinking that the women’s singles title of Wimbledon 2008 will for sure go to his home. Tennis fans from U.S.A will also have the same kind of feeling during the match because they know that the title will go to U.S.A, no matter whoever wins the match.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams faced each other 16 times in which Serena emerged winner in 9 matches and Venus won 7 matches. Serena is the only active women’s player who has career grand slam to her credit. Serena has 8 grand slam titles so far, while Venus could manage to win six grand slam titles. However, when it comes to Wimbledon, Venus seems to be more impressive than her younger sister. Venus won Wimbledon title four times till date and she is the reigning champion of Wimbledon, whereas Serena won only 2 Wimbledon titles in her career.

Venus and Serena played five grand slam tournament finals during 2002-2003. At one point, it seemed that Venus-Serena final in grand slam tournament was going to become a rule. However, over the last few years, their dominance diminished significantly, but now with another All-Williams final approaching, it seems that the two sisters are going to revive their career and bring back their glorious days on court.

I will really be surprised to see if the two sisters fail to present with an exciting match tomorrow, if not a classic match. Both the players are in good form and would not leave any ground without bringing out the best of each other. Serena may have better success in All-Williams final, but I think, Venus also has equal chance in the match. I hope to see a classic match tomorrow and also hope Richard Williams will enjoy the match wishing both of his daughters all the best in the final.

Wimbledon 2008: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal Dream Final

If you are a tennis fan then Wimbledon 2008 Male Singles final should really be a dream final for you. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are going to face each other in the final and this is the third consecutive final in Wimbledon between these two players. You know that they are the number one and two ranked male players in the world. Both these players have earned a lot of money in their career and it is now more than a clash of ego rather than money.

It is the sixth consecutive Wimbledon final for Roger Federer. He has won the singles titles for the last 5 years at a row. So, if he can win this time then it will be the 6^th Wimbledon title for him. If he can win it this time then he will surely be the all time great champion of Wimbledon Tennis. There is little scope of having any doubt that he would not be able to do so. Earlier today, he demolished Russia's Marat Safin by 6-3, 7-6 (7/3), 6-4. What was impressive was that Federer needed just 101 minutes to win the match. In fact, in Wimbledon 2008, Federer has won every match with ease. No opponent could put up any kind of resistance against him so far.

Perhaps the only man who can dream of putting up a strong challenge is Rafael Nadal. It is often said that Nadal is best in clay but not so good in grass court. Frankly, I don’t agree with this idea. I feel that Nadal is good in grass too. Don’t forget that this is the third consecutive time he is in final of Wimbledon. Earlier today, he stopped the fairy tale run of Rainer Schuettler of Germany by 6-1, 7-6 (7-3). Nadal took nearly 2 hours to win the match. However, you have to remember that Nadal was not totally fit in today’s match. Still, he played very well and did not give any scope to Rainer Schuettler to attack. So, I don’t want to discard Nadal that easily.

Federer has one thing in mind- winning for the sixth straight time in Wimbledon. Then, he will have his record and I am sure that it will be a difficult record to break in future. Nadal will surely try his best that Federer cannot make this record. So, who will be successful?

Good thing is that you can watch the match live in different TV channels around the world. If you are living in Asia then Star Sports is the channel that will broadcast this final match of Wimbledon 2008. If you cannot watch in TV then you can follow live score of the match through some websites.

Who will win: Nadal or Federar?

All-Williams Final in Wimbledon 2008

Tennis World is going to experience another All Williams Grand Slam women’s singles final in Wimbledon 2008. Venus Williams and Serena Williams confirmed another all Williams final thrashing their opponents in straight sets in semi final today. Serena in the first semi final defeated Russia’s Elena Dementieva, tournament’s fifth seed, 6-1, 7-6(3). Then in the second semi final, younger sister Serena Williams stopped the incredible run of China’s Zheng Jie, who made history becoming the first women from China to reach a Grand Slam semi final, defeating the Chinese star 6-2, 7-6(5). The final match will take place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon on 5 July 2008.

The two sisters faced each other in grand slam final on six occasions till date, with Serena winning five times and Venus winning once. Last time tow sisters met in a grand slam final was Wimbledon 2003 which Serena Williams won 4–6, 6–4, 6–2. However, Venus is more successful than Serena when it comes to Wimbledon as she has four Wimbledon titles so far to her credit, while Serena Williams has two titles in Wimbledon. Tennis world is now eagerly waiting for another all Williams grand slam final after five years. Now, let us see if Venus can take the revenge of her defeat five years back and seal her fifth Wimbledon title.

Breaking News: Ana Ivanovic out of Wimbledon 2008

It is breaking news: Ana Ivanovic is out of Wimbledon 2008 in the third round. She lost to Chinese girl Zheng Jie by 6-1 and 6-4. It is the best upset of Wimbledon 2008. Zheng Jie played superbly. It seemed that she is the number one player not Ivanovic.

Zheng Jie played very aggressively in the first set and took the set by 6-1. Ivanovic was defeated in every shot in the first set. She seemed to be a new player to many of the viewers present in the stadium. They encouraged Zheng Jie all the way.

In the second, Ivanovic played some better but Zheng Jie took the first two points and this was enough. Ivanovic tried to come back in the match but the Chinese girl was too good today. She won the second set by 6-4.

Zheng Jie is hardly a famous player in World Tennis. Next week, she is going to celebrate her 23^rd birthday. She comes from Chengdu, Sichuan.

Wimbledon 2008: Lleyton Hewitt Advances to 4th Round

It is a breaking news that Lleyton Hewitt has defeated Simone Bolelli by 6-1, 6-3 and 7-6 in the third round of Wimbledon Tennis 2008. The match just finished few seconds ago.

At first, it was rather a one sided match but everything changed in the third set. Simone Bolelli was the opponent of Lleyton Hewitt in the third round. Hewitt started very strongly in the match and it took just 27 minutes for him to win the first set by 6-1. Bolelli played a bit better in the second set and Hewitt took the second set by 6-3 in 38 minutes. The third set was more competitive. Bolelli could offer some good resistance and played some superb shorts in the third set. At one stage, the players were leveled at 5-5. Then, Hewitt defended his serve and took the lead 6-5. In the next game, Bolelli served and kept his serve and it became 6-6 and the set went to tie breaker. Lleyton Hewitt played very well and won the tie breaker by 7-2.

In the fourth round, Lleyton Hewitt will play against Roger Federer.

Ana Ivanovic Reached Second Round of Wimbledon 2008 in Style

Wimbledon 2008 begins today at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. Women’s singles top seed Ana Ivanovic has stormed into the second round of the tournament after defeating Paraguayan Rossana De Los Rios 6-1, 6-2 in direct sets. The French Open winner did not have to face any challenge from her opponent to clinch the victory. Ivanovic fans are also happy because their favorite player did not face any shoulder problem that kept her out of Eastbourne last week. The Serbian star also was delighted with the easy victory in the tournament opener and expressed her hope to have a great tournament.

Guardian reported:

"Everyone wants to have confidence coming into a grand slam and that's my goal, too," said Ivanovic. "I want to keep focused and there are some things that I need to improve, but I hope to have a great tournament."

Ana Ivanovic will face N Dechy from France in the second round. Swiss star Patty Schnyder has been the victim of first upset as she was beaten by Australian C Dellacqua 4-6, 6-3, 1-6. Except this, the other top seeds including fourth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, sixth seed Serena Williams and eighth seed Ana Chakvetadze all won their first round matches today.

Sania Mirza Failed at Ordina Open ahead of Wimbledon 2008

Sania Mirza has been out of Ordina Open after losing to Netherlands’s Michaella Krajicek 2-6, 2-6 in the second round. The Indian tennis star started off well in the tournament as she defeated Italian Flavi Penneta in style in the first round. Sania Mirza’s next match is at Wimbledon 2008 against C Castano in the first round.

Sania Mirza pulled herself out of French Open 2008 due to wrist injury that forced her to undergo a surgery. The Indian tennis star came back to court with Ordina Open. So, no doubt, Sania Mirza could not do well in the pre-Wimbledon warm up tournament. Sania Mirza might face Venus Williams in the third round of Wimbledon 2008 once again since the Sania lost to Venus Williams at the same stage of Australian Open 2008. However, reaching the third round may not be that easy for the tennis star given the fact that she just came back from an injury and could not yet reach at her prime form. However, Indian fans are eagerly waiting to see Sania Mirza continuing her impressive performance in grand slam tournament.

Related article:

Times Now

Sania Mirza might Play in Pakistan upon Invitation from PTF

Sania Mirza is currently ranked 33 in the WTA ranking and she does not have any big success in the tennis world compared to the top ranked players. Nevertheless, the 21-year old Hyderabad girl has already become a sports celebrity not only in India but also in South Asia. In fact, she has become the best ever tennis player from this region of the world in terms of what she achieved so far in tennis. With her consistent performance on big occasions, Sania Mirza has become an idol among the young generation of South Asia.

Now, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) is planning to use her popularity and celebrity image in order to promote tennis in the country. PTF is considering inviting Sania Mirza in Pakistan to participate in a couple of mixed doubles matches.

Daily Times reported:

“She has initially agreed with the proposal and we will shortly arrange the event when all the participating players would have time,” PTF president Syed Dilawar Abbas told a news conference here on Saturday after the annual general council meeting of the federation.

“Sania even has promised to wave off her match fee and will charge only Rs 2 million as appearance money,” he stated adding the dates and venue for the competition was yet to be discussed.

Sania along with an Indian partner will play against Pakistan’s Aisamul Haq and her female partner. It is a very good initiative taken by PTF as part of their plan to promote tennis in the country. There is no doubt, Pakistan tennis fans will be very happy to see their favorite star playing in front of them. I think, it will really help PTF to carry out their mission to promote the sport across the country.

Sania Mirza is 32nd Seed in Wimbledon 2008

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza goes into Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament as 32^nd seed. Sania came back in action recently after missing French Open 2008 with wrist injury. Wimbledon 2008 gets underway from 23 June and Sania is now gearing up herself to be back in grand slam tournament with her prime form. Sania Mirza has been ranked 33 according to the recently updated WTA ranking.

Sania experienced her best Wimbledon performance last year when she was eliminated from the third round and Indian fans are eagerly waiting to see their favorite star in another grand slam tournament. Sania Mirza will face C Castano of Columbia in the first round. Then in the third round, it could be a rematch of Sania Mirza’s Australian Open 2008 encounter with Venus Williams at the same stage. Mirza was eliminated from Australian Open 2008 after losing the match to Venus Williams.

Well, Indian fans would like to Sania marching past Venus this time around, though it would not be that much easier for the Indian star. Now, let us see if Sania Mirza can regain her top form and can show some of her best tennis in Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament which her fans are looking for now.

Related article:

The Hindu

Dinara Safina Reaches Ordina Open Final Defeating Elena Dementieva in the Semi Final

French Open 2008 finalist Dinara Safina continues her superb form at the ongoing Ordina Open as the Russian star reached the final of the competition defeating fellow Russian Elena Dementieva in direct sets 6-3 6-2 in the semi final of the tournament. Safina will now face Tamarine Tanasugarn from Thailand in the final match and if Safina wins it, then this would be her first ever grass-court title in her career. Dinara Safina defeated three top ten seeds in the French Open 2008 including come back victories over Maria Sharapova and Elena Dementieva, before losing to Ana Ivanovic in the final of the tournament.

The Press Association reported:

The third-seeded Russian ran out a 6-3 6-2 winner over top-seeded countrywoman Elena Dementieva as she maintains the impressive form which saw her reach the French Open final.

The transition from European clay-court season to this grass-court Wimbledon tune-up has done little to slow Safina, who defeated three top-10 players at Roland Garros before losing the title match to Ana Ivanovic earlier this month.

After the impressive run at Roland Garros, Dinara Safina has seen an improvement in her ranking as she is now ranked 9 in the WTA ranking. She continues her form in the ongoing warm-up tournament of Wimbledon as well. Wimbledon 2008 is due to start on 23 June 2008. Safina will take on Y-j Chan in the first round of Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament. Now, let us see if the Russian can continue her prime form at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club as well.

Maria Sharapova Sees Her Chances in Wimbledon 2008 as Equal as others

Russia tennis star Maria Sharapova said that she has equal chances in Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament as like as other favorites of Wimbledon. The third grand slam of the year is going to kick off on July 23. However, three grand slam titles winner, Sharapova has been dropped to third place in the WTA ranking, while even a month ago she was at the top of the ranking. It was her disappointing performance at French Open 2008 responsible for her demotion in the ranking. Sharapova lost to eventual runner up Dinara Safina in the fourth round of French Open 2008. However, the former world no. 1 is now gearing up for the upcoming grand slam tournament at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. She also admitted that it had not taken a long time for her to forget the frustration of that defeat. Maria Sharapova pulled herself out of the pre-Wimbledon warm up tournament, because she thinks she needs a break to recharge herself ahead of the grand slam tournament at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Reuters reported:

"I wanted to change things a little bit, sometimes your year becomes a routine and I wanted to change pace," the 2004 champion told reporters this week at a school close to Wimbledon.

"I feel I needed a break from the road and to recharge my batteries."

"I think every professional athlete welcomes challenges. At the end of the day that's what it's all about and that's what drives me to beat the better players," she said.

"My chances are just as good as everybody's. There are only a few chances you are going to be given especially against tough opponents and tough players."

Maria Sharapova started the year winning Australian Open 2008 title followed by the French Open disaster. Sharapova will face S Foretz from France in the first round of Wimbledon 2008 tournament. Now, let us see if Maria Sharapova can regain her form and improve her ranking at the end of the tournament.

Wimbledon 2008: Any Chance for British Players?

Fred Perry is the last British player to have won the Wimbledon men’s singles title 72 years ago, while Virginia Wade was the last British who won the women’s singles in Wimbledon 31 years ago. Now, with another Wimbledon tournament approaching, the question is coming up that if it is going to be another unsuccessful year for the British players in the home grand slam tournament. Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament kicks off on 23 June 2008.

First have a look at the top seeds of men’s singles where you can get to see Andy Murray, the 12^th seed of Wimbledon 2008, who is the only hope of the British fans. He does not have any special performance of recent. It is true that Andy Murray showed his best ever performance at Roland Garros in the recently concluded French Open 2008 reaching the third round of the tournament, but still, is it enough to make the British fans hopeful about Andy’s success in Wimbledon 2008? I am a bit skeptical in this regard. Earlier, Murray’s performance in Australian Open was frustrating after losing to eventual runner up Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the first round.

If you do not find any reason to make yourself hopeful about Andy Murray in Wimbledon 2008, then the competition’s women’s singles part will only add some pain to your injury, because there is no British player among the top seeds of Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament. Today, while going through internet, I came across an article in BBC website where writer claims for a cultural change in British tennis.

BBC reported:

The spectators not only seem to accept there can be no change, but are not angered by repeated failures.

At the same time, those entrusted with running the game at the national level talk in terms of defining their assets and setting targets - targets which keep changing and shrinking.

My colleague Olly Foster travelled to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, this week to try and find out the secret of their success...

But in the end, there is a fundamental cultural problem with British tennis.

It is not meant to produce champions but to instead provide a nice jolly afternoon of tennis for mostly middle-aged people.

Very often in British tennis clubs aspiring singles players will be asked to vacate a court so a doubles match can take place and children are often frowned upon.

Well, I agree with the writer in the fact that British fans seem to be accepting the failures of the British players with more ease these days. You can also say that it is because they have been used to it since they are not experiencing success from the home players for a long time. However, I think, fans are the most determinant and their approach to the game is very important behind the success of British players and to bring back British glory in Wimbledon tennis tournament.

Roger Federer Hopeful ahead of Wimbledon 2008 Tennis

Roger Federer is hopeful to win the title of Wimbledon 2008 tennis competition. The third grand slam tournament of the year is going to be started from 23 June 2008. Current World no. 1 Roger Federer is the reigning champion of Wimbledon. In fact, Federer won the Wimbledon title for the last five years in a row. Roger Federer has recently won the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany with which he equaled Pete Sampras’ record 10 grass court titles in the Open era. Wining the final match against Philipp Kohlschreiber in Halle, the 12 grand slam title winner has taken his grass court winning streak to 59. Roger Federer is now gearing up to win his sixth straight Wimbled title.

Breakingnews reported:

“That’s exactly what I hope for this time,” Federer said. “That’s why I’m so satisfied. That’s why I will go to Wimbledon with a lot of hope.”

Federer’s arch rival Rafael Nadal is also in top form as the Spaniard has recently won his first ever ATP title on grass court winning the Queen's Club Championships title. Following his triumph in French Open 2008, Nadal won this grass court tournament which would definitely boost his confidence ahead of Wimbledon 2008. Now, let us see if Roger Federer can continue his domination in Wimbledon or Rafael Nadal can bring a break in the consistent winning streak of Roger Federer on grass court as well as in Wimbledon tennis tournament.

Maria Sharapova: A Low Key Person to Tennis’s Glamour Girl

With another Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon 2008, approaching, Maria Sharapova is coming into the lime light. Her on-court success mingled with her glamour made herself world's highest-earning female athlete at this moment. Though her recent form on the court is not satisfactory at all after getting out of French Open 2008 being lost to the eventual runner up Dinara Safina in the fourth round, Maria Sharapova still keeps the photographers clicking on their cameras at her.

The current world no. 2, however, has recently said that she maintains a low-key personality in her inner world, while outside would knows her as a star on the red carpet. The Russian tennis star also said that the worst thing of her career is the long term separation from her family and friends. She did not forget to mention the sacrifices she is to cope up with in order to achieve all the successes, fame and money.

Telegraph reported:

"A lot of people think my job is very glamorous. Don't get me wrong, when you're successful, there are lots of amazing things you can get to do. But there's a lot of work that you have to put in to get there, when you have to grind, and there are times when there are parties I can't go to because I'm an athlete and you have to be professional. Those are the sacrifices that you have to make."

I agree with her on the fact that whatever she gains so far, wherever she is in today would not have been possible without those sacrifices. The former world no. 1 lost her top place in the WTA ranking following her disappointing elimination from the fourth round of French Open 2008. Now, ahead of Wimbledon 2008, she is making herself inspired in the bid to win another grand slam title.

Maria Sharapova started the year winning Austrian Open 2008, but found herself on the ground after the shocking defeat to Safina in the fourth round of French Open 2008. Now, ahead of Wimbledon 2008, I think, she is gearing up to regain her confident, if lost any, and wants to make a good come back. Going through ups and downs is nothing new for Maria Sharapova as he did it for a number of times in her shot but illustrious career. Now, let us see if Maria Sharapova can come back in Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament.

McEnroe Backs Andy Murray ahead of Wimbledon 2008

Top ranked British men’s singles player Andy Murray is expected to recover from thumb injury he picked up during Artois Championships last week. Tennis legend John McEnroe believes that the 11^th ranked player has the talent to challenge Roger Federer in Wimbledon 2008 tournament. McEnroe also sees improvement in Murray as the legendary figure of tennis thinks that Murray seems faster and stronger. Murray did not have a good tournament in the recently concluded French Open 2008 where he was ruled out of the tournament after losing to Spaniard N Almagro in the third round.

The Press Association reported:

"He seems stronger and he seems fitter," said McEnroe of Murray's progress in 2008. "He has an advantage at Wimbledon because there are not a lot of people that feel comfortable there. He's in the mix."

British fans are eager to see Andy Murray competing in the home grand slam, Wimbledon 2008. The tournament kicks off on 23 June 2008. Roger Federer is now gearing up to win his sixth straight Wimbledon title this year as the world no. 1 has been winning the title of Wimbledon for the last five years in a row. Now, let us see if Andy Murray can really throw a challenge for Roger Federer in the tournament.

Ana Ivanovic Withdrew from International Women's Open with Injury

Serbian tennis star Ana Ivanovic pulled out of the International Women's Open at Eastbourne due to right abductor problem. The world no. 1 of Women’s tennis won her first grand slam singles title at French Open 2008 earlier this month. Following her triumph in French Open 2008, Ana Ivanovic progressed to the no. 1 position of WTA ranking for the first time in her career. The 20-year old tennis star also showed her mental exhaustion as another reason behind her withdrawal from the pre-Wimbledon warm-up tournament.

Telegraph reported:

Ivanovic, who won the French Open last week, has pulled out of the Wimbledon warm-up event citing a right abductor problem. "I am also mentally exhausted after the French Open," Ivanovic said.

Ana Ivanovic is one of the top favorites of Wimbledon 2008, due to kick off on 23 June. There will be some other favorites including Maria Sharapova, another Serbian Jelena Jankovic, defending champion Venus Williams, Serena Williams and some other top seeded players, but Ana Ivanovic will take away much of the attention in Wimbledon 2008 tournament because she comes into the tournament as the top seeded player of women’s singles.

Rafael Nadal Upbeat ahead of Wimbledon 2008

The third grand slam tennis tournament of the year, Wimbledon 2008 is going to be started from 23 June 2008. So, there are only five days left before the tournament kicks off. French Open 2008, the second grand slam tournament of the year, finished this month with Rafael Nadal winning fourth straight Men’s Singles title, and Serbian star Ana Ivanovic winning her first grand slam Women’s singles title in the tournament.

Spanish world no. 2 Rafael Nadal comes into Wimbledon 2008 as one of the top favorites after his dominating performance in French Open 2008. The Spaniard defeated world no. 1 Roger Federer in style in the final of the tournament. However, four time French Open winner has not won any other grand slam titles other than French Open title in his career. Except French Open, Nadal’s best performance in three other Grand slam tournaments is confined in two runner-up trophies of Wimbledon. Nadal was the beaten finalists of last two Wimbledon tournament, losing to Federer in both occasions. Roger Federer has become one of the most dominant players in the history of Wimbledon winning the title of Wimbledon for the last five years in a row. Now, Rafael Nadal is expected to be gearing up to stop Federer’s domination in Wimbledon with the confident he gained thanks to the French Open 2008 triumph.

Rafael Nadal is ready to take up the challenge of Wimbledon 2008. The kind of form Nadal showed at Roland Garros, could be lethal for any opponent if he can continues it in Wimbledon 2008 tournament as well.

Theonlinewire reported:

"If I can have a very good result here it is going to be very important for me. It's going to be very important in the first matches. If you can win the first two, three matches, later is a little bit easier. I know the grass is a difficult surface for me, but probably I play my best tennis in this surface too."

"The final last year in Wimbledon was the best and worst moment on grass for me. I played an unbelievable match, but at the same time I lost a good chance to win my favourite tournament.

Many would say that Rafael Nadal’s dominating form on clay court is nothing new and his form on grass court has never been as dominating as it is on clay court. Yes, that is true, but still, his recent from is enough to make other favorites of Wimbledon 2008 worried. Besides, it is also true that whatever happens in other tournaments, Roger Federer always appears with his dominating form in Wimbledon. Having said that, I guess, another classic competition between Federer and Nadal is awaiting there at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon. Now, let us see if Rafael Nadal can stand up against Roger Federer in Wimbledon 2008 tennis tournament.