There were plenty of reasons to doubt the arrival of any of these four semifinalists.  Safarova is seeded 23rd.  She was supposed to go out in the 3rd round.  Kvitova has played largely forgettable tennis since the 2011 season finale.  Bouchard was part of the group of death with Serena and Maria Sharapova.  Halep is…

Predicted Winners in BOLD This should be a special day of tennis.  There is a great mix of guys in their prime, veterans and up and coming players. [3] Andy Murray  (GBR) vs. [11] Grigor Dimitrov  (BUL) – Dimitrov beat Murray in Acapulco.  Dimitrov won Queen’s Club.  Dimitrov is looking really solid, but Murray is the defending champion…

Predicted Winners in BOLD Centre Court [3] Simona Halep (ROU) vs. [19] Sabine Lisicki (GER) – I am very torn in predicting a winner in this match.  Halep would easily be my pick on other surfaces.  However, Lisicki has a great serve and has a strong grass court record.  I like Lisicki to win a set, but I think if…

Predicted Winners in BOLD I thought the bottom half of the draw was softer than the top half.  I still think that, but having to win either 4 best of 5 set matches in 6 days should even the odds a bit with the top half players. Centre Court Centre Court [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs. [WC] Nick…

Groundhog’s Day? Predicted Winners in BOLD Centre Court [5] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs. [9] Angelique Kerber (GER) – I love Kerber’s fight although she could and should have handled the Roland Garros situation differently.  I think Sharapova wins in 2. [6] Petra Kvitova (CZE) vs. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) – Czech battle Court 1 [22] Ekaterina Makarova vs. [23] Lucie Safarova (CZE) – A great opportunity exists for both…

Predicted Winners in BOLD Is there a better day in Tennis than the 2nd Monday at Wimbledon? Centre Court [3] Andy Murray (GBR) vs [20] Kevin Anderson (RSA) – Mr. Anderson has played well in slams in 2014.  He has compiled a 9-2 record.  Murray has been better with a 12-2 record in Grand Slam play.  The defending champion should…

Predicted Winners in BOLD Every player in the draw has to feel that her chances of winning the title improved after Serena lost The 2nd Monday at Wimbledon is a Great Event.  It is a lot like the first four days of the NCAA basketball tournament.  Many matches are going on simultaneously and a fan…

Predicted Winners in BOLD Centre Court [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) vs Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) – If Rafa drops a set, no one will be shocked.  If Rafa drops 3 sets, I will be shocked. [4] Roger Federer (SUI) vs Santiago Giraldo (COL) – This could be a tricky match for Roger as Giraldo is playing well in recent months. Court 1 [5] Stan Wawrinka (SUI)…

Predicted Winners in BOLD Both Lisicki and Sharapova are in Action on Saturday Centre Court [5] Maria Sharapova (RUS) vs Alison Riske (USA) – Riske has played well and positioned herself as a “tough out” over the past 52 weeks.  She may trouble Sharapova a few times, but Maria should advance. Court 1 [1] Serena Williams (USA) vs [25] Alize Cornet (FRA) – Serena…

Predicted Winners in BOLD Petra Kvitova (CZE) [6] v Venus Williams (USA) [30] – With 6 Wimbledon singles trophies between them, this could be the match of the day.  I think Kvitova is slowly regaining form on the grass courts. Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) v Na Li (CHN) [2] – Na Li is a threat to win this title if she has gotten…