WEEKEND WINNERS: Fed, Rafa, Kolya, Maria K + Kateryna
Halle - Roger Federer
The 5-time defending Wimby champion made it 5 titles in Halle after easily dismissing homeboy Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-4 and extending his win streak on grass to a record 59 matches. But with his shaky performance in the French Open final and Rafa's awesome momentum right now, Fed's reign at The All-England Club will be severely challenged this year.
Queen's Club - Rafael Nadal
Note to Roger Federer: BE AFRAID. The Mallorcan Matador made a huge breakthrough and statement this weekend when he became the first Spaniard in 36 years to win a grass-court title by defeating Novak Djokovic 7-6 (5), 7-5, extending his winning streak to 17 straight matches. All of this success bodes will for Rafa at Wimbledon where he will be a towering favorite when the Slam begins next week.
Warsaw - Nikolay Davydenko
Kolya returned to the slippery stuff (anyone know why that makes sense right now? Oh yes, ch-ching!) to claim his third title this year by conquering Tommy Robredo 6-3, 6-3 in Warsaw. Let's just say the Russian's probably not expecting much to happen in London besides maybe a lot of free time.
Barcelona - Maria Kirilenko
Maria added to her title in Estoril by crushing first-time finalist Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez 6-0, 6-2 in the championship match in Barcelona. I guess she's also looking forward to some serious free time in London, right Kolya?
Birmingham - Kateryna Bondarenko
Kateryna, of the Flying Bondarenkos, took advantage of a weakened draw (Jelena Jankovic + Dinara Safina withdrew) and earned her first professional career title on the green grass of Birmingham with a 7-6(7), 3-6 7-6(4) win over Belgian Yanina Wickmayer. Kat's clearly comfortable on the grass as she won the Wimby junior girls' title over Ana Ivanovic in 2004. Could she be a darkhorse candidate in London?
*Via Down the Line!
(images via Getty)
Comment
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Comment by tennis baller on June 16, 2008 at 9:52am
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Yeah Rafa's musculature is quite scary sometimes!
I'm not sure about Fed winning this year since he's not looking very confident in his game. The win in Halle should give him some confidence but he wasn't really challenged and didn't play and beat anyone that has given him issues lately (b/c they were all at Queen's Club) which could work against him. It would've been great to see him step onto his fave surface, confront his nemesis(es) and show that he owns the grass. But, alas, he didn't so it's hard to gauge where his grass game is at right now.
Rafa should get to the second week at Wimby but there are enough ballers with big games to cause him some problems. But if he gets to the second week than I think he can take it. Plus I'm loving him as Borg 2.0...aren't you?!
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Comment by Mark / The Mayor on June 16, 2008 at 8:24am
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Oh by the way, looks like Rafa has some mystery muscles of his own - check out his forearm in that pic above. ouch.
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This is the perfect set-up for wimbledon. Both Rafa and Fed winning.... the announcers calling rafa's victory over a-rod both picked rafa to win Wimby this year. he would not miss. what do you think? Roger again?
M
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