It is T-minus 45 days until you hear that familiar theme music on NBC again signaling the start of Wimbledon, the reason I look forward to summer.
I know I might be getting a little ahead of myself because there are still tournaments to be played before its start on June 20, like the French Open. This year the British tournament will be a major exception to the usually predictable Wimbledon.
The 2005 matches will be a toss-up, as the Women’s Tennis Association and the Association of Tennis Players are both plagued with injuries and a lot of top-seeded players are dropping out of major tournaments.
So far, Maria Sharapova is in good shape to defend her title, but last year’s men’s champion Roger Federer recently had to drop out of the Italian Open due to an injury.
The women will provide some must-see competition this year, as the WTA rankings have shifted recently.
Lindsay Davenport is No. 1 in the world again after a seven-year hiatus. The last major she won was the Australian Open in 2000, and her last Wimbledon win was in 1999.
Second-ranked Maria Sharapova might be distracted if she basks in the spotlight of her recent title as one of People Magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful” and her multi-million dollar deal to be the new face of Lady Speed Stick.
She is a click away in Google searches from being Anna Kournikova. But at least she’s won a title.
Kim Clijsters may be ranked at No. 17, but she will provide all the women on the tour with some stiff competition, as will Justine Henin-Hardenne after she clinched the J&S Cup title two weeks ago in Poland.
The only thing I am looking forward to about the Williams sisters this year is what insane outfits Diane Von Furstenberg has designed for them.
Both women have spent the last year benched with injuries. Not looking too good ladies.
The men’s competition is likely to be as intense, but it’s clear that Andy Roddick is the favorite. With his play and other player’s injuries, his chances look pretty good.
After the championship match between Roddick and Federer last year, Federer said the rain delay in the third set helped him win.
If the weather is good this year, Roddick may have a shot. But he has a good shot, rain or shine.
He is currently ranked No. 5 in the world, behind Federer, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, Russia’s Marat Safin and Australia’s Lleyton Hewitt, who was also forced to drop out of the Italian Open due to injury.
Roddick’s performance in all the ATP tournaments this year has proven that he is ready for a victory at Wimbledon. Boy is Mandy Moore going to be sorry.
