2009 Wimbledon Men's Preview & Predictions

The one thing we have learned thus far in the 2009 men's season is that anything can happen, especially at the 2009 Wimbledon tournament. Many are unsure what to expect this time around, especially with Rafael Nadal being absent from the field. Even though Roger Federer is the heavy favorite, there is no telling what will happen when the 133rd Wimbledon starts this week. Here are five players you should keep an eye on during the 2009 Wimbledon championship.

2009 Wimbledon Favorite # 1 - Roger Federer

To say the Swiss's Roger Federer has been dominated at the All England Club would be an understatement. Since 2002, the only player ever to have beaten him is Nadal, who withdrew from the 2009 Wimbledon this past Friday. If Federer is able to win this tournament, he will have won his 15th Grand Slam and will break the record set by tennis great, Pete Sampras. Federer will have his hands full with some power servers in his draw. Despite the fact Federer is a heavy favorite, as we have seen in 2009; nothing is a guarantee when it comes to the game of tennis.

2009 Wimbledon Favorite # 2 - Andy Murray

If you want to see the future of tennis, look no further than Scotland's Andy Murray. This 22-year-old has perhaps the weakest draw in the tournament and will look to breeze through the early rounds of the Wimbledon. His biggest challenge will come if and when he faces Andy Roddick. If Murray is able to reach the Finals relatively untested, tennis fans could see a second straight Wimbledon with a surprise champion.

2009 Wimbledon Favorite # 3 - Novak Djokovic

In men's tennis, surprises are sometimes few and far in between. The 2009 Wimbledon has the possibility to be full of them, especially when you are discussing the Serbian Djokovic. Some tennis pundits have counted Djokovic out after a recent loss to Nadal, but they may not me looking deep enough into his character. Djokovic may run into some trouble with Tommy Haas, but doubtful as he advances to the semi-finals and potentially a Wimbledon championship.

2009 Wimbledon Favorite # 4 - Andy Roddick

When it comes to the United States, Andy Roddick, he will be bouncing back from an ankle injury that caused him to retire from semi-finals in the Aegon Championship. Despite the injury and being in one of the more competitive draws of the 2009 Wimbledon, Roddick should be able to advance to the semi-finals. Of course there, he is going to need to step up his game if he wants the chance to beat the likes of Murray.

2009 Wimbledon Favorite # 5 - Juan Martin del Potro

Many of those in the media have dubbed Juan Martin del Porto as the sexy pick to make some serious noise in the 2009 Wimbledon. After reaching a career high, world ranking of # 5 headed into Wimbledon, del Porto is expected to make a run similar to the one where he reached the semi-finals in the French Open. His long swings are going to be a detriment to performing on grass and will make things difficult if he is going to reach the semi-finals in Wimbledon.

Resources

http://www.tennis.com/

http://www.atpworldtour.com/

http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/index.html