Left field

This year’s Wimbledon draw has worked out very well for the defending champion Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are in the top half of the draw. They should breeze through the first week.

Djokovic will most likely face his first test in the quarter-finals against  Richard Gasquet. While Federer’s first test could be Janko Tipsarevic in the quarter-finals as well; expect Djokovic and Federer in the semi-finals this year.

On the bottom half of the draw it is much trickier for Andy Murray and Rafa Nadal. Murray has by far the hardest task of the big four to make it into the second week.  Nadal on the other hand doesn’t have as tough a section but it will be by no means easy. However, I expect Nadal to get to the semi-finals – it is going to take a big effort from Murray to make the same stage.

Ivan Lendl will have to prepare Murray mentally for all the challenges for him to arrive at that match up with Nadal

On the woman’s side it is very hard to see anyone winning the title besides Maria Sharapova or Serena Williams – they are almost always the strongest mentally.  Sharapova on the top half of the draw has the easier task. While Serena on the bottom half has the harder task with Petra Kvitova the defending ladies champion and Victoria Azarenka in her half.

Hopefully the weather will cooperate because the forecast isn’t good for the first week of the championships. Thank goodness for the roof on centre court for guaranteed live tennis.

PHOTO: Andy Murray of Britain reacts after defeating Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in their men’s singles tennis first round match at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London June 26, 2012. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth