Tennis!

[Bobfoc]

Just found out about Nadal :w00t:

If Federer can win this and reclaim # 1, that would be an amazing way to make up for the last 2 1/2 years.

I'm sure Djokovic would have something to say about the top ranking spot.

[naiwf]

He obviously would, hence the "if". Nadal getting upset gives Federer the clear path to #17 and the top spot if he knocks off Djokovic in the Semis. If Federer loses at any point he can't achieve either thing. Knowing how things had been breaking for Fed, even if he would have beaten Novak, he would have then lost to Rafa and ended up with nothing again.

[gunnar hendershow]

Missed the entire Nadal match because I was watching Italy-Germany and then immediately left to go shopping. Found out only a couple hours ago. When was the last time we didn't have Nadal, Federer, and Djoker all make the semis of a Grand Slam that they all were playing in?

It completely blows up that quarter of the draw too. Tsonga and Fish should meet in the 4th round, whoever wins Nadal's quarter will face Murray presumably in the semifinals. This could be an incredibly special Wimbledon if Murray is able to make it into the final. I can't think of a more amazing atmosphere for a tennis match than if that were to happen.

[Katsuya]

Doesn't Murray have to go through Roddick at some point though? With the way Roddick's been playing so far this tournament too it could be a repeat of their semi final match...

[IAceI]

Think Roddick would have to bring his best to even keep up with Murray these days to be honest.

[Adam]

When was the last time we didn't have Nadal, Federer, and Djoker all make the semis of a Grand Slam that they all were playing in?

Not as long ago as you'd think. Federer was beaten in last years Wimbledon Quarter Finals by Tsonga. Berdych beat him the year before at the same stage so I think it is far from a given that he will be making that semi-final date with Djokovic.

[Katsuya]

Querrey through over Raonic, Djokovic loses first set to Stepanek. I'd call Stepanek pulling something off, except he's one of the most vastly overrated players on the tour (especially for his seeding/rankings)

[Hornswoggle4PM]

And sure enough, Djokovic seems to be getting back on top. Can't believe that people are seeing Roddick as that much of a threat, the guy seems to struggle to beat people most people in at least the top 30 or so, let alone serious contenders.

[IAceI]

I like nearly all tennis players but not Stepanek. He irks me. I find him irksome.

[Adam]

Just turned Djokovic on to see he's in control now. Watched Lisicki beat Stephens, two very good players and I'm looking forward to Lisicki taking on Sharapova again, providing Maria gets past Hsei which is looking very likely at the minute.

Got my tweet on the BBC feed as well!

[IAceI]

Haha your picture is the back of your head. #ugly

[IAceI]

This is a bit of a beating from Radwanska against Watson so far but it will be a great lesson for Watson. Radwanska came through the youth set up too and is a very, very good player and it would be folly to forget that. Watson has a brilliant game as her base, much better than a Baltacha or a Keothovang have ever had. She seems very grounded as well, and Radwanska let's nothing show emotionally - must be tough to play against something almost that robotic.

Premature perhaps, but this could be the end of her Wimbledon run this year but she can take a lot of heart from it herself - and also us as fans can take heart from the fact that British tennis is quite so doom and gloom anymore.

[Katsuya]

Heather was never going to beat Radwanska, but at least she didn't get double bagelled. The ranking points will be great for her though, will mean she can start playing in bigger tournaments and get more tricky opposition.

[IAceI]

Time for some proper tennis now though, the Fex Express is on. Unfortunately I won't be able to see most of it but I'm sure it'll be splendid as always when Federer plays.

[Katsuya]

Huh. Federer is a set down and lost his break in the second set to Benneteau.

Malisse has now knocked out both Gilles Simon and Fernando Verdasco too, while Youzhny is a set and a break up on Tipsarevic. Could be another big name shock going out today!

ETA: Not to mention that Gasquet is a set up on Almagro too.

Five of the top 16 seeds are out before the fourth round and if could be as many as eight if Federer, Almagro and Tipsarevic don't turn this around

[Lineker]

Benneteau is absolutely playing out of his skin here!

[naiwf]

Federer's not playing poorly and looks completely outclassed at times. If someone was watching and didn't know which guy was the 16 time GS champ, and which guy was the journeyman with 0 career titles, they'd probably think it was the other way around.

[Lineker]

Federer is down in the second set tie break - set point Benneteau!

[Katsuya]

Bloody hell, Benneteau's 2 sets up. Was convinced he'd just tank it.

[Lineker]

He's done it! Unbelievable!