By Kamakshi Tandon

J. Henin (BEL) [1] vs. S. Williams (USA) [7]Centre Court – 3rd match

If the rain keeps up, we might just have to flip a coin. But that would be a pity, because we always expect a terrific contest when these two play.

Their last match at the French Open a few weeks ago was pretty one-sided, but the change in surfaces means things must be recalculated for this encounter. Henin was the easy victor in Paris on her favored red clay, but Wimbledon’s grass gives Serena the edge. Another crucial factor will be Serena’s physical fitness – she suffered a calf strain in her previous match but managed to pull off a dramatic three-set win over Daniela Hantuchova. There’s little doubt that she’ll be prepared to fight, but any substantial impairment in her movement will give the edge back to Henin.

The contrast between Serena’s powerful hitting and Henin’s spin and variety is part of the attraction of this rivalry, and so too is the contrast in personalities. The two players remain divided on whether it was Serena’s subpar play (as Serena says) or Henin’s controlled play (as Henin says) that decided their last meeting, though this is a minor difference compared to their fractious match in Paris four years ago when Serena accused Henin of “lying and fabricating” after Henin did not inform the chair umpire that she had held up her hand before one of Serena’s serves. Serena was also booed by the crow during the torrid encounter, and eventualy lost in three sets. But she won easily when the two met again at Wimbledon.

Will history repeat itself with Henin winning at the French an Serena winning at Wimbledon? Chances are it will if Serena is fit and firing, but Henin will have no mercy if her opponent proves to be hampered.

Prediction: Henin

Day 9 picks still active:

V. Williams (USA) [23] vs. M. Sharapova (RUS) [2]

The big question is, whose serve will show up? It could well decide the match. Sharapova’s shoulder troubles have clearly had an effect on her serving in recent months, but the stroke has been fairly solid during Wimbledon. Venus, meanwhile, had 14 double faults in her last match and struggled with her first serve at some crucial moments – but had nine aces and a 124 mph serve during her second-round win. It doesn’t exactly spell consistency.

These two last played in Miami – a tight match in more ways than one. Sharapova edged that contest 7-5 in the third after some very erratic play from both players. Their last match at Wimbledon two years ago was won in fairly straightforward fashion by Venus, but Sharapova says she’s a different player now.

“I felt like at that stage in my career I wasn't really ready. She played really good tennis. I didn't think that I was capable of playing the same tennis for two or three sets,” said Sharapova. “That's something that I've improved.”

She’ll have to prove it against Venus, who was fired up after her come-from-behind win on Monday and has her competitive juices flowing. If Sharapova plays a solid, even match, she should get enough erratic moments from Venus to come through. But expect a fight.

Prediction: Sharapova

Day 8 picks still active:

Andy Roddick (USA)[3] v. Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA)

Roddick can expect to be tested by the talented Frenchman, but should come through if his serve keeps firing the way it did during his first two matches. Though he struggled more during his last match against Fernando Verdasco, he managed to finish things off in straight sets thanks to a couple of good tiebreak performances.

Roddick has extra motivation for wanting to keep things quick – potential semifinal opponent Roger Federer was handed a walkover into the quarterfinals by Tommy Haas.

Mathieu has never quite lived up to the potential he displayed in taking Andre Agassi to five sets at the French Open in 2002 and accusations of mental weakness have dogged him ever since he nosedived following a tough Davis Cup loss later that year.

Roddick has lost their only ATP meeting but thinks his experience on the big stages will give him an advantage. “This is different territory,” said Roddick. "It's the fourth round of a Grand Slam. I don't think he's ever been to the quarters. Mentally I feel like I have a bit of an edge going in.”

Prediction: Roddick

Richard Gasquet (FRA)[12] v. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)

The second quarter of the men’s draw was packed with Frenchmen, and these are the two who have survived. That’s no surprise to Gasquet – he said that as soon as he saw Tsonga win his first round match against compatriot Julien Benneteau, he knew he would be facing him in the fourth round. If Tsonga stays uninjured, added Gasquet, a Top 20 spot by the end of the year is a real possibility.

The two have never played each other on the ATP tour, but go way back as youngsters playing in France. Tsonga has certainly justified the wildcard given to him after his upset of Lleyton Hewitt at Queen’s, and has now won 34 of his last 36 matches. After two years of back problems, he seems to be on track again.

Can he keep his run going for one more round? Gasquet still has the slight edge, but if he doesn’t come out looking to take the match to Tsonga, he could find himself getting pushed back by Tsonga’s free-wheeling shots and watching winners go by.

Prediction: Tsonga

Day 6 picks still active:

R. Soderling (SWE) [28] vs. R. Nadal (ESP) [2]

The Swede is a tough opponent on fast surfaces and will test Nadal, but actually winning the match will be a tough proposition. Nevertheless, expect a rainy, slick court tomorrow which could add to Nadal’s challenges.

The Spaniard was unhappy with the windy conditions during his last match but has otherwise pronounced himself comfortable on the grasscourts. He also says they’re playing the same as last year, when he reached the final.

Prediction: Nadal