TENNIS.com - 2008 Wimbledon Open - Wimbledon 2008: Day 10 picks

By Kamakshi Tandon

Roger Federer (SUI) [1] vs. Mario Ancic (CRO) Centre Court: 1:00 am

When a tall, young Goran Ivanisevic lookalike named Mario Ancic first arrived on the lawns of the All England Club in 2002, he was expected to end up as more than just the answer to a trivia question: Who was the last person to beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon?

His win against Federer that day made Ancic the first teenage male to win his Centre Court debut since Bjorn Borg in 1973, but it was the Swiss who went on to match Borg's more coveted record of five straight Wimbledon titles.

Their history gives this Centre Court rematch a little more cachet, but Ancic isn't buying into it. "I can sit here and [tell] stories about the great win and how I beat Roger Federer,” he said. “But actually it wasn’t Roger Federer as we know him today."

The Federer we know today has beaten Ancic in each of their five meetings since then, including a straight-sets win at Wimbledon two years ago. He's also looked his usual regal self in his four matches at Wimbledon so far, producing a much-needed show of form after his thrashing in the French Open final last month.

Meanwhile, Ancic's tennis career looks to be back on track after mononucleosis and various injuries sidelined him for a large part of last year, and he recently even completed his law degree on the side. He looked very impressive in recording a tough win over David Ferrer in the third round (Ferrer beat him in 's-Hertogenbosch the previous week) but let things get away from him in his fourth-round match against Fernando Verdasco before finally winning 13-11 in the fifth set.

Ancic will be tough to break if his first serve is finding its mark and could sneak out a set in a tiebreak, but the drain of his previous encounter may start to show if the match runs long. Federer has been taking care of his own serve rather handily so far, and he has just that little bit of extra magic to call on during the match's tense stages. By the end of the day, Ancic is likely to be not just the player who last beat Federer at Wimbledon, but also the player Federer last beat at Wimbledon (until the semifinals, anyway).

Prediction: Federer

Andy Murray (GBR) [12] vs. Rafael Nadal (ESP) [2] Centre Court: 2nd match

Andy Murray officially made himself Henman's heir on Monday by coming back from two sets and a break down in Tiger Tim's classic nerve-wracking style, and his reward is to meet the man playing the most fearsome tennis on tour these days. Nadal has not lost since Rome and has reached the Wimbledon final two years running, a combination of form and history that's led some to put him as the co-favorite for the title this year.

The Spaniard is a seasoned Davis Cup campaigner, so don't expect the partisan British crowd to bother him too much. But Murray used the fan support to excellent effect in his comeback win against Richard Gasquet, and he'll need that help again to keep his spirits up as he plays the most fatiguing opponent in tennis these days. Even that isn't likely to be enough because Murray doesn't have the power to keep hitting through Nadal's extraordinary defense and his dropshots and lobs will be less effective against Nadal's speed.

The biggest question mark is the state of Nadal's knee, which was troubling him during his previous match. Any lingering effects, and Murray could make this encounter very interesting. But he'll have to serve much better than he did in the first two sets against Gasquet and play a tactically perfect match (short angles crosscourt, slice and net approaches) to be in with a shot.

Prediction: Nadal

Marat Safin (RUS) vs. Feliciano Lopez (ESP) [31] Court 1: 1:00 am

The GQ special. Who cares who wins?

More seriously, this could be an entertaining matchup between two head cases who are gifted at finding ways to lose matches they should win. Safin is by far the higher achiever, however, having won two Slams and reached No. 1 in the work while Lopez has yet to make a dent at the top level.

That's because Safin has a truly monster game that can beat anyone when it's on, while Lopez uses his serve and forehand to punch a little above his weight and cover up his attackable backhand. The Spaniard's game is better suited to grass, but he may not have the chance to execute if Safin is firing like he has been during large chunks of this tournament.

The mental side will be key if the match becomes close, and Lopez could get more nervous at the prospect of reaching his first major semifinal than Safin would about reaching his first Wimbledon semifinal.

Prediction: Safin

Rainer Schüttler (GER) vs. Arnaud Clement (FRA) Court 1: 2nd match

It's no surprise that Andy Roddick gagged. What a golden opportunity in an incredibly weak quarter. Just look at who eventually came out of it. Schüttler and Clement have had very respectable careers, including one appearance each in the Australian Open final. But the 30-year-olds are far past their primes and had done little coming into this event.

Still, give them credit: they've had some solid wins at this event and can indulge themselves in this nostalgic matchup before one of them goes on to become designated semifinal fodder. Schüttler has won four of their five meetings, including one at the Australian Open this year.

Prediction: You have to be kidding.