Studying the draw, and I know a draw is a draw and all that, but I can't help but feel unhappy with this one in parts. Glancing through I see several first round matches that seem a shame to happen so early on, before players have worked their way into the tournie, and depriving us of some great players, grass or otherwise, very early on. Also, I do feel that some parts of the draw are much easier than others by a long chalk.

Federer drawing Gasquet in round 1, Henman in 2, maybe Haas/Berdych in 4, and a potential quarter with Ancic who many say is second favourite to win here is awful of rthe nmber oen seed really. Ancic himself could meet Karlovic in 3 (shame as both great games for grass) and Djokovic/Monfils in 4. I do feel that Tim being on such great form as he has recently, it is a shame to be playing Fed so early on as that would be game over for anyone. And would have liked to have seen Gasquet warm up here too. Ancic certainly deserves to be placed to get to a semi with Fed, not a quarter on grass, and with a resurgent Haas and exciting new talents liek Djokovic and Berdych. It seems that this is the best part for great talent new and old.

Nalbandian's is straighforward, risks no greater than Verdasco in 3 and Stepanek/Ferrero/Malisse (all unpredictable) in 4. If on form he should walk it to the qaurters. Blake below him would face no threat until 3, with the up coming talent Mathieu but knowing Mathieu was playing Scud that was never a cert but Scud could be a danger if he can go that far with his injuries and mindset. But still, Blake shoudl be a fvourite here, then he would have to worry about Hrbaty and Johannsson, fair players but Blake should beat either on his current form.

Ljubicic has a tricky one with Lopez (although off form but a good player on grass) in 1, possibly Tursunov in 3, Davydenko in 4. Big power hitters who if on coudl be a major threat. Nadal beneath him faces no significant threat except Agassi in 3 if Agassi can make it, but on fitness surely Nadal would win with little effort? The best on offer in 4 for Nadal is Gaudio and an off form Ginepri and Gaudio doesn't like grass and should be outplayed by Nadal from the baseline really. Another potential cakewalk to the quarters.

Hewiit has a decent draw, with his current form he should face no real threat until 4, but if Safin makes it he hates grass and is off form anyway and if Greg made it he is hardly at the peak of his physical prowess and can be run ragged roudn the baseline easily enough. I would say Gonzo would be his trickiest opponent here should they meet. And below him, Roddick's looks straighforward but he could meet Grosjean or Baghdatis in 4 if they find their form. Although i do see Roddick's draw opening up possibly, and even him going out early. He's lucky he did nto have federer's draw or it coudl have bene early doors for him.


'Shame' First Roudn Matches -

Philippoussis v Mathieu - I wanted to see Mathieu progress like he did at the FO, and Scud is a tricky opponent. I also liek to watch Scud as he is great for grass and can cause some upsets and add drama to matches. I didn't want to see either out in round one but now I am rooting for Scud!

Rusedski v Safin - both bring drama and excitement, and it's a shame for both to get a tough draw early on. Greg may seem like his days are over, but grass is his surface and if his serve is firing he can go a few rounds.

Ljubicic v Lopez - Lopez has doen well here and entertained us on grass, Ljubi has the credntials to do well here too.

Federer v Gasquet - I know Fed hammered him, but i feel that if he'd bene able to play through a couple of easier matches, Gasquet might well have caught fire.

It does seem interesting how we have some big match-ups in the first round, like Federer v. Gasquet and Safin v. Rusedski. Then you get others like Delgado v. Berrer . . . .

But that kind of thing is always true in the big events with such large draws. Federer's corner of the draw does seem especially tricky, though. If he manages to defend his title, it'll be hard for anyone to claim they gave him an easy draw.

I agree Nick.

Btw just to say that thsi is not exactly what I intended to post - did edit and add, but somehow what I posted was wrong! oh well.

Safin was so supreme today, made Rusedski look like ordinary on grass, such was his ferocity off the ground, and his serving today was exceptional. I just hope and wish Safin could pull something off here at wimbledon. He probably wont win it, but a quarter-final would be good, considering his struggle back from injury and his relative lack of confidence on the surface. I'll have to check out his draw.....

Hey dl, I have nto seen yet, will watch recording tonight. So it is worth a look I take it.

Safin has tricky opponent next - Gonzo who beat him at the Fo. Gonzo isnt; too shabby on grass is he so tough IMO. Then it woudl be Ferrer/Stadler, Garcia-Lopez/Minar - all beatable by an on form Safin (or Gonzo). Then I guess it shoudl be Hewitt next . I'd liek to see somethign form Safin too. I have not put money on him this time as last tiem I did and he played shite!