Nadal Has To Play, But Winning The Whole Thing Is Another Story

Rafael Nadal will defend his title at Wimbledon despite his knee woes. And you can quote me. Now don't get me wrong, Nadal's knees are killing him, but his coach Uncle Tony is a drama queen. That guy is going to build up the doubt and uncertainty of Rafa playing in the tournament for sure. He always seems to do that throughout the season, and he's doing it here. But Nadal's camp announced today that he will be playing two exhibition singles matches on grass at the Hurlingham Club in London this week. So tell me this, if he is so hurt why in world would he step on a court between now and his opening round match on Centre Court? Now if he pulls out of his first exhibition match in the second game, then we've got a problem. But for Nadal to even attempt to play this week is a sign that he thinks he is okay to go next week in the big one in London. Don't forget, Nadal hasn't played a single match on any surface, let alone grass, since his 4th round loss in the French on the red clay. So it is extremely important for him to play a competitive match on grass before Wimbledon. You know Federer is salivating to win back the Wimbledon crown, and a rusty Rafael Nadal on grass isn't going to get in the way of that, whether he's the defending champ or not.

The Hasty thinks the biggest wild card headed into Wimbledon are the "semi" favorites...the ones who are happily sitting on the back-burner. I really like (depending on the draw) Djokovic and Roddick to both get into the semis. And you've got to consider Federer a lock to make it to the final four. The last slot is as good a guess as anyone's. Forget Del Potro, he's going to be gas'd from his emotional semi-final match versus Federer at Roland Garros. I would be surprised if Nadal is there, especially with his floundering confidence right now. And I'd be surprised if Murray was there too, because he's shown (thus far) that he can't handle the weight of England on his shoulders. In my eyes, I think we'll see someone in there that is somewhat accomplished yet flies under the radar. Someone just like Davydenko, Haas or even Tsonga. In the end though, is anyone actually going to beat Roger Federer here this year? I doubt it. He is the heavy, heavy favorite.