Wimbledon - Finals preview

Time to make history in Wimbledon. After 12 days of tennis, this weekend will be decided the next winner of the elder Grand Slam tournament. And, there's a certain: last year's winner won't take the trophy again.

Starting for women's final. The Polish Agnieszka Radwanska and the North-american Serena Williams will fight today for the title. If this is Aga's debut in Wimbledon (and any other Major) final, for Serena there's nothing new today as long as she already won for four times there in SW19.

It will be a great match, although I'd prefer Angelique Kerber or Sabine Lisicki to reach this match. However, there was Radwanska who took advantage from Maria Sharapova's loss in 4th round - she'll lose either first and second place next week and if Aga wins today, the Polish will be the new top-ranked. She's playing very well this season with her varied and consistent game, so it will definitely be a tough one for Serena.

About the North-american, after her early loss in French Open she reacted quite well and is undoubtedly the favorite for winning the title for the 5th time. She seems to be (slowly) back and after losing last US Open final due to some over-confidence, she has everything to win this time. It's my bet.

In men's draw, it's the first time since Australian Open'2010 (10 Slams ago) that neither of the finalists is both Novak Djokovic or Rafael Nadal - actually, last four Slams were a Rafole final. 

Roger Federer defeated the top-ranked (and my favorite) Novak Djokovic and will meet Andy Murray in the final; after three years in a row losing to Rafael Nadal in the semis, the British took advantage of Rafa's elimination in the 2nd round and defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to become the first British player since 1938 to reach the final in All England Club.

It will be another top match, I hope. Andy is one of the few players that has a positive head-to-head with Federer and now that he already is able to play a match in Wimbledon on Sunday his pressure may be almost all gone. Of course there's the 6-times winner Roger Federer on the other side of the net, who knows that will comeback to the #1 if he wins his 7th tomorrow. 

I think I'll root for Murray because I'd like him to win a Slam and I don't want Nole to lose the top-ranking; however, Fed is one of my faves as well and I'd be pleased if he wins again in Wimbledon.

Cheers,
Pedro Mendes