Federer (2) v Del Potro (8). The threats to Federer emerge from everywhere. Last year here it was a Serb, Tipsarevic, who nearly got him (before another Serb, Djokovic, finished the job). This time, the Czech Berdych came close to eliminating him. And now it’s a lanky Argentine who stands menacingly in his path. The record shows that Federer and Del Potro have tangled three times, twice on hardcourt, once at Wimbledon, and that Federer has yet to yield a set. In 2008, the lanky Del Potro went on a spree, collecting four titles in as many weeks. He began 2009 by winning the Auckland title, and has now notched up a mini eight-match streak. On the other hand, he hasn’t faced anyone nearly as good as Federer, who has every shot in the book (as well as some exclusively his own), and who usually has the knack of finding a way out of a tight spot. Federer in four.
Betfair odds: Federer $1.26 Del Potro $4.70
Djokovic (3) v Roddick (7). Roddick hasn’t been attracting too much attention, but he’s dropped only one set, has made the semis three times, and has a brainy new coach in Larry Stefanki, whose previous pupils include John McEnroe and Fernando Gonzalez. At 26, the American hasn’t given up hope of winning another major to go with the US Open trophy he won in 2003. If he’s serving at his peak, he’ll be hard to subdue, but Djokovic has done that in two of the three times they’ve clashed. The defending champ survived difficult matches against Delic and Baghdatis. He knows he has the game to win here and is gaining momentum. Djokovic in five.
Betfair odds: Djokovic $1.40 Roddick $3.40
Safina (3) v Dokic. Fearless, who endeavours to be objective, has been tipping against Dokic, believing the dream can’t go on. Once again, though, she can claim the pressure is on her opponent. Safina is the second highest-ranked player left in the draw, and has a reasonable chance of winning her first major, seizing the No. 1 ranking in the process. All heady stuff for Marat’s little sister, who had a big year, capturing four titles and reaching the final at Roland Garros. She also made the semi-finals at the US Open. Dokic, by contrast, doesn’t even make the WTA’s Guide to Professional Tennis. The only time the two met was at Shanghai in 2003, when Safina won 6-1 6-4. This time it should be a torrid and emotional slugfest between two bonny fighters. Safina in three.
Betfair odds: Safina $1.28 $4.40
Zvonareva (7) v Bartoli (16). The only fact favouring Bartoli is that she made the Wimbledon final in 2007, whereas the closest Zvonareva has been to a major final is a French Open quarter-final in 2003. Zvonareva was, however, runner-up at the 2008 season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships at Doha. Bartoli, a fine touch player, has little to lose, as she’s lost all but one of her seven matches with the Russian. In their last two outings she managed to accumulate a total of three games. Both players have a tendency to be nervous in a crisis, but Zvonareva has the bigger weapons and that compelling record. Zvonareva in straight.
Betfair odds: Zvonareva $1.38 Bartoli $3.60
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