Wimbledon 2008, A Look Forward

On Monday the 23rd of June, Wimbledon 2008 will begin and the excitement amongst tennis fans worldwide will be immense. The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, hosts of the tournament since 1877 will present a tournament that promises to provide just as much excitement as the one hundred and thirty one before it. The gates will open and the tennis fraternity will pour through hoping to catch a glimpse of their heroes and see some exquisite tennis as well.

Whether a follower of men's, women's or doubles tennis Wimbledon 2008 should provide entertainment on all levels. The competition in the men's singles event will surely light the event like no other, many see the tournament as the rest versus Roger Federer; this view however, is misguided. He may have five consecutive titles to his name but this does not mean that Wimbledon 2008 will be a walk in the park for the man from Switzerland. Rafael Nadal, although limited on grass is certainly maturing as the complete picture and Andy Roddick is always in for a shout if he can avoid injury and keep a cool head throughout the championships. It cannot be forgotten either that Britain's own Andy Murray, with the crowds support may find himself in the final. With his potential he will be owed at least one grand slam in his career, maybe this year could be his chance.

The women's game also offers considerable competition, the dominance of the Williams sisters could be on the wane with Serena and Venus seventh and eighth in the world rankings respectively. A host of Serbian and Russian stars sit above them including Sharapova, Jankovic and Kuznetsova ensuring there will be an eastern European flavour to Wimbledon 2008. Also with the various doubles tournaments and Murray Junior taking the mixed title this year with Jankovic, there may even be some more national pride to be gained by the Murray family.

The only question, as always with Wimbledon is whether the rain will hold off? Will the tennis fans have to endure downpour after downpour, or worse, the warbling of Cliff Richard with his attempts to lighten the mood? Let us hope for everybody's sake this isn't the case, a Cliff free Wimbledon 2008 is surely the preferable outcome. Unfortunately this year will not see the completion of a retractable roof being built over Centre Court. Having to wait another year for the fold-away roof will be too long for many but once it is here it will herald play at Wimbledon's grandest court come rain or shine.

So with a feast of tennis about to descend once again in the south of London, what can be said about Wimbledon 2008? It's sure to bring the 150 mph plus serve of such competitors as Roddick, the eloquent stroke play of the women's game and the excitement of the doubles tournaments. With Tim Henman hanging up his tennis shoes it should be Andy Murray's year, at least as far as the British entrants are concerned. Currently placed at number eleven in the world rankings he is a fair way behind the leading competitors but never discount the benefit of the home crowd.

However, with Federer looking to surpass Bjorn Borg's record for consecutive titles, he will become unrivaled in the modern game with six in six. This will be drive enough for a man who oozes poise and purpose, and will ensure all his opponents are pushed to their limit. If he is declared champion history will be made at Wimbledon 2008, and it is a guarantee that those in the crowd lucky enough to witness the momentous occasion will be tucking into bowls of strawberries and cream, hopefully bathed in glorious late June sunshine.