Wimbledon Day Seven

The only thing which can disrupt the proclaimed 'greatest day in tennis' is the unpredictable nature British summer weather.

A sketchy forecast stands to upset the day that all male and female singles competitors left at this years Wimbledon compete.

(Andy Murray broke tournament curfew to beat Marcus Baghdatis today he faces Marin Cilic on court one Picture: Getty Images)

Through to this stage for a sixth time is Andy Murray. The world number four overcame a 11pm curfew and a tricky opponent last time out and today may have to battle the elements as well as a 6 ft 6 talented opponent.  Marin Cilic, has a quality serve and power on both wings and also has beaten the home favourite at grand slam level before. The Croat humbled Murray at US Open in 2009 during his ascension to the world's top ten. Still only 23 Cilic looks to be heading back in that direction and was a winner two weeks ago at Queens.

Controversially this contest takes place on court one, leaving Murray at the mercy of British weather. This is the first time this tournament Murray has been shifted court one and it could hardly come at a worse time. The extra rest from a rain delay could be vital, it took him over five hours to see off Sam Querrey in the second longest match in Wimbledon history.

(Roger Federer faces Xavier Malisse a dangerous grass court specialist Picture: Reuters)

Roger Federer is first up on centre court in what is likely to be his second appearance under the roof. Julien Benneteau could hardly have come closer to beating the 16 time grand slam champ under roof and lights on Friday and today will teach us more about Federer's title credentials. A notoriously fantastic indoors player Federer starts heavy favourite against Xavier Malisse. The Belgian has an excellent grass court record and has already beaten Gilles Simon and Fernando Verdasco to reach this spot. Possessing greater power than Federer's French opponent in the previous round Malisse cannot be written off. But having won the last nine meetings against Malisse, the Swiss will be hopeful of moving one step closer to record equaling seventh singles title at SW19.

Also given centre court billing ahead of Murray is world number one, Novak Djokovic. Today he meets a player he first faced at the age of nine in countryman, Viktor Troicki. Djokovic holds an air of superiority over his Davis Cup teammate. The 25 year old has won 11 of his 12 meetings with Triocki. Troicki has a powerful game but nobody is harder to push out of position than the world number one.

(David Ferrer has never reached a Wimbledon quarter final to change that he must beat Juan Martin Del Potro Picture: Bettor)

One of the most intriguing clashes of the day pits seventh seed David Ferrer against Juan Martin Del Potro. The two had a gigantic battle in last year's Davis Cup final and both are playing arguably the best tennis they've ever produced at Wimbledon. Ferrer took out three time finalist Andy Roddick and now looks to be comfortable on his worst surface. While Del Potro came out on the losing end of the best match at last year's Wimbledon in a tight four set match with Rafael Nadal. How the wily 30 year old tries to counter his more powerful opponent will be fascinating.

(Jo Wilfried Tsonga hasn't been broken all tournament today he faces Mardy Fish Picture: Bettor)

Yet to lose his serve more and more people are beginning to believe this tournament will see Jo Wilfried Tsonga reach his second grand slam final. Today's opponent for him is tenth seed Mardy Fish who took out talented 21 year old David Goffin in round three. Fish looked out on his feet against James Ward in the second round and will have been relieved to have wrapped up a straight sets win last time out. Returning from heart problems and not at his peak the American may find Tsonga too difficult to overcome.

The great comeback story of this tournament has been Brian Baker. The American was a standout junior but his professional career has been crippled with injury. Now after multiple surgeries Baker is proving to be a top 50 caliber player maybe even better. Today the American faces a tough test of his credentials against the talented Philipp Kohlschreiber. The German took out Nadal's conqueror Lukas Rosol in the third round and despite multiple fourth round appearances has never reached a grand slam quarter final. Opportunity knocks for one of these two men.

(A reinvigorated Ana Ivanovic returns to the big stage against Victoria Azarenka today Picture: Zimbio)

The glamour tie on the women's side today sees Victoria Azarenka face Ana Ivanovic. Two of the most marketable and talented women in tennis, a lot of eyes will be on centre court when these two do battle. Ivanovic has undergone career rehabilitation and has shown signs of getting back towards her best with work under new coach Nigel Sears paying dividends. Sears, father of Andy Murray's girlfriend Kim, has been working with Ivanovic for a year now and been looking to add variety to the power game which earned the Serbian the world number one ranking and French Open title a few years ago. While Ivanovic is looking to reemerge as a top player, Azarenka is one. The Belarusian has slipped under the radar at Wimbledon this year much like last year, where it took a mammoth effort from champion Petra Kvitova to beat her in the semi-finals.

A repeat of the other Wimbledon women's semi-final kicks off the action on court one where Maria Sharapova meets Sabine Lisicki. Lots of people's pick for the tournament if Sharapova's serve is working expect the world number one to breakdown the big serving German.

Reigning champion Petra Kvitova has been ruthless in her progression to fourth round and could outpower her opponent today. Francesca Schiavone has the unenviable task of trying to stop the dominant Czech. Schiavone has progressed nicely after being given a huge scare in her first round match against Britain's Laura Robson.

One of the biggest stories of a memorable first week at Wimbledon was Yaroslava Shedova's golden set. The first ever seen at Wimbledon where she won every single point of her first set against Sara Errani. The unthinkable milestone was incredibly impressive due to the calibre of her opponent. Errani had contested the French Open final a mere three weeks prior to their match. Shedova faces a big challenge in repeating the feat against four time champion at SW19 Serena Williams. The American was fortunate in her third round contest Jie Zheng and only her serve saved her from an early exit. Williams powered down an excellent 23 aces en route to a 6-7 6-2 9-7 victory.

Wimbledon Day Six

Roger Federer the most successful men's tennis player of the Open Era was overcome with nerves and barely beat a player he would normally steamroll. Undoubtedly effected by the loss of Rafael Nadal, the 16 time grand slam champion, beat Julien Benneteau coming back from two sets down to advance though to the fourth round.

(A noticeably nervy Roger Federer had to come from two sets down to beat Julien Benneteau. How will Murray handle to pressure today? Picture: Reuters)

So if the added pressure of the absence of the world number two is effecting Federer, what will Andy Murray's psyche be like? The great British hope will have suffered extra media attention and added hype now the Spaniard who's conquered him three times at Wimbledon is gone.

Today will not be easy for Britain's number one. Marcos Baghdatis is an exciting shot-maker who loves a show-court and is a former semi finalist here. The Cypriot is also coached by Murray's former coach. Miles Maclagan, who oversaw Murray's rise to number four in the world and will undoubtedly have a detailed game plan on how to stop his former protege.

(Marcos Baghdatis is hoping to end British hopes today will Murray's former coach Miles Maclagan have the gameplan to take out Murray Picture: Getty Images)

Before Murray can continue his run, centre court will see an intriguing intense battle between two of the mentally strongest players of their generation. David Ferrer takes on Andy Roddick in their first ever Wimbledon battle. Two contrasting players whose head to head is split 6-4 in the Spaniard's favour, have never met at Wimbledon before and their meeting is on paper the most thrilling of the day.

While only separated by a year, the two player's careers seem to be heading in opposite directions. Ferrer at 30 is arguably playing the tennis of his life. The world number six made his first French Open semi-final last month and remains one of the most dogged competitors on tour. Much talk surrounding the American however is about his apparent retirement at the end of this year. Roddick's added grass court nous could make the difference in what's likely to be one of the toughest battles of the tournament.

(Three time finalist Andy Roddick faces stern test against David Ferrer who's won six of their ten meetings Picture: Getty Images)

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga is now the projected semi-final opponent for Murray but as Lukas Rosol emphatically proved on Thursday sport is not played on paper. Slovakia's Lukas Lacko is the athletic Frenchman's next opponent, he took out Jurgen Melzer to reach the third round.

Juan Martin Del Potro is among those likely to fancy their chances of reaching the Wimbledon final now a certain Nadal is absent from the bottom half of the draw. He takes on Kei Nishikori- a dangerous ball striker now firmly established in top 20 after initially struggling with the physicality of men's tennis.

(Queens Champion Marin Cilic could meet Andy Murray in the fourth round today he faces big hitting, Sam Querrey Picture: The News)

Should the world number four be victorious on centre court he will return on Monday to face either Sam Querrey or Marin Cilic. Two six and a half feet giants- both suit grass perfectly and have like Murray won the Aegon Championships. They met at Wimbledon three years ago where Cilic was victorious in five tough sets. Today could be another close call.

Tenth seed Mardy Fish's health will once again be tested against the impressive 21 year old David Goffin. The Belgian took out last year's quarter finalist Bernard Tomic en route to this clash and may out last Fish who looked fatigued in his five set win over British number three James Ward.

(Will today be the day we find out why Lukas Rosol is ranked 100? Philipp Kohlschreiber is his next opponent Picture: Sporting Life)

Arguably the most intriguing match of the day takes place on court 12 where Lukas Rosol will look to replicate his colossal hitting which saw him blast Nadal out of this year's competition. He plays the other man to beat the Spaniard during this year's grass court season, Philipp Kohlschreiber. Seeded 27 the German offers a stern test as to whether the Czech can replicate the performance of a lifetime. He took out countryman Tommy Haas in the opening round  which was a brutal first round draw for the 28 year old. Chances are today is the day we see why Rosol is ranked 100 in the world but if he beats Kohlschreiber emphatically tennis could have a new superstar.

Serena Williams looking for a fifth Wimbledon singles title, takes on Jie Zheng in a repeat of a 2008 Wimbledon semi final. Williams looked in ominous form in her second round Melina Czink and will be extremely hard to beat.

Defending champion Petra Kvitova was merciless in her 6-0 6-4 destruction of Britain's Elena Baltacha. The 22 year old faces Varvara Lepchenko of the United States on court one today.

Wimbledon Day Five

After a colossal upset saw Rafael Nadal's Wimbledon campaign come to a dramatic halt, expectation and excitement has reached its peak at Wimbledon as the action continues.

Lukas Rosol  the world number 100 shocked the world when he blasted the world number two off court, producing three aces and a bullet forehand to defeat the former champion with Sampras-esque ease.

(Lukas Rosol stunned the world by knocking out Rafael Nadal can anybody take inspiration from Czech today? Picture: BBC)

The ability of the 25 year old making his first appearance at Wimbledon to not let the occasion get to him and to dismantle Nadal's second serve was nothing short of incredible. However the match was not short of controversy. The Spaniard appeared to have finally found an answer for his inspired opponent, wrapping up the fourth set 6-2 when play was stopped for 40  minutes so the final set could be played under the roof.

Nadal was not pleased with this decision and was unimpressive for the opening three sets of the contest. He made an uncharacteristic number of errors on his normally lethal forehand and also conceded his serve with a double fault at the start of the second set. This is not to take away Rosol's performance which is likely to be talked about for decades. Nadal had made the final in his past five appearances at Wimbledon.

Few people would have been more delighted with Nadal's exit than six time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer who famously has a poor record against the world number two and lost the glorious 2008 final here to the 26 year old.

(Roger Federer's chances of winning a seventh Wimbledon dramatically increased when Nadal was beaten. He plays Julien Benneteau today Picture: Getty Images)

Hoping to reach his 33rd straight grand slam quarter final a record that can truly be appreciated after last night's result, Federer faces Julien Benneteau. The 30 year old Frenchman who has a very solid game but lacks the brilliance in attack and defence to truly trouble the Swiss.

The man who had contested the last four grand slam finals with Nadal, Novak Djokovic is first up on centre court against Radek Stepanek. Stepanek employs a strange serve and volley style on grass but this suits Djokovic perfectly. The Serbian's return game is legendary and he also possesses excellent passing shots, so while the Czech is good enough to make the match exciting, he probably can't stop the world number one.

Only two men in the half Nadal exited are in action today. The towering figures of Milos Raonic and Sam Querrey tied at one set all and 3-3 in their third set. Both remain potential dangerous opponents and could cause Andy Murray a headaches if they play him in the fourth round, as both possess giant serves.

(Richard Gasquet faces big challenge against Nicholas Almagro but will fancy chances of at least a quarter final appearance Picture: TennisHeads)

Much has been made of the death of the serve volley at this year's tournament but another component of the game rarely utilised in 2012, is the one-handed backhand. Court one's final match today showcases two players with outstanding one-handers. Nicholas Almagro battles Richard Gasquet to progress to the fourth round in another wide open part of the men's draw. Tomas's Berdych's  shock exit and Ernests Gulbis's loss to a qualifier in the second round means the winner here should be reaching the last eight. They will be playing either Florian Mayer or Jerzy Janowicz, two players with little experience of the latter stages of grand slams.  Gasquet's attacking game suits grass perfectly while Almagro is more comfortable on clay. However the Frenchman's mental short-comings could once again haunt him.

Janko Tipsarevic is the highest seed outside of Djokovic and Federer in the top end of the draw. Tipsarevic takes on Mikael Youznhy the fiery Russian who has a very similar game to the Serb in what could be a very close match.

Heather Watson has lit up Wimbledon with her infectious smile and endless energy but her run here could come to an end against number three seed Agnieska Radwanska. The Polish counter puncher hasn't quite matched her success on the WTA Tour at the grand slam level but should have the experience to end British dreams on centre court.

The sign of a true champion is winning when playing badly and that is exactly what Maria Sharapova did yesterday closing out the third set of her battle against Tvesta Pironkova. Today for the world number one, it's Su Wei Hsieh from Chinese Taipei. Ranked 63 in the world the 26 year old may use Rosol's heroics last night as inspiration.

(Former Wimbledon finalist Vera Zvonareva will look to hand Kim Clijsters her final ever competitive defeat at the All England Club Picture: Zvonareva Official)

A repeat of the 2010 US Open final pits Kim Clijsters against Vera Zvonareva. If the Russian keeps her emotions in check she certainly has the potential to make this Clijsters last ever appearance at Wimbledon. Two Americans hoping to be America's next great female champion are in action today. Christina McHale seeded 28, faces a tough contest against Germany's Angelique Kerber. Coming into the tournament ranked 8 Kerber, is a genuine dark horse having had a great season backing up a US Open semi-final appearance last year.

Sloane Stephens is another American with a bright future. Backing up a fourth round appearance at the French Open last month the 19 year old could be the natural successor to the Williams sisters at the top of women's tennis in the US. Her opponent will be familiar to the SW19 crowd, Sabine Lisicki who made it all the way to semi-finals last year and won over the British tennis public with her huge first serve and massive smile.