Wimbledon # 2

Well my outlook has severely changed on the outcome of the Wimbledon finals since last night. I'm leaning more towards my original thoughts that I had a week ago.

Roger Federer did it again. He made it to the quarter-finals and didn't even have to play in the fourth round. That's right, after Tommy Haas had to withdrawal due to another injury, Federer sailed through and now has several days off before another match. Because of the rain Federer won't be able to practice much on grass.

This could be bad, even for Federer.

As I watched the third round between Federer and Russia's Marat Safin, my thoughts changed. First I have to say that Safin is one of my favorites — at least in my top five, maybe top four. Federer and Safin played some sweet shots in that match but I think Federer is right. Safin has become a little complacent with where he is. I think he wants to beat Federer again but he just doesn't want it bad enough. Safin and Nadal, as discussed on today on NBC, are the only two players that have beaten Federer in a major in three years.

That's pretty remarkable.

Nevertheless, I have renewed faith in Safin. I think he was well on his way to becoming one of the greatest of all time but Federer started to crush his dreams and Safin hasn't recovered. I think that could be changing.

Roger Federer is humble, there is no doubt in my mind that he is, but I have to say that I feel like he may experience a rude awakening. Wimbledon is his kingdom and he is the King there but he has to remember that he's not invincible.

I truly believe that next year is going to be Federer's year. I think he is going to win every grand slam for a Calendar Year Grand Slam and will win every match with dignity and his heart will be humbled…but this year…I'm just not sure.

My hopes are high for Andy Roddick. To be honest, up until this year I wanted Roddick to come and finally beat Federer in the finals at Wimbledon. The most he can hope for is beating him in the quarters or semis but not the final. Of course knowing now how high the stakes are for Federer, I do want him to win but I think Roddick wants this, I mean really wants this. Even though I feel out of the loop with Nadal all of a sudden, I believe that Federer shouldn't hold his breath. If he makes it to the finals, which I'm sure he will, if he doesn't look at his opponents for what they truly are — threats — he may not win his fifth consecutive Wimbledon title.

So who's going to win? Probably Federer, but I'm not 100 percent convinced. But you can guarantee it's going to be Roddick, Nadal, or Federer.

Could you imagine what it would be like if it's a Roddick/Nadal Final??? Oh my goodness. I love them all but I want Federer to acquire that Grand Slam!

Come back tomorrow for more thoughts. Thanks.