Strengths and weaknesses of top men contenders
LONDON (Reuters) - A brief look at the strengths and weaknesses of the leading contenders for the men's title at Wimbledon which begins on Monday (prefix number denotes seeding):
1-Rafael Nadal (Spain): The champion has the ability to flatten opponents with his fearsome forehand groundstrokes. Usually a supreme athlete, but has been struggling with a knee injury and questions remain about his fitness. Apart from lack of match practice on grass, confidence could also be a major issue after his four-year reign at Roland Garros was ended unexpectedly in the fourth round.
2-Roger Federer (Switzerland): Will be high on confidence after finally conquering Roland Garros. Aiming to win a record 15th grand slam title, on his favorite surface, and snatch back the crown Nadal took from him in an epic five setter 12 months ago. After reaching 20 consecutive grand slam semi-finals, finding any chinks in his armor might be a difficult task.
3-Andy Murray (Britain): As well as being a supreme tactician, he trips up many opponents with his excellent court coverage. After winning his first grasscourt title at Queen's Club last week, he is being backed to end Britain's 73-year wait for a men's champion. All the hype and expectation could lead to his downfall.
4-Novak Djokovic (Serbia): Boasts an attractive all-court game with his backhand being his strongest weapon. His fitness, though, has been called into question time and again as he has quit mid-match four times in 18 grand slam tournaments.
5-Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina): Can adapt to playing on many different surfaces as he proved by winning back-to-back titles on clay and hardcourt in 2008. His swift coverage around the court helps him to run opponents ragged. Has made major strides this year by reaching his first grand slam semi-final in Paris. Since he has never progressed beyond round two at Wimbledon, has yet to find his comfort zone on grass .
6-Andy Roddick (U.S.): His thunderbolt serve is once again proving to be a weapon on grass but he has slipped under the radar over the last couple of years. Had to retire from his semi-final at Queen's Club after spraining his ankle. If he is a step slower than usual, he could be heading home early for the second year running.
7-Fernando Verdasco (Spain): Spain's Davis Cup hero has an ominous forehand and has proved to be a supreme athlete after keeping Nadal on court for more than five hours in a battle of wills and stamina in the Australian Open semi-finals. The gifted left-hander could face an uphill struggle to find his footing on the slick surface.
9-Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France): Federer picked him as a threat on grass and he definitely favors the faster surfaces. In his only previous appearance at Wimbledon, the 2008 Australian Open finalist got to the fourth round and has the potential go further but failed to impress in Halle.
(Writing by Pritha Sarkar)
