ESPN

Matt Wilansky

  (12:05 PM)

Welcome to Day 1 of Wimbledon, folks. We've already seen James Blake flop, while Roger Federer looked comfortable on this first grass match of the season. Fire away with your questions.

karan (toronto)

hey..thanks for taking my question..if Federer wins the wimbeldon, does he become the number 1 ranked player?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:11 PM)

Welcome, Karan. In fact Federer would become the No. 1 player in the world with a win. If he reaches the final and loses, he'll remain at No. 2 but would be within mere points of Nadal.

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Hey guys, what are the chances that Rafa will just skip the entire summer hard-court season? Will we see him back at all before the Aussie next year, or even the clay-court season/French?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:14 PM)

Hi Sarah. That's the 10,000-dollar question. According to the latest reports, he in unclear when he'll venture back on to the court again. But it's safe to assume, we'll seem him back at some point before the U.S. Open.

Evan (Ann Arbor)

With the recent withdrawl of Nadal, people continue to talk about Roger being the front runner. Even with a healthy Nadal, I strongly feel the grass courts suit Roger much better and that he was the favorite to win it. When will people start to appreciate Roger's consistancy? Nadal barely won last year after being up 2 quick sets, it wasnt like it was a cakewalk for him. And his body is starting to break down due to the style he plays at. Point is being the best player means winning consistantly on every surface with consistancy and the only player in the last 5-6 years to claim that top spot belongs solely to Rog. So all this talk of an asterick next to the French and possibly Wimbledon is plain ridiculous to me. There is no doubt Roger is the best.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:20 PM)

That's a fair point, Evan, however Rafael Nadal has dominated Federer -- and that speaks volumes. Prior to Madrid, Nadal won five consecutive matches on three different surfaces. While Federer's 20 consecutive Slam semifinals is an amazing feat, he still has yet to figure out a strategy that will work against his nemesis.

rafa(mallorca)

don't worry guys, i will be 100% for us open and compete for career grand slam just like roger did at the french, no?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:21 PM)

Thanks, Rafa. Glad you could join us today.

Louis (Montreal)

With the recent withdrawal of Nadal and Montfils, does it means pure athleticsm is not helpful in the long run?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:24 PM)

Louis, I think it's a mere coincidence that two of the most fit players on tour have renounced their Wimbledon entry. To your point, Nadal and Monfils do abuse their bodies on the court and the long-term affects are unknown. I suspect both be fit for the hard-court season.

Sean (Spokane)

Do you think the Djoker can come through and win Wimbledon?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:29 PM)

Sean, amazing how underplayed Djokovic is this year. The general consensus is that the event if Federer's or Murray's to lose. Remember, he did reach the finals in Halle (losing to Haas) but his road was bumpy. Djokovic, though, was the fortunate recipient of a cushy draw. His first real threat might not come until a potential quarterfinal showing versus Maric Cilic.

RAY GORDON REID ( LOS ANGELES CAL 90012)

QUESTIONAT AT12.40 PM TO MATT WILANSKY HI MATT WHO DO YOU LIKE ON THE WOMEN SIDE

Matt Wilansky

  (12:31 PM)

Thanks for joining us, Ray. Like most others, it's hard to argue against the Williams sisters. They have a combined eight Wimbledon titles and feel at home on the grass. Until a top-tier women steps up consistently, I wouldn't count on anyone else winning.

adi (toronto)

what's roddick's head to head with murray? what r his chances of coming out of the top half?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:35 PM)

Adi, Murray has won six of eight matches versus Roddick. However, Roddick did beat him the last time the two met on Grass, at the Queen's Club in 2008.

Chad (Las Vegas)

Go ask LeBron James fan how it feels to crown a champion before it happens. Rafa has a chance to catch Sampras and Federer but until he is there I wouldn't say he is the greatest. Greatest on clay maybe; overall he has a ways to go.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:38 PM)

I couldn't agree more, Chad. A couple of our experts were ambivalent on Federer's place in history -- claiming they wanted to wait until Rafa's career was finished. As it stands right now, Nadal is not close to being in the greatest-of-all-time discussion.

SprungOnSports (Long Island)

Who do you think the biggest threat is to Federer at this point? Djokovic? Murray? Del Potro?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:48 PM)

All three are viable options. Certinally, other big hitters (Roddick, Cilic, Tsonga) are a threat. By the way, Djokovic lost the first set to Julien Benneteau.

victor (monroe,la)

HOW COME bONNIE FORD DID NOT MAKE THE TRIP TO ENGLAND?SHE,S NUMBERONE.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:51 PM)

Victor, we're lamenting Bonnie's absence, too. She told me this morning that this is the first Slam she's missed since the Australian Open in 2007. Bonnie will be covering the Tour de France this year, but fear not, she'll be back for the U.S Open.

adi (toronto)

i couldn't agree with you more with the nadal GOAT discussion. i couldn't understand their assestions neither. as it stands now, Agassi is way in front of Nadal in my best ever list!

Matt Wilansky

  (12:52 PM)

Adi, Agassi has eight Slams, including all four. Right now, he is certainly higher in the pantheon of all-time greats than Nadal.

Rebecca (Durham)

What's your opinion of James Blake's performance?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:53 PM)

Rebecca, thanks for joining us. As my colleague Greg Garber would say: Listless, lethargic and laconic. However, he claims he was afflicted by a stomach ailment. More details to come -- I'm sure.

Grant (St. Louis)

I tried to watch the Sharapova match today but had to turn it off...I wasn't sure if the girls were playing tennis or holding a screaming contest. It's gotten beyond grunting. At what point does this stop and what can the WTA do about it?

Matt Wilansky

  (1:00 PM)

Grant, the decibel levels have gotten out of control. During the French Open, Michelle Larcher de Brito's audio outputs were so piercing, it led to some contentious postmatch handshakes. The screaching "Eeennnyyeeeahhhhh" is certainly an issue the WTA has not made any real noise (no pun) about toning it down. FYI, expect more squealing from Sharapova and de Brito -- as they both won their Wimby openers.

Drew (Glastonbury)

As Blake says, he still has the ability to play, it is his inconsistency that is causing the early exits from Grand Slams. What will it take to get him back in the game? Do you think that he is on the way down the rankings permanently as consistency is the backbone of the game?

Matt Wilansky

  (1:03 PM)

Drew, that's a great question. While has been foundering for quote some time and was written off by many. But after an auspicious run to the Queen's Club final, we felt he might make s decent run at Wimbledon.

Matt Wilansky

  (1:03 PM)

That's all for today, folks. Thanks for chatting and keep the questions coming. I'll be back at the same time tomorrow. Cheers.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:04 PM)

Sorry for the tardy start, folks. A lot going on today. Andy Roddick just advanced to the second round with a four-set win over Jeremy Chardy. Alright, what do you have for me?

ivan (new jersey)

who do you think is going to win in the women side?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:06 PM)

Ivan, I've been asked this question a few times in the past two days. After watching Venus today -- despite a shaky start -- it's hard to argue against the five-time champ. As our intrepid writer, Ravi Ubha, will write later, no one feels more at home on the Wimby grass.

victor ( monroe,la)

could you ask wimbledon officals to please correct the time in londdon they,re saying it,5 45p.m england timeand that,snot correct the correct london timeshould be 1545p.m. which is 345pm.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:07 PM)

Well that's not good.

Harold (Los Angeles)

What is wrong with James Blake?? Overrated? Head not in the game? Old?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:12 PM)

Tough question, Harold. He really foundered for a good part of the year. Let's face it, he's not a young pup anymore. But after an auspicious run to the Queen's Club final, his Wimbledon first-round loss was certainly a shock.

Floro (Montevideo, Uruguay)

Can you inform result of Cuevas today??

Matt Wilansky

  (12:15 PM)

Floro, he's down two sets to Christophe Rochus. Remember, you can get all the latest scores right here: http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/scoreboard?tournamentId=188

Scott. Tasmania. Australia [via mobile]

What is mrs rogers pregnancy status? Would it be a issue @ wimbeldon or new york?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:18 PM)

Scott, Mr. Federer has been fairly reticent, but speculation has it that they'll have their baby in the beginning of August.

Patrick (San Diego)

In the 4th quarter draw for the ladies, other than Serena, who do you think can advance out of that section? I say the winner of the projected match b/w Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:19 PM)

Patrick, I really like Azarenka. But after the shellacking she gave Serena in the final of Key Biscayne, Serena will be out for retribution.

Jamie (Kansas City)

Who is a player that no one is talking about who has a legit shot to challenge Federer for the championship. Or, is it Federer's to lose?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:22 PM)

Welcome, Jamie. If you tally 1,000 spectators here on the grounds of Wimbledon, I would venture to say it would be nearly 50-50 for Federer and Murray. With Rafa out and Djoker underwhelming of late, it's hard to fathom anyone else taking the title.

Michael Stroman (Brooklyn, NY)

Matt, I'd like to get your opinion of on court coaching. I thought the blatant coaching in the French Open Final with Safina was pathetic. I think there should be no coaching in a grand slam final period. As a professional player you should be able to to figure things out on your own and make the necessary adjustments.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:26 PM)

Great question, Michael. I'm a strong proponent of a complete moratorium on coaching. As you mentioned, tennis is an individual sport -- one which quick thinking play a role as much as talent. There's no place in the game for in-match coaching.

Joe (Dayton, OH)

What's up with Fed's warm up attire? The guy is such a class act, but this comes off as snobbish- even more so than his past Wimbledon gear.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:27 PM)

Joe, as our friend Peter Bodo wrote yesterday, "Federer may be a great player and a good person but his latest fashion statement once again suggests that he wants to be taken for some kind of a swell ..."I don't get it, either. Of course, I wore my tee-shirt inside out (accidently) today so what do I know.

Kyle (Madison)

I think Roddick has a real legitimate shot to win Wimbledon this year. Call me crazy, but is he not playing the best tennis of his career now this year after recently overhauling his game and nailing down his fitness? I think we may have a rematch of the old Federer-Roddick Finals at Wimby this year!

Matt Wilansky

  (12:31 PM)

Kyle, Roddick certainly seems to have honed his game of late. A big serve is always a weapon on grass. Jurgen Melzer and Nikolay Davydeko could present problems in the coming rounds, but I believe we're looking at a quarterfinal clash with Juan Martin del Potro.

Phillip (Jacksonville, FL)

Matt, do you know what's been going on with Ernests Gulbis? He was seen as a rising star last year, he really challenged Roddick at the US Open, and yet he has (I think) a losing match record this year

Matt Wilansky

  (12:34 PM)

Phillip, as my colleague Ravi Ubha informs me, Gulbis split with his coach recently, so perhaps the change will garner better results. FYI, Gulbis did win his opener today.

Greg Garber (Wimbledon, England)

When do I get my own chat back? Get this Matt guy outta here

Matt Wilansky

  (12:40 PM)

You want it, Garber. You can have it. ... FYI for all the readers out there, check out Garber's piece on latest reports circulating on Rafael Nadal.

Darryl (Glastonbury)

Has the new roof changed the dynamics of play at all?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:45 PM)

Thanks for joining us, Darryl: Interesting you should ask that question. For a nation that has long lamented the gloomy weather, we're still waiting for the long-awaited debut of the roof. When it does close, Darryl, it will likely help the big hitters, much in the way an indoor tournament typically does.

Wyatt (Aledo,IL)

do you think Roger is going to win ?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:47 PM)

Wyatt, I chose him in my experts' picks and we're sticking with it.

Chad (Las Vegas)

The next great American male tennis player is _________?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:47 PM)

Not born yet.

Steve F. (Dallas, Tx)

Matt, do you think it is fair to compare only head to head match-ups between Roger and Rafa, after all, Federer always makes the finals or semi-finals, whereas Rafa only gets there when he is playing his best tennis? The implication being that oftentimes, their match-ups come when Roger is not playing his best, and Rafa is. Needless to say, Roger dissected Rafa in their most recent meeting (which was on clay.)

Matt Wilansky

  (12:53 PM)

Steve, that's a great question. The way I look at it is this: Federer has won 14 Slams, including each one at least once. Rafa owns seven. In 10 years when they're careers are over, few will remember individual head-to-heads. They'll focus on big-picture accomplishments like major titles and perhaps Davis Cup championships.

ivan (new jersey)

dou you think we can see another williams final at wimbledon this year?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:53 PM)

Ivan, I wouldn't bet against it.

Rajesh (Atlanta, Ga)

Mr. Garber-My favorite authority on all things tennis. At this point, minus Nadal and Rodger, who do you think has the game to win on all four surfaces? I feel like many may go with Djokovic or Murray, but I think Del Potro has played bloody brilliant (just a little brit slang) lately. His match with the always dangerous Hewitt is the best second round showdown-right?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:55 PM)

Rajesh, fear not, Garber will be back on Thursday. The second-round clash with Hewitt and Del Potro will certainly be the most tantalizing early matchup of this fortnight.

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Did Bud not pack enough clothing for the fortnight? He's wearing the same shirt as yesterday!

Matt Wilansky

  (12:58 PM)

Sarah, I'm not sure what to tell you. I will, however, see Bud at 7:40 local to shoot a preview segment. I'll be happy to pass on your query.

Juan Martin Del Potro (Wimbledon, England)

Hewitt is washed up and coming off hip surgery and I am getting better with each match. I'm going to win in straight sets

Matt Wilansky

  (1:00 PM)

Juan, let't not get too confident. Remember how you folded against Federer in the French Open semifinals. Until you prove you have the gumption to win big matches, I'm not fully advocating you as an elite player. And don't be surprised if you hear this a few times during your match: "C'mon, Mate!"

Matt Wilansky

  (12:12 PM)

Greetings, all. Again, sorry for the delay. Lots going on: Sharapova disappointed while Federer cruised. How can I help you today?

adi (toronto)

as much as i want venus to win again, i am also hoping for a first time grand slam champ in jankovic, dementieva or safina. among these three, who do you think has the greater chance - draw-wise, and capability-wise?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:17 PM)

Adi, welcome back to the chat. I can't fathom Jankovic making any real noise this year. Though she is slated to meet an equally struggling Ana Ivanovic in the fourth round, she would never surmount Venus Williams in the quarters. Dinara Safina's largest obstacle will be French Open titlist Svetlana Kuznetsova. I don't think any of these girls will win the tourney, but Safina has the best shot.

victor (monroe,la)

Do you gebtlemen agree with me maria will win the U.s..OPEN THIS YEAR IF SHE CAN NOT WIN WIMBLEDON?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:18 PM)

Not this year, Victor. Her rehab tool longer than expected and she has not proven that the old Maria is coming back anytime soon. Let's talk again in 2010.

catrice (dallas)

Why are writers so quick to write off players? Roger will never win another major, Rafael Nadal is through..Novak is the next best thing..now Andy Murray...so fickle. Why is tennis so much more of "what have you done for me lately" than other sports? People keep believing in the Lakers, the Red Sox, so many others, but in tennis we panic and write everyone's demise after a few losses....even if injury is involved. I didn't see that many peopel saying Tiger's career is over. Rafa will be back and Roger never went anywhere! Why so fickle in tennis?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:20 PM)

fair enough, but remember tennis is a young man's game. Federer is not the player he was two years ago. That doesn't mean he won't win more majors. Nadal has been marred by injuries for a long time. Team sports can always trade and draft. Tennis players simply move on to golf.

Raj (Philadelphia)

Matt- Cilic and Querrey today, great second round matchup. Who do you like? The winner seems to have a great shot at the quarters, in a pretty weak section of the draw

Matt Wilansky

  (12:24 PM)

Raj, definitely the most intriguing matchup of the day. Cilic has load of talent, but I'm not convinced his footing is adequate for grass yet. I'm going with Querrey in four.

Berta (Glastonbury)

Hi Matt - I find Hewitt's comment regarding women not being fit enough for 5 sets offensive. I see players, men or women, training for the requirements of their game - so why would women train for 5 sets - they are training and fit for 3 sets. If it did change surely different players would emerge though. What do you think?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:27 PM)

Berta, that was certainly a foot-in-mouth moment. But does it really surprise you? Remember Hewitt's racism innuendo at the U.S. Open in 2001 when he was playing James Blake? It was a really bad decision to make those comments public.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:28 PM)

Raj, you're back: I'm going with Tsonga. Big game, no pressure.

Richard (South Africa)

What do you think of Novak's play? I think he is slowly building his confidence and if he meets Roger in the semis he can pull off the upset....

Matt Wilansky

  (12:29 PM)

Thanks for the question, Richard. Novak has been underwhelming of late. He might still go far but he's lost the air of confidence he once thrived on. For more on Novak, go to out blog section of the tennis page and read Ravi Ubha's posting.

fed fan (deserta, zimbabwe)

matt - if fed wins wimby, do you think he will go on and win the usopen again?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:32 PM)

Tough call, Fed fan. You can't count him out but remember, Mr. Nadal will be looming large.

Richard (South Africa)

What do you think of Wertheims idea that the men play best of 3 sets in the first week and then 5 sets in the second week?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:32 PM)

Not buying it, Richard. Though I am, by nature, a traditionalist.

venus williams (wimbledon, uk)

why can't i win at any of the other majors? what do i need to do differently? do you think i can actually win something other than wimby?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:33 PM)

Venus, I suggest honing your footwork. You often look at little quirky on other surfaces, but you are the greatest grass court player of this current generation. Isn't that enough?

Pete (NC)

Better rivalry: Sampras vs Agassi or Federer vs Nadal? I say the former.

Matt Wilansky

  (12:35 PM)

Wow, Pete: Good query. I'm going with Pete and Andre because they were diametrically opposite in so many ways. Furthermore, Rafa-Federer has devolved into a one-sided shellacking from Nadal.

Tom (Jacksonville, FL)

Matt, do you really buy Djokovic's claim that he is still mentally fatigued from his 4 hour loss to Nadal on clay pre-French Open? Doesn't this seem like a bit of a cop-out for his bad play, that he'd be affected from one semifinal (non major) long match for many weeks?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:35 PM)

Tom, I'm not totally buying it, but the mere fact that it is even brought up validates Djoker's state of mind.

Flemming (Copenhagen, Denmark)

Which do you prefer, men's or women's tennis? I, frankly, do not care much about the women's game, except Wozniacki for the obvious reason. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but it seems to me that above average power can take you a long way. I loved watching Henin take the Williamses apart. Now it's all big forehands.......

Matt Wilansky

  (12:37 PM)

Flemming, I had a few garden-variety tennis fans out to Wimbledon yesterday. They each claimed that the women's game was far more interesting because the point construction is more appealing to the fan. I love men's tennis, but again that's one person's opinion.

Joe (Dayton, OH)

Murray's best chance of getting that first major is at the U.S. Open instead of Wimbledon, no?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:42 PM)

Couldn't agree more, Joe. Pressure aside, I'm not 100 percent convinced Murray will get by Ernests Gulbis in the next round. Murray was less than stellar in his opener here at Wimbledon, while he thrives on hard courts.

Richard (South Africa)

Whats your favourite Wimbledon moment?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:43 PM)

I have two, Richard: The 2001 final between Ivanisevic and Rafter was simply enthralling. The Monday final added to the pageantry of the event. And, of course, last year's Federer-Nadal final. Hello.

Siva (Toronto)

I am a BIG Roger fan; he is the only reason I watch tennis. He got a beautiful tennis game. His clothing choices are very uncomfortable to watch. Do you think Roger F or Nike will listen to the criticisms generated from his absurd clothing choices? He refuses to modify his game to fit Nadal. Please pass a message for him: Rog, Please stop the madness with the ridiculous clothing!

Matt Wilansky

  (12:46 PM)

Silva, I'll go on record as calling Federer's ensemble pretentious. I'm not a fan. His game is beautiful but I'd prefer a nice white sweatshirt and warm-up pants.

Phillip (Daytona Beach)

I wasn't aware this chat was between Richard of South Africa and Mr Wilansky. Just joking- Richard's questions are always good. Anyway, do you see Victoria Azarenka as a legitimate threat to win this title? Let's not forget how she's owned Serena on hard courts this year..obviously this is grass, but she seems to have a propensity for faster courts, and supposedly these Wimbledon courts are playing almost like hard courts w/ true bounces

Matt Wilansky

  (12:48 PM)

Richard pays me for every question I answer. But seriously, I think Azarenka has a legitimate shot to win the title. She is perfectly suited to grass. If memory serves, I am fairly certain a good amount of my colleagues at Tennis.com picked her to win.

Suzanne (Vermont)

Matt-- There's a new tennis book out--maybe by Jon Wertheim?Do you know the title?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:51 PM)

"Strokes of Genius: Federer/Nadal and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played."

Mary (Costa Rica)

hi...! how much points does Rafa will lose?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:54 PM)

Mary, Rafa will lose the 2,000 points he accumulated last year at Wimbledon.

Tom (Boca Raton, FL)

Matt- I think Blake is near the end of his career. He's 30, probably not as athletic as he once was..and more importantly, we know he's an incredibly smart and rational guy. Perhaps knowing that he's no longer a legitimate threat to contend in majors, he just can't summon the motivation to achieve the same success he has had before

Matt Wilansky

  (12:55 PM)

I agree, Tom. I can foresee Blake reaching quarterfinals in Grand Slams for the next couple of years, but nothing more.

Pete (NC)

What happened to American tennis? We have the Williamses and that's basically it. When we will get another American male major winner?

Matt Wilansky

  (12:57 PM)

Pete, I don't know. I'm not counting Roddick out, but I believe the next batch of great American men might only be 15 or 16 years old right now.

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Hey Matt, you're awesome! I just wanted to know if there has been any talk of revising the men's points system so that points from the previous year aren't held over -- they just start at Jan. 1 and base the rankings on points accumulated at events that calendar year? Thanks! You rule!

Matt Wilansky

  (1:01 PM)

Hi, Sarah, you're pretty swell, too. The ATP invoked two different scoring systems for a few years. One was the Race, where everyone started on a clean slate as of Jan. 1. The rankings system was based on a rolling 52-week schedule. They have since eliminated the former to make the overall system less convoluted. I have always contended that there is a more intuitive way to keep track of points -- perhaps something akin to NASCAR.

Jason (Toronto)

How can Federer be declining while Roddick is still improving at the same time? They are only 1 year apart in age and they both became elite players at the same time. Yet everyone talks about Federer losing a step and Roddick has apparently made "vast improvement" to his backhand, speed and net skills each year for the past 4 years.

Matt Wilansky

  (1:02 PM)

Jason, I think it goes to show you how elite Federer was. There was not much more he could do to sharpen his game. Roddick, his 2003 U.S. Open title aside, has always struggled with his backhand and movement, corrections he is taking seriously this year.

Carlos (Hawthorne, NJ)

What happened to the days when the commentators didn't speak during a point? While we certainly appreciate what the commentators have to say, it is incredibly distracting to have them continue speaking during a point... just a thought.

Matt Wilansky

  (1:04 PM)

Carlos, I have heard that a lot. The mute button is a wonderful option for you.

sugar (florida)

i love tennis but i cant stand sharapova screaming i turn off the sound when she plays they should do something about this

Matt Wilansky

  (1:04 PM)

Sugar, fear not. Maria lost today.

Terry (San Francisco)

Hey Matt, if we add you on Facebook will you be completely creeped out?

Matt Wilansky

  (1:05 PM)

Terry, always happy to have more friends.

Phil (Minneapolis)

Matt, if Garber ever starts chatting again I bet that the # of questions received/traffic will be cut in half. Please don't let him back. Jokes

Matt Wilansky

  (1:07 PM)

Phil, I have horrible news. Garber is landing in Heathrow tomorrow at 5:55 a.m., playing tennis at 8 a.m. and chatting at 5 p.m. local (noon ET).

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Hey Matt, can you tell Greg I will be back to my regular old antics in the live chats like I was at the French Open? I've been busy and haven't been able to be home but will be ready to go tomorrow!

Matt Wilansky

  (1:08 PM)

Zach, he's been asking about you. Good to know.

Richard (South AFrica)

how much media access do you have? Do the players welcome the journalists? would they take any advice from them?

Matt Wilansky

  (1:10 PM)

And we'll end this chat session with a question from my pal Richard. ... We have decent access. Can get into the players' lounge and interview rooms, of course. Offering a player advice is not a wise decision, though.

Matt Wilansky

  (1:11 PM)

Alrighty, my friends. Need to roll. But the venerable Greg Garber will be back and better than ever tomorrow. We'll catch you soon. Cheers.

Greg Garber

  (12:04 PM)

Greetings, tennis fans. Greg Garber here, fresh (not so much) at the All England Club after a long, long journey from Connecticut. Lots to talk about. Let's get right to it...

Zack (Harrisonburg, VA)

Is Hewitt's upset THAT surprising? I personally don't think a former champion winning is that surprising...I was more surprised by Sharapova being upset.

Greg Garber

  (12:07 PM)

Zack: How could we NOT start off with you? Thanks for joining in. On several levels, it IS surprising. Before the match, my friend Greg Sharko of the ATP World Tour gave me a stat: Hewitt had not beaten a top-10 player in a Grand Slam since .... 2005. That was the semifinals in the Australian Open. So, more than four years later, he takes down No. 5 seed Juan Martin del Potro -- in straight sets. Yikes.

joe ((nyc))

without Rafa in the draw this wimbledon is the least exciting major i can ever remember in years, no?

Greg Garber

  (12:11 PM)

Joe: Maybe it's the jet-lag talking, but I'm going to say no. On the men's side, it IS pretty exciting. Sure, Federer is the favorite but he spent a lot of emotional energy in paris winning his first French Open title. Remember that before Rafa last year, no one had won the rare Roland Garros-Wimbledon double since Bjorn Borg, in 1980. One of the Andys should reach the final and who knows what will happen?

Juan Martin Del Potro (En route to Buenos Aires)

Maybe I shouldn't have been so cocky at the end of the last chat about my chances against Hewitt. How did I lose so badly? Is Hewitt suddenly fully recovered from his hip surgery?

Greg Garber

  (12:12 PM)

Hah! Apparently, Hewitt has fully recovered. Se you on the hardcourt circuit, Juan...

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Hey Greg, do you think Carla Suarez Navarro can pull a repeat of her performance at the Aussie and beat Venus again?

Greg Garber

  (12:15 PM)

You're all over it, Sarah. On clay, it's one thing to beat Venus. Suarez Navarro is terrific on the dirt. I watched one of her matches at Roland Garros and she gets everything. But Venus is virtually unbeatable on grass. Her serve and forehand, blunted on clay, blow through the court much quicker here on grass -- the ball skids like crazy in the early rounds when the grass still has some juice. I'll take Venus in straights.

Rohan (INDIA)

Hi. Did u notice Robert Kendrick volley against Murray the other day? He had Murray's number on so many points. Don't u think that if u have a great serve like a Roddick or Federer and place ure serve well that u can come to the net more often? Even serve and volley? I think if u execute well at the net, a guy like kendrick or federer could beat murray or a nadal far easier than wat is done currently, ure views?

Greg Garber

  (12:18 PM)

Great point, Rohan. Getting to net is critical here at Wimbledon, even since the balls got bigger and the surface got slower. The players that move forward tend to succeed. Roddick just mentoned ths about his third-round opponent, Jurgen Melzer. Venus plays better here because she feels like she has to play more aggressively. I've heard Mary Joe Fernandez say she should take that mentality to ALL surfaces...

catrice (dallas)

Can we get any comments about the doubles? I haven't seen any mention of the Bryan Brothers, or Fish and Blake in the draw. How do you see their chances....and of course Venus and Serena if they are healthy enough to play both singles and doubles

Greg Garber

  (12:21 PM)

Catrice: Here is your doubles moment. How about Mardy Fish and James Blake just knocked off the reigning Roland Garros Champions, Dlouhy and Paes. They were the No. 3 seeds here and the Americans handled them easily. AND: The Williams sisters are currently up one set on Razzano and Rezai. There, and we didn't even mention the Bryan Brothers...

victor (monroe,la)

what time will jelena jankovic take the court i want her at centre court saturday if she wins?

Greg Garber

  (12:25 PM)

Hey, Victor. Looks like Jankovic has a bit of a wait -- as do you. She's the fourth match on Court 2, and with Ferrero-Santoro only early in the second set, it could be awhile. Let's say it goes four -- that could bring her out around 8 PM local time. With a glorious blue sky they can play until 9:30 here...I'll talk to the scheduling folks about Saturday.

Wilson (NYC)

Are you hearing anything about how Rafa's team will handle his schedule going forward?

Greg Garber

  (12:28 PM)

Wilson:Say this about Uncle Toni: He always learns as he goes forward. Clearly, Nadal was overplayed and I'm thinking he won't play Madrid next year if the calendar stays the same. Remember how he used to play those ittle clay-court events in South America early in his career? He made the adjustment then -- and he'll make it now. As ong as his knees hold out...

Perry (St. Augustine, FL)

Boy, Andy Roddick has got to be licking his chops looking at his quarter right now.. do you see anyone who can stop him from getting to the semis?

Greg Garber

  (12:29 PM)

Nope. Perry, I'm writing my story on Roddick that will be posted in a few hours. Unless you're scared of Jurgen Melzer or Nikolay Davydenko or Lleyton Hewitt, he's got a nice little path in front of him.

Greg Garber

  (12:32 PM)

Wilson: My tennis editor Matt Wilansky (our heroic chatter for the first three days) assures me we will get a podcast going before the U.S.Open. Oh, and those page views? Record numbers for Roland Garros (they exceeded last year's Wimbledon numbers) and good early returns at Wimbledon. Thank you for your support.

Greg Garber

  (12:32 PM)

Uh, nobody, Roger...

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

Zack:Wilansky (sadly, sitting next to me) says Marin Cilic, sort of Del Potro-in-waiting...

Greg Garber

  (12:35 PM)

Sarah: Hey, water is water, right? Stick with your Fiji...

Greg Garber

  (12:38 PM)

Jason, bringing the heat. My (extensive) research shows that Venus has won five of the last nine Wimbledons and reached seven finals. Federer has won five of the last six and made all six finals. I'll go with Federer -- who is a bigger favorite here than Venus is one the womens side. Serena is technically the favorite of odds-makers.

Greg Garber

  (12:39 PM)

Something about a bike race. In France. Guy named Lance in it...

Zack (Harrisonburg, VA)

The BIG question...Rafa is going through physical and personal problems...will he show up for the US Open? If he does I hope he wins!

Greg Garber

  (12:41 PM)

Zack, dominating, as usual ... Great question. I think he gets a great big rest and comes back fresher than he's ever been in an attempt to complete his personal Grand Slam. Best U.S. Open result to date: semifinals last year.

Evan (Ann Arbor)

Also, is Marat Safin one of the biggest disappointments in tennis history? This guy had such a huge game but was never able to focus or commited to winning. Over the years I have been rooting for a lost cause it seems.

Greg Garber

  (12:43 PM)

Evan:You've got something there. After he blew out Sampras in the 2000 U.S. Open (giving him only 10 games), you expected more. He himself said he should have had one or two more. Maybe three or four?

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

Dave: Santoro's your (old) man. Turns 37 in December. Guy is amazing. On the verge of splitting first two sets with Ferrero, a former Grand Slam champion.

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

Diana: Be happy for their eearly success. Hewitt would have a tough fourth-round match and, if he reached the quarters, see Roddick. Haas gets Cilic on Friday. VERY tough matchup for him. tall guys seem to give Hewitt trouble, and Cilic is 6-6...

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

Evan: I'm sure they'll come up with something. Pete Sampras was asked after the French if he'd come to Wimbledon (for the first time since he retired) if Federer got to the final and was in position to break his record with GS title No. 15. He wrote: TBD.I take that as a yes, because he's a classy guy. You saw how well-received Andre Agassi was at the French when he gave Federer the trophy 10 years after HE completed HIS Grand Slam.

Dave (MA)

I'm a huge Fabrice Santoro fan. Any chance he makes a run to the quarters?

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

Not sure he mkaes the third round, Dave. Ferrero just won the second set handily.

shameer (chicago)

have you ever played against rodger federer

Greg Garber

  (12:54 PM)

Nope, but I DID play with Federer's prototype racket a few years ago here. It was incredibly heavy through the throat and had a tiny sweet spot, which might explain those occasional shanks...

Jake (Glastonbury)

Do you think Andy Roddick has been wrongly criticized for his paucity of Grand Slam titles. He?s had to encounter Federer and Nadal. Let?s give him credit, shall we? ? Also, Greg, when is Matt returning to the chat?

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Yes, I DO think he has over-achieved in Slams, rather than under-achieved. This is the subject of today's story, to be posted soon. And, regarding Wilansky, I am happy to report, Mrs. Wilansky, that your husband can step in any time he likes. He IS the boss.

Tom (Wallingford, PA)

Greg, what do you think has happened to Ferrero's career? He won the French in 2003, reached the USO final that year and got to the Australia semis in 2004, and basically has been out of the top 10 since

Greg Garber

  (12:56 PM)

Tom: Typical, really. Got closer and closer in Paris, broke through, and lost the hunger to really dominate at the top. There are a lot of one-Slam wonders out there.

George (NY)

Safin isn't close to a bid disappoinment. He won 2 grand slams and carried Russia to Davis Cup Titles. A disappointment is Rios!

Greg Garber

  (12:57 PM)

Disagree, George, but right on with Rios.

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

You mean, can she beat Safina and Kuznetsova to get there? Not so sure. Not yet.

Patrick (California)

Is the only way that roger federer can win if rafeal nadal isnt playing?

Greg Garber

  (12:59 PM)

Not necessarily. He's won seven matches against Rafa over the years. If Rafa had played here, Federer STILL would have been the favorite...

Richard (South Africa)

Would you rather have Federer's forhand or Rafa's forehand?

Greg Garber

  (12:59 PM)

Matt Wilansky says: Rafa. It's more consistent and heavier. Much like myself.

Evan (Ann Arbor)

When Safin joins the senior tour after retiring this year, who will break more rackets during match play, Johnny Mac or Safin?

Greg Garber

  (1:01 PM)

Evan, that's the perfect ending. Over-under is, what two broken rackets and three code violations. because he'll be a rookie, advantage Safin.Night all, catch you tomorrow, at noon EST...

Greg Garber

  (11:59 AM)

Greetings, tennis fans. Greg garber checking in with you on a Friday. Lots going on at Wimbledon already. Federer wins in four, Serena Williams wins easily. Karlovic and Tsonga ocked up in a terrific match in the fourth set -- with only one break of serve, the decisive 12th game of the third set ... We're locked and loaded for the next hour. Fire away with those questions.

George (NY)

With regard to your Andy Roddick article, he has been a solid Top 10 player. I don't think he can be called an overachiever. Roddick should have 2-3 Grand Slams by now. One can also make the argument that had the US Open not given Andy a HUGE advantage with rain scheduling, he probably never wins the tournament.

Greg Garber

  (12:02 PM)

George: i was having this same debate with my tennis colleagues here and I maintain that -- based on his athletic gifts -- Roddick has over-achieved. He does not move naturally on the court like, say, Federer and Djokovic, but he has made his game better than merely serviceable. The only thing preventing Roddick from winning two more Slams is Roger Federer, and no ne should be ashamed to lose to him. Regarding the Open: If not for a rain delay at Wimbledon, he probably would have beaten Federer in one of those two finals...

maryinore (portland oregon)

why are only the mens matches featured on tv....only see recaps of the womens matches....i haven't even seen jankovich

Greg Garber

  (12:04 PM)

Maryinore: Actually one of my colleagues (Ravi Ubha) was just wondering alound why BBC 1 was showing Azarenka-Cirstea instead of Karlovic-Tsonga. Jankovic plays melanie Oudin of the US on Saturday, and you can beat ESPN2 will show it...

Suzanne (Vermont)

WHy is No one making a fuss about James and Mardy's HUGE doubles win yesterday? They must have been hot--VERy glad for James in particular.

Greg Garber

  (12:06 PM)

Suzanne: NOBODY pays attention to doubles, really. It was a terrific win for Fsh-Blake, who are very good freinds. The win over the No. 3-seeded team will help Blake get over a wretched singles effort.

Suzanne (Vermont)

Hi Greg--What are you hearing about Venus' knee wrap? Did seem to affect her doubles movenment yesterday--but must be precaution, or they wouldn't be playing doubles??

Greg Garber

  (12:08 PM)

Back to Suzanne for a double-header: The buzz this morning was that she and Serena might pull out of doubles since her right knee IS giving her some issues. A ittle while ago Serena said they were good to go. With Verdasco-Montanes just finished, they are up next on Court 2. Check it out on ESPN 360. TV should show some, too.

Greg Garber

  (12:11 PM)

News flash: Karlovic just beat Tsonga in foiur sets. Three tie-breaks. ONE break of serve in the match. Woe. Dr. Ivo adavnces to the fourth rund where he'll play Verdasco.

adi (toronto)

i'm excited about the federer-soderling quarterfinals match. what is soderling's record on grass? do you see him giving federer a tough match? do you think he'll come through with his words to roger during the french open award ceremony when he said - "nobody beats me 11 straight times?"

Greg Garber

  (12:13 PM)

Adi: The way things are going, Federer will maintain his shutout. Soderling is 8-6 here at Wimbledon; Fed is a crazy 47-5. Do the math.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

What do you think of the Fish v. Djokovic match? I'm predicting another upset because I think Fish has the ability to win.

Greg Garber

  (12:15 PM)

Zack: Yes, he has the ability to win, but ... Djoker seems pretty dialed in. Fish DID beat Federer last year at Indian Wells by playing terrific, high-risk tennis. The shorter the pints, the better for Fish. That match goes on Centre Court after Azarenka-Cirstea, with Azarenka a game from winning the match...

Kate, Jupiter, FL [via mobile]

Just to respond to comments by the tennis commentators for the Murray match. Andy Murray IS British. He is also Scottish. Great Britain is made up of Scotland, England and Wales so anyone from those countries is British. They're right that it's confusing for the different sports. A cross-Britain team is in the Olympics but for soccer, fir example, each individual nation (eg Scotland) fields their own team. As they said each nation has a rugby team and then every few years a Lions team from across Britain and from northern and southern Ireland plays other teams.

Greg Garber

  (12:16 PM)

Kate, thanks for this public service...any questions, anyone?

patrick tucson Arizona [via mobile]

Who Else Can Win The Venus Williams Quarter Beside Venus Williams? Ana Ivanovic Or Jankovic Or Stosur

Greg Garber

  (12:17 PM)

On bad day, any of them -- including Dinara Safina -- could beat Venus. Thing is, she rarely has bad days here.

Paul Najarian, Wilton, CT [via mobile]

How are the courts playing, are they hard and playing more like hard courts as we've seen in recent years? And is Centre Court playing differently from the other courts?

Greg Garber

  (12:19 PM)

Federer was saying that the courts are playing similar to last year -- relatively slow. As the playing time accumulates, the grass gets less juicy, so it may sid a little less.

Patrick (California)

Will sharapova ever win another grand slam?

Greg Garber

  (12:20 PM)

Patrick:Great question. Not this year. Can she recover from her shulder injury FULLY. Put me down for one in 2010. How about Wimbledon?

Greg Garber

  (12:21 PM)

Done, Zack. Work hard.

Jim (Ohio)

I don't get it. The announcers recognize how the screaming women turn off the fans but cant' they see that their incessant chatter, including during the point (used be an absolute non-no) does the same? Why does the 2nd announcer always feel he has to say something if the other one has?

Greg Garber

  (12:22 PM)

Jim: Good observatin. Kind of almost ironic, eh? Announcers are paid ... to announce. I do enjoy a little dead space during a match, though.

Wes (Pleasant Hill, California)

Is there some edict handed down by the ESPN brass that analysts must spend endless hours gushing over Federer, Nadal and/or our American players? It is bordering on the ridiculous. A few hundred participants at Wimby and I listen to the same tired tripe about the same handful of players. It wouldn't be so bad, but this happens every tournament.

Greg Garber

  (12:25 PM)

Wes, a legitimate concern. Fed drives traffic/ratings like no one else. Americans are interesting to Americans. Personally, the two best matches on the card today were/are: Tsonga-Karlovic and Haas-Cilic. Oh, and Vesnina-Cibulkova was excellent. It's just that the tennis audience is so small, very few people seem to care about those matches.

Shankar (Chennai)

Greg, till what age do you think nadal will be at his best? Or have we already seen his best?

Greg Garber

  (12:27 PM)

Shankar: Excellent query. The sweet spot for Slams for men is 22-27. Nadal just turned 23, but you get the idea that his knees will age him prematurely. With six, he might already be halfway to his career total and done by 26-27...

Richard (South Africa)

Isn't it time to rename Henamn Hill to Murray Mountain?

Greg Garber

  (12:28 PM)

They already have, Richard. They call it Murray Mound. Packed on a plesant day today. The Pims is flowing out there...

Stula [via mobile]

Who is better on grass,Djokovic or Murray?

Greg Garber

  (12:31 PM)

Tough call, Stula. Murray is 12-3 here and Djokovic is 13-4. Murray a little bigger, more secure at net, more varied, but Djokovic seems to me a better athlete. Probably comes down to fitness, and they've both worked hard on that. Not likely to meet, since fed would play Djokovic in the semis and Murray is on the other side. Oddsmakers favor a Murray-Federer final overwhelmingly...

Kyle (Madison)

Greg, I asked your lowely assistant (Wilansky) what he thought of Roddick's chances this year. I say they are as good as ever and have him written in to the finals over the other Andy based on experience and the recent overhaul of his game and fitness. I just wanted to get your take.

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

Kyle: Lansky wants it noted that he writes the checks for this operation. That aside, I just feel like Murray has arrived and is feeling good about himself. The thing that makes that potential Andy-Andy semifinal so interesting is the external pressure Murray will feel with all of Great Britain pulling for him. In the end, I just think he'll be better.

Truly (Brookhaven, MS)

Greg, it is time to start giving Federer's 20-straight-Grand-Slam-Semi-Finals appearances record the same attention and respect as Wilt's 100 points, DiMaggio's 56-game hit streak, and Cy Young's 511 wins. Records that will never, EVER be broken. It would be an injustice if his record isn't automatically lumped in with that group. Agreed?

Greg Garber

  (12:36 PM)

Truly, I couldn't agree more. This I one of the stories I want to write next week. It is a remarkable run of consistent excellence. Consider that Ivan Lendl is second on the all-time list -- with 10!

Kyle (Texas)

Can the Williams sisters win the doubles title?

Greg Garber

  (12:36 PM)

They're up 5-0 on Lisicki and Wozniak right now. Why not?

dee (san francisco)

when are people going to "stop" puting Rafa down by comparing his record to Fed's or Aggise's - what did they accomplish at 23 yrs?? Til Fed can have a winning record agst Rafa, how can he be considered the greatest - also, always insisting that if Rafa didn't excist, Fed would have 4-5 French's - what abt Rafa having 3 wimbletons if Fed wasn't around, after all Rafa was in the finals twice before he finally won ! Did people forget that Rafa would have won in 2007 if he didn't injure his leg in the last round ? Yet the analysts say that even if Rafa played,Fed would be the favorite this year !! Case rests !!

Greg Garber

  (12:39 PM)

Thanks for some Rafa love, Dee. Pete sampras himself said he wouldn't be surprised if Rafa winds up with the Grand Slam titles record. Of curse that was back in March, before Rafa's knees knocked him out of Wimbledon.

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

News flash: Cilic has a quick break on Haas. Sela wins a first-set tiebreaker from Robredo. Williams sisters two points from first set.

Peter Olubunmi (Nigeria)

Roger will win this and will be defending three grand slams.

Greg Garber

  (12:41 PM)

Wow, when you put it that way. The guy must be good.

Nishant (NY)

How do you think the Federer/Nadal dynamic changes with Roger winning the French? Did Roger struggle with Nadal or struggle with Nadal because he stood between Roger and the French Open?

Greg Garber

  (12:43 PM)

Nice thought, Nishant. I think Federer summed it up in Paris. More than anything, he felt relief at finally breaking through at the French. He added that he could play free the rest of his career without that black cloud hanging over him. I'd still take Rafa over Federer on clay, but ... Federer won their last match on clay (Madrid) and won Roland Garros. In HIS mind, that's a huge plus. And with players this good, the matches are won (and lost) in the mind.

pjatrick tucson arizona [via mobile]

If Venus Williams Get Knock Out Tomorrow Who Could Win The Venus Williams Quarter? Ana Ivanovic Or Jankovic

Greg Garber

  (12:46 PM)

A very tough call. All the other players have issues. Ivanovic, after struggling in the first round, looked sharp in the second. Jankovic hasn't lost a set. Coin toss.

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Hey Greg, it seems like every time ESPN goes to commercial, we see Fed in an ad: For Rolex, NetJets, what have you. Where's the Rafa love? I realize he's not playing here and so Nike or whoever might be less inclined to spend money on advertising involving him, but I don't really remember any big ad campaigns featuring him in the States. When can we expect some commercial love for Rafa?

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

Sarah:First off, Federer has been around a ot longer. Second, he speaks five languages fluently. Rafa -- Senor Guns, if you will -- speaks Spanish and somewhat broken English (which is WAY better than MY Spanish). Q-Factor and articulation go to Fed.

Pete (NC)

Which former player do you think would give Federer the most problems?

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

Suzanne Lenglen? No, seriously, I'll go with Rod Laver. Powerful lefty (does this sound familiar?) who played well on all surfaces as his two Grand Slams testify.

Brooks (New Orleans)

Greg, are you going to continue to be snarky with your "public service annoucement" quips, or should I stay in this chat a bit longer?

Greg Garber

  (12:51 PM)

Snarky? Me? It's all about tough love in the chat room. Keep those Qs coming...

George (NY)

Thanks for the answer on Roddick. Your Wimbledon comment is spot on. Thanks for always answering. I enjoy your opinions

Greg Garber

  (12:52 PM)

You'll always get more attention when you're nice to the host, as George knows well...

Greg Garber

  (12:53 PM)

If he could bring his racket technology and strings back, he'd dominate. On level field, those Federer-Sampras matches would have been great...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

I'm surprised by how well Elena Dementieva is playing because she has been sluggish lately; however, I really see Virginie Razzano as being the surprise semi-finalist from that quarter, she has had a great grass season and I believe she has the confidence to make a bit of a run here...what do you think?

Greg Garber

  (12:54 PM)

Man, she looked clan and efficient today, losing all of three games against Kulikova. Of course the Special K was ranked No. 191 in the world. Vesnina a better test in the fourth round...

Jason (Toronto)

If Federer is on the decline, then how are Serena, Venus and Roddick still in their prime (if not improving)? Serena and Venus started winning slams before Federer found his game. And Roddick came up at the same year as Federer.

Greg Garber

  (12:56 PM)

Federer may be declining, but last time I checked he was in the last five straight major finals and won two of them. I'd say he's still nearing the end of the championship sweet spot.

joe (nyc)

Dominate? I dont think he would come anywhere close to his level of domanice in this era. No way he get to even 10 straight semis, these draws today are nothing compared to what sampras faced in every major. As big a rafa fan as I am I think if both Federer and Nadal played in that era they wouldnt be part of the GOAT discussion, no?

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

Joe: I said IF he could bring all the technology with him, he'd roll. But if all things were eqaul it would hav been a scrum with all those guys.

George (NY)

Does Mardy play Davis Cup if he wins today?

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

Good question, George. That's Patrick McEnroe's call. I'd lean toward yes.

Greg Garber

  (1:00 PM)

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. A terrific effort out of all of you. We'll be back after a two-day hiatus on Monday at 12 noon EST. Lots to talk about as we dial into Week 2 at Wimbledon.

Greg Garber

  (12:06 PM)

Greetings, tennis fans. Welcome back to Wimbledon where, finally, it's raining. Seriously, the All England Club has been itching to show off its new $131 million retractable roof and now -- for the first time -- action will occur under it. Huge day of tennis -- the best of any Slam because all 16 round of 16 matches are being played. Fire those questions ...

Jason (Toronto)

Centre Court has a roof. But what about the other courts? Will they try to shuffle some of those matches into Centre Court to keep on schedule?

Greg Garber

  (12:11 PM)

Hey, Jason, what's going on? The roof is a ticklish subject here. All England has been hankering to play with their new (and expensive) toy. And now they have the chance. Your question is valid, because cynics worried that they'd load up the schedule on Centre in rain delays and extend play beyond the time darkness generally falls -- around 9:30 PM. If, for example, it continued to rain and the Murray--Warinka match finished on Centre Court, would they and Roddick-Berdych to the Centre schedule? Probably, but only if it didn't go on too late. This may be a moot point. The rain seems to have stopped. Karlovic-Verdasco are warming up on Court 1...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

I personally do not see Azrenka giving Serena any problems in the quarters but a lot of pundits do think she can give her a run for her money just because of Miami, that was hard courts, this is grass and Serena wants another Wimby titles.....straight sets for Serena in my opinion.

Greg Garber

  (12:14 PM)

Zack, you are back. Serena and Venus both breezed today and nothing we've seen in the rest of the women's draw suggests they will not meet in the final. Azarenka got a little loose in the Petrova match, but finished well. Serena has looked fairly solid, winning all eight of her sets. Not sure Azarenka has enough fire power to stay with her.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

What was wrong with Ana today that caused her to retire?

Greg Garber

  (12:16 PM)

Ivanovic hurt her thigh hitting an ace in her match against venus Williams. She said she felt a sharp pain and couldn't put any weight on the leg. She was in tears when she came to the net to retire.

Gerardo (AZ)

Hey Greg, whose run are you more surprised by, Ferrero's or Hewitt's?

Greg Garber

  (12:18 PM)

Gerardo: To tell you the truth, I was surprised by Ferrero more. Rememer, Hewitt has been gaining steam since having hip surgery, but he has won the title here and feels good on the grass. Ferrero won a French Open, but his win over Fernando Gonzalez was a revelation. Hass, at the age of 31, has also been fun to watch, but he put Federer in a two-set hole in the French and won a few weeks ago at Halle.

Mike [via mobile]

does anybody know Nadal just has to win US open to win all the majors and he is 5 years younger

Greg Garber

  (12:21 PM)

That's right, Mike, but Rafa's long-term health is more than a question mark. Federer's game is clean and economical. Nadal's is physical and wearing and it breaks down his body, particularly his knees. Federer says he'd like to play until 2012. Rafa might not play much longer than that himself.

jack (los angeles)

i missed oudin's match this morning. looks like it was a close match although radwanska won in straight sets. does oudin have a bright future ahead of her or did she just get a weak draw at wimbledon (jankovic with woman problems)?

Greg Garber

  (12:24 PM)

Jack: I'd say both. Oudin, because she is only 5-6, has to rely on her angles and speed and grit. She has to play in the style of Henin and Hingis. By winning three qualifying matches and three-main draw matches -- the first three Grand Slam wins of her career -- she will see her ranking zoom up to No. 70 from No. 124. She also was fortunate as an unseeded player to avoid the titans in the women's draw. Sybille Bammer and Jankovic are legitimate players, but Jankovic wasnt quite right in her match.

Richard (South Africa)

What are your oberservations with the roof so far?

Greg Garber

  (12:26 PM)

Richard: It's pretty cool, actually. Safina and Mauresmo are playing under it (for the first time) right now. It's translucent, so the light comes through. It will make Monday finals a thing of the past.

patrick tucson arizona [via mobile]

What Happen To Ana Ivanovic Thigh? I Am A Huge Fan Of Hers So When She Started To Cry I Cried. I Hope Ana Get Better Before The Us Open

Greg Garber

  (12:27 PM)

See previous post, Patrick. She said she felt a pain in her inner thigh, which means a quad or groin tweak.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Besides Federer and Nadal, who would you say is going to be the next #1 rank?

Greg Garber

  (12:28 PM)

Good question, Jason. Federer can reclaim the No. 1 ranking by winning here.

Richard (South Africa)

Whats your prediction for Haas and Novak?

Greg Garber

  (12:29 PM)

Richard:I will go with Djokovic. Haas has been playing lights-out tennis, but Djoker has too much for him.

Kathleen (NYC)

Hi Greg, Only Kuzy has had the guts to address the article in the Daily Mail which indicated the Wimby scheduling wants only Blonde Babes on Centre Court. It's a disgusting sexist policy. Why don't the other players have the guts to blast that policy and why don't the former women champs speak out??

Greg Garber

  (12:33 PM)

Well said, Kathleen. Players like to say that players play and administrators administrate. With 106,000 pounds at stake for the winner in these fourth-round matches, you won't see too many players bit the hand that feeds them. Kuznetsova has always been a no-nonsense truth-teller.

djoker (england)

do you think i have a shot against fed? no one is talking about me, but i'm playing better than fed!

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

We shall see, Mr. D, we shall see.

Jim (DC)

Greg, Jason said BESIDES Federer and Nadal.

Greg Garber

  (12:36 PM)

Apologies -- trying to multi-task here (Safina has just leveled the match with Mauresmo at one set each) ... Andy Murray is the next No. 1, I think. He could legitimately win this tournament.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

The Mauresmo/Safina match is getting interesting, who will take the third set?

Greg Garber

  (12:39 PM)

Zack: Yes, sir. Going in, we thought that match and Roddick-Berdych and maybe Verdasco-Berdych might be the most interesting. I wouldn;t mind seeing Mauresmo win, but I think Safina needs to win a few more matches to confront her demons after osing the last two Grand Slam finals. She'd get Venus in the semifinals.

George (NY)

Do you give Berdych a shot today? My main memory of him is sitting at Arthur Ashe watching him default with an upset stomach against Andy.

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

George, he's got all KINDS of game. He's serving better than anyone here; his 140 mph serve is equal to Roddick's and only one MPH behind Karlovic and Querrey. Mental toughness, as you suggest, can be a problem. Based on that, I see Roddick winning in four.

patrick tucson arizona [via mobile]

Is It True That Ana Ivanovic And Adam Scott Are Dateing?

Greg Garber

  (12:42 PM)

He has been attending her matches, and the speculation is that they are an item.

Al (LA)

Does Simon have a chance? He's been flying under the radar the entire tournament.

Greg Garber

  (12:43 PM)

AL: Of course he has a chance. Simon is favored over Ferrero and should be facing Andy Murray in the quarters.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

Do you think Safina has pulled a Novak and with her self deserving ownership of number 1 has turned the fans against her (so we like it when she loses)?

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

That's a good thought, Jason. When Ivanovic, Jankovic, Sharapova and Serena have all been No. 1 in just over the last year, it's hard to lay claim to the top spot. Look at the two Serbs now...

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

I dislike Adam Scott and golf even more now for the record.

Greg Garber

  (12:45 PM)

Touche.

adi (toronto)

i just became a fan of soderling today. the fed match was closer than even the score suggests. it could have esily gone soderlings way. do you see him as a consistent top 10 player? oh and he's only 24.

Greg Garber

  (12:46 PM)

Adi: Soderling showed great courage in Paris, winning his first six matches. He has a big serve and bigger forehand. Just gets loose at times and hurts himself with unforced errors. He DID play well today -- two tie-breaks in three sets -- and going forward has a ton of momentum. He is absolutely a top 10 player.

John (Paris)

Greg (and Kathleen) - which one of Mauresmo and Safina is the blonde babe?

Greg Garber

  (12:48 PM)

Good call, John. I'm not touching that one...

Pete (LA)

Why doesn't anyone ever compare the strength of my competition vs. RF's? It's apples and oranges. He never has to play anybody until the finals.

Greg Garber

  (12:48 PM)

Pete: We've heard this argument before but I'm not buying it. The depth in men's tennis is better than its ever been.

Jim (DC)

What other celebs are in the audience?

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

Jim: One of your former DC guys -- Bill Clinton...

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

How many more years does big fed have left?

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

He's already answered that one, Jim. Says he wants to play until the next Olympic year, 2012, London. How many Slams do you think he'll have by then?

John (Can't-stand-federer-town)

Why does ESPN continue to show women's tennis while much more enjoyable men's matches are being played? Do they really think people would rather watch that? It frustrates me so much.

Greg Garber

  (12:52 PM)

This comes up a lot, John. I think when Venus and Serena are in play, even though they roll in straight sets, they draw more interest overall than, say, a terrific matchup like Verdasco-Karlovic. Just the way it is.

Jason (Ellicott City, MD)

If Federer plays 3 more full seasons I am guessing he will get 6 more between 2010-2012.

Greg Garber

  (12:53 PM)

Matt Wilansky, tennis editor thinks three. I'll go with four...

Eric (PA)

Who has had the better career Lleyton or Roddick?

Greg Garber

  (12:54 PM)

Hewitt: Two Slams, two year-end No. 1s. Roddick has one of each. Do the math, Eric

John (Can't-stand-federer-town)

that's not even a question. of course lleyton does.

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Agreed.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

If Mauresmo beats Safina would you consider it an upset? Mauresmo hasn't been at her best but she still is a former Wimby champion AND Safina has been struggling since her loss at the French.

Greg Garber

  (12:56 PM)

We've been bantering about this one, Zack. I say no. But ... Safina, down 0-3 in the third set, has rallied back to bring it on serve at 2-3...

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

News flash: Hewitt, who lost the first two sets to Stepanek, looks like he's going to force five sets. Verdasco-Karlovic 5-all in the fourth with Karlovic leading two sets to one.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

But Greg, Andy does have a Davis Cup title, his home slam AND as you have said in past articles greater consistency in his career...I say Roddick has a better career.

Greg Garber

  (1:00 PM)

It's OK to disagree Zack.

Greg Garber

  (1:01 PM)

And on that note, we'll wrap it up. Catch my Federer story, to be osted momentarily. Thanks for stopping in. See you all tomorrow, Tuesday, at 12 noon EST...

Greg Garber

  (12:04 PM)

Greeting, tennis fans. Greg Garber coming to you from Wimbledon on a day of women's quarterfinals. Dinara Safina and Venus Williams have already advanced to their semifinal meeting. Elena Dementieva awaits the winner of the Serena Williams-Victoria Azarenka match, which is going on right now. Serena is up a set but down a brak in the second -- but she has a break point on Azarenka as we speak. Let the questions begin...

Javier (Chicago)

What is the deal with showing so much ladies tennis on ESPN. No one CARES!!! The men's game is where the talent is right now. Do you have any pull over there? Also kudos to Fowler. He is the best studio host going right now.

Greg Garber

  (12:06 PM)

Javier: It's tough to show the men when they're not playing. Tomorow, you'll gt the men;s quarters, which is a great slate of matches. The four favorites and agains four wily veterans...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Bob Bryan and Sam Stosur are my pick for the Mixed Doubles title...could you imagine if Federer and Venus teamed up for mixed doubles or Federer

Greg Garber

  (12:07 PM)

Zack, you're the only guy I know who has fantasies about mixed doubles. Yes, Bryan and Sosur are defending champs here and are expected to repeat. Venus and Federer would be fun to watch. Can you see Fed serving with Venus playing net? That's an unbeatable combination.

Matt (Miami, FL)

Do you think the indoor match hurt the tradition of Wimbledon?

Greg Garber

  (12:08 PM)

Good question, Matt. I don't think so. It was actually kind of cool. If you weren't writing on deadline and thinking about dinner at Wimbledon Tandoori, it was terrific.

Greg Garber

  (12:13 PM)

News flash: Serena now serving for the match against Azarenka at 6-2, 5-3, 15-love

Greg Garber

  (12:13 PM)

Oh, here's some housekeeping from yesterday. The question was where would Murray land in the rankings if he won here? The answer, provided by Mario and Greg from the ATP is pretty interesting:If Murray wins Wimbledon, he would be only 5 points behind Nadal for the ranking of the week of 7/6/2009.The calculation of points for Federer in the e-mail below are incorrect. Federer earned 700 points in Wimbledon 2008, but those points were doubled to 1400 at the beginning of this year. Meaning that if Federer loses in the final he would actually lose 200 points (10420 total points).

Joe ((Dayton, OH))

Yesterday late in the Murray match, a ball kid ran around during Murray's second serve. He was awarded with another 1st serve. Is that standard protocol?

Greg Garber

  (12:14 PM)

Good one, Joe. I saw that. It is the discretion of the chair umpire and a good decision, I thought.

adi (toronto)

venus is looking more and more like the consistent grass queen that she is! who do you think will win more wimbledon crowns in their respective careers - venus or roger?

Greg Garber

  (12:17 PM)

Solid question, Adi. Fed already has five titles to Venus' four and he's a year younger. If you give them each one here, it's 6-5. They could each one or two more, but I'll take Fed.

Richard (South Africa)

How many aces does Karlovic need to beet Federer?

Greg Garber

  (12:18 PM)

It's not the aces he needs, Richard, it's breaks of Federer's serve. In the past he has been unable to do it. Nice to see Dr. Ivo in a Grand Slam quarterfinal at the age of 30, though, isn't it?

Pete (NC)

Maybe it's just me, but I watch men's and women's tennis for different reasons. Men's is more for the power shots, while women's is more for the grace of their play. The Williamses, while great at tennis, fit in the men's side in my book, which is why I really don't like watching them play. Am I alone in this?

Greg Garber

  (12:19 PM)

Pete, this is a sentiment that comes up a lot -- mostly from men...

Terry (Miami, FL)

Greg, where on earth did Ferrero come from in this tournament? Just straight setted the number 8 seed and he needed a wildcard to get in.. does he have any shot against Murray (despite the beating he took from Murray a couple weeks back)?

Greg Garber

  (12:21 PM)

Terry: The Mosquito has been coming back from injury and is the first wildcard to make the quarters her since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001 -- and he won the thing. See my story just posted on the old guys -- Haas (31), Karlovic (30), Ferrero (29) and Hewitt (28)...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Is there any doubt that the Williams Sisters will win the doubles titles?

Greg Garber

  (12:23 PM)

Sure, Venus' knee could be a deal-killer at any time. She just said in her interview that she and Serena have talked about playing the 2016 Olympics -- provided Chicago lands the Games.

adi (toronto)

greg, venus already has 5 crowns - 2000 2001 2005 2007 2008. as it is now, fed and venus are tied. they ar eboth gunning for a 6th title. do want to revise your pick? or are u sticking with roger?

Greg Garber

  (12:24 PM)

Dude, it's already been a long fortnight...Even at 6-all, I'd stick with Fed...

Nick (New York)

Why does 1 play 3 and 2 play 4 in the semis?

Greg Garber

  (12:27 PM)

Not neccesarily. When they seed, No. 1 is in the tp half and No. 2 is in the bottom. It's completely the luck of the daw where three and four go. If three lands up, four goes down -- and vice versa. In this case, Venus plays Safina and Serena plays Dementieva. Worked ut the same way with the men.

Jason (Toronto)

Can we give Safina some credit? She has taken a lot of crap for her French Open meltdown. To get to the Wimby semis (not her best surface) is pretty good - even if she did it in her usual roller coaster fashion

Greg Garber

  (12:29 PM)

Jason: Can you use the c-word in a chat? We ARE a Disney company. Yes, Safina deserves some credit for being No. 1 and getting to three of the last five finals. But, as her coach Zeljko Krajan, just told me, she needs to be less passive in these big matches. If she stays off the baseline agaginst Venus, she'll get wrecked.

Jason (Toronto)

Let's assume we get the two Andys in the semis. Andy M is worn out from his 5 setter and feeling the pressure of his countrymen. Andy R is feeling the pressure of his most recent "final chance" to win a second slam. Who wins?

Greg Garber

  (12:31 PM)

Jason: I'll tell you something: I watched a set of Roddick-Berdych yesterday and then the Murray match. Roddick is playing well, serving big but also working the slice and looking almost comfortable at net. Murray struggled mightily against Warinka. Based on recent form, Roddick looks better.

Richard (South Africa)

Is rick Astley on your IPod?

Greg Garber

  (12:31 PM)

If I had one, he wouldn't be...

Tommy (Brooklyn)

Greg, a little off topic, but my wife insists that I point this out- she believes the current men's top 10 has to be the best looking in tennis history- Nadal, Djokovic, Verdasco, Simon were all cited by her, and she also likes Federer and Murray. Any 'expert' opinion on this?

Greg Garber

  (12:33 PM)

Tommy, that's why we chat. I couldn't begin to venture a guess, but maybe we can run that one by the ATP researchers.

Suzanne (Vermont)

Hi Greg--Any clue on Venus'knee? Her father was quoted saying it is at 70%--but no sign of slowing her on the court today. She wouldn't be playing doubles if really a problem, right?Has Karolivc ever beaten Federer?

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

Richard tends toward the goom and doom. Exactly: If it was really bothering her, wouldn't she and Serena withdraw from doubles? I think she's OK.

Brooklyn Decker (New York)

Tommy- tell your wife to get her eyes checked.. she forgot Mr. Andy Roddick as amongst the best looking players!

Greg Garber

  (12:36 PM)

As Bill Simmons says, these are my readers...

Rajesh (Atlanta)

Do you find the the tourney more enjoyable to watch with more players playing behind the base line? I heard yesterday that Andy Murray hasn't played a serve and volley once. Will there ever be anyone taking advantage of that strategy again?

Greg Garber

  (12:37 PM)

Rajesh: Another recent I like the way Roddick is playing. He served and volleyed yesterday -- sometimes on his second serve. He was also hitting drop shots...

adi (toronto)

i keep forgetting my lunchtime is london's night-time. your oversight is understandable. any update on serena-azarenka match? what are elena's chances of getting past serena?

Greg Garber

  (12:38 PM)

Sorry, Adi: Serena is through to a semifinal matchup with Elena Dementieva. Blew Azarenka off the court.

Manny (Bronx, NY)

Greg, what would you think of a player having this year: 3 Masters Series finals this year, a 43-13 record, 2 titles, and 2 wins over Roger Federer this year, not to mention a legitimate chance to win Wimbledon this year. Who's that player? Novak Djokovic. For all the talk about how he's disappointing or that the sky is falling, he's had a really good year

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

Manny: Good call. He IS playing well. That racket-cracking win over Fed in Miami was terrific. Nevertheless, he has a tricky one tomorrow against Haas.

Suzanne (Vermont)

Hey Brooklyn--We're ALL behind your Andy--BIG time! He is So deserving--and the other Andy has lots of time. Don't much like the idea of the Croatians on clay--good luck!Greg--Karlovic ever beaten Federer?

Greg Garber

  (12:41 PM)

Yes. Once. Last year on hardcourts in Cincinnati.

Javier (Chicago)

I think the pressure of a semi against Roddick or a final (FED) will be too much for Murray at Wimbledon. Thoughts...

Greg Garber

  (12:45 PM)

I keep waiting for the Henman Hex to descend. And I think we saw the pressure get to him against Wawrinka.

Greg Garber

  (12:45 PM)

Note: 13 million watched the Murray-Wawrinka match last night -- only 100,000 fewer than watched last year's Nadal-Federer final.

Richard (South Africa)

Are playing conditions under the roof significantly different?

Greg Garber

  (12:46 PM)

Murray sure thought so. He HATED it. Said the humidity was so bad he couldn't grip the racket.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Which do you think would be more special...Murray winning one Wimbledon title in his career OR Murray winning the gold medal at Wimbledon in 2012?

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

Dementieva said the Olympic medal meant more to her than a Grand Slam -- but that's because she hasn't won a Slam. I think Murray would take Wimbledon over the Olympics.

Javier (Chicago)

So more prime time tennis then? The networks do rule right$$?

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

You are a cynic, Javier, but you are right.

Shiro (West Chester PA)

Haas- any shot against the Djoker? He just beat him in a grass court tune up and seems to be playing fantastic (although so is Novak)

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

He's got a shot. After Fed, Haas is the hottest guy coming in. No, ladies, I didn't mean it THAT way...

Phil (New York)

This is a tough one- Who's the bigger threat to Federer in this tournament- Djokovic, or Murray?

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

Murray. He gets under Fed's skin and he's won six of eight matches -- and the last four sraight. Djoker, I think is 4-7 vs. Fed, but 4-3 in the last seven and has two straight.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Who do you think is the better tennis parent? Richard Williams OR Toni Nadal (uncle of Rafa)?

Greg Garber

  (12:51 PM)

That's a good one. I'd say Richard, because he got TWO players to No. 1...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Should we expect big things from Kim Clijsters's return or should we remember that she has been removed from the game and needs time to come back...personally I think we should expect big things especially at this year's US Open considering the disarray of the women's game.

Greg Garber

  (12:52 PM)

Look, it's Zack, back to back. Going forward, ths is one of the most interesting questions on the women's side. I think the scrambled nature of the women's game leaves her an opening of sorts...

Javier (Chicago)

Why does anyone care if Sampras is witness to Federer breaking the GS record? If I were Fed, a nice phone call followed by a dinner in NYC in August would be more than enough.

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Because it's a classy thing to do. Borg was here last year when Roger was gunning for his sixth straight title here, which would have broken his 5-title record. Pete said yesterday that he was thinking about it -- but that having two kids on a 12-hour flight from California would be rough. Absolutely, but I think tennis would like to see him here if Fed gets to the final. My guts says he gets on the plane and returns to All England for the first time since he retired.

Joe (Dayton, OH)

I'm still a bit perplexed by Murray mania. The guy is a proud Scot, not a Briton. Seems like England is really desperate and is just grasping on to anything to have a champion.

Greg Garber

  (12:56 PM)

Joe, they haven't won the thing since Fred Perry did it in 1936. Seventy-three years is a LONG time.

Richard (South Africa)

Any chances of a Grass court ATP 1000 event?

Greg Garber

  (12:57 PM)

Doubt it, but it would be cool, wouldn't it?

Greg Garber

  (12:59 PM)

On that note, we bid you good evening. Come back on Wednesday at 12 noon EST and let's chat up the men's quarters.

Greg Garber

  (12:05 PM)

Hey, kids, welcome back to the Wimbedon chat venue. Greg Garber here to answer your questions. We've already got three men's quarterfinal results in the book. Federer will play Haas in one semifinal and 31-year-old Tommy Haas awaits the winner of Roddick-Hewitt. Roddick won the first set and, just this second, broke back to get on serve at 3-4 in the second. We have the Williams sisters playing tomorrow against Russian players in the women's semis. Bring on the questions...

Patrick (Chicago)

Here is a GOAT stat for you. Federer has 14 Grand Slam Titles. The rest of the active players on the men's tour (including Nadal), combined have 13.

Greg Garber

  (12:07 PM)

Ptrick, we may have a spot for you in the research department. That, and the fact that Fed has now reached 21 consecutive Grand Slam semifinals ... THAT is a crazy number.

Petra (New Jersey)

I am torn up by Djokovicâ??s loss to Haas today. Talk me off the ledge! Is it the German factor, or the grass? Please tell me that you or Wilansky have kind words to give us hope for seeing him succeed in the US Open.

Greg Garber

  (12:09 PM)

Petra: Sorry you are a big fan of Djokovic. Wilansky says hello (and bring back those towels you stole from his flat). No, don;t think he has a better shot than Fed, Murray or, the way he's going, Roddick in NYC. By the way, we know you like Djoker's abs, but Lansky has him beat.

eddie [via mobile]

Do u see roger feder winning this whole thing and finally getting back to #1 status??

Greg Garber

  (12:10 PM)

Eddie: Yes, I do. By the way, if Murray wins he's only five points behind Nadal for No. 1.

George (NY)

Would someone please do something about Grand Slam matches not being shown live?

Greg Garber

  (12:12 PM)

Many of you are writing in abut the coverage of today's matches on NBC and ESPN. I am endeavoring to get an answer from the programming folks. I'll let you know...

big al (fl)

Greg, nice name. Question about this morning's airing on ESPN2. While Djokovic Haas were in a battle, ESPN decided it was a good idea to switch off and show the doubles match-up featuring nearly washed-up Americans Mardy Fish and James Blake. Why? Who makes these decisions anyways? Don't they understand what gives more viewing enjoyment?

Greg Garber

  (12:13 PM)

See last post. We're working on it.

Chad (Destin, FL)

I just want to make this point about the Williams sisters- they have won a combined 17 majors (and you'd have to presume they make it 18 at this Wimbledon). This means that from the 1999 US Open through 2009 Wimbledon, they have won 18 of the last 40 majors played, or basically 50%. For all the talk about their inconsistent effort, they have truly dominated the sport by any definition of 'dominate' that doesn't include Roger Federer's absurd dominance. Thoughts?

Greg Garber

  (12:16 PM)

I'm with you, Chad. Those are great numbers. I have a theory that their outside interests and their independent thinking that comes from their parents has helped them in the longevity department. They've never burned out and now they're talking about playing through 2012 -- and possibly 2016 if Chicago gets the Olympics. I will point out, though, that Steffi Graf won 22 majors all by herself.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

To go along with Chad's stats, if you take out Henin's 8 slams that means ONLY three women combined to win 65 percent of the grand slams in the last decade.

Greg Garber

  (12:17 PM)

Yikes. Another potential researcher.

George (NY)

Do great rivals like Roger/Rafa or Pete/Andre ever hit with each other outside of a "tournament" match?

Greg Garber

  (12:19 PM)

As time went on, Pete and Andre did some exhibitions. I see this happening with Roger and Rafa, who have great respect and an aparent affinity for each other.

Mikey (Ormond Beach, FL)

Why are they showing the replay of Haas match and not the live Roddick match?

Greg Garber

  (12:20 PM)

Here's our answer, folks, from ESPN pubic relations:We have two windows of coverage, 7 - 10 am ET, and 1-5 pm. NBC is on 10 am - 1 pm in all time zones and they get to pick one match that they show and we can't show until it's over. They chose Federer, so we showed the Djokovic match...as much as we could before we were obligated to go off the air. We will show parts of all the matches during our second window.

Richard (South Africa)

Yikes, the last time Haas beat Federer was in the AUS open in 2002!

Greg Garber

  (12:21 PM)

yes, and it's been eight straight losses since, Richard. But, remember, Haas had a two-set lead on Fed in Paris.

Greg Garber

  (12:22 PM)

Match update: Roddick is serving at 5-6 to get into a tiebreaker against Hewitt. Roddick down love-30.

George (NY)

Can ESPN pick the Roddick match up live at 1?

Greg Garber

  (12:23 PM)

Not completely sure, but I think so, George. Roddick at 15-30.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

What do Safina and Dementieva have to do to create an upset tomorrow? Although I don't think they will, how can they at least force a third set?

Greg Garber

  (12:24 PM)

Zack: Not sure what they can do, outside of something illegal.

Greg Garber

  (12:25 PM)

OK, folks, executive decision.Roddick up a set and in a second-set tie-break with Hewitt. Here's the play by play: A huge Roddick forehand gives him a 1-0 lead. Roddick serving two.

Greg Garber

  (12:25 PM)

A long forehand by Roddick makes it 1-all. Bad error.

Greg Garber

  (12:26 PM)

Roddick takes something off on a second serve and Hewitt bunts a backhand into the net. Awful shot. Roddick, 2-1.

Greg Garber

  (12:28 PM)

Massive forehand by Roddick gives him a 3-1 lead.

Greg Garber

  (12:29 PM)

Now 4-2 Roddick. Now 5-2 after Hewitt weak forehand into net as Roddick approached.

Greg Garber

  (12:30 PM)

Roddick challenging a chair overrule on Hewitt's serve. Ball was way out, despite that overrule and Hewitt's ace is wiped ut. Aussie wins point when Roddick backhand drifts wide. 5-3, Roddick.

Greg Garber

  (12:31 PM)

Nice flat cross court forehand forces Roddick error. Now 5-4, with set on his racket.

Greg Garber

  (12:31 PM)

Great forhenad cross-court winner and Hewitt is even at 5-all...

Greg Garber

  (12:32 PM)

Big ace at 130 mph down the middle, his 19th. Roddick 6-5, with set point on Hewitt's serve.

Greg Garber

  (12:32 PM)

Second serve by Hewitt, and Roddick hits a tentative forehand into the net...6-6...

Greg Garber

  (12:33 PM)

Rodddick hits a too-big forehand into the net. Hewitt has a set point at 7-6...

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

Roddick shallow overhead makes it 7-all after a big serve...

Greg Garber

  (12:35 PM)

Ace No. 20 for Roddick down the middle. Roddick leads 8-7

Greg Garber

  (12:35 PM)

Roddick hits one long, 8-all

Greg Garber

  (12:35 PM)

Great srve wide and a cross-court forehand gives Hewitt a 9-8 lead. Now Roddick faces another set point.

Greg Garber

  (12:37 PM)

Great drop shot by Roddick, Hewitt swining forehand -- into the net. And it's 9-all. Long, terrific rally.

Greg Garber

  (12:37 PM)

They change sides again. Very tense, dramatic stuff on Court No. 1.

Greg Garber

  (12:38 PM)

Roddick hits sharply angled forehand from service line. Now it's a third set point for Roddickat 10-9...Hewitt unreturnable serve and it's 10-all.

Greg Garber

  (12:39 PM)

Hewitt backhand wrong-foots scrambling Roddick and it's 11-10 for hewitt. Another set point for the Aussie.

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

Roddick hits a forehand long - way long -- and Hewitt is even. Great stuff. Crowd goes crazy. Aussie fans singing. Whew! Back to the questions...

Matt (St Pete FL)

Greg - dont wear a USA shirt on Friday when Roddick beats Murray. The Brits wont be too happy with the Americans that day.

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

Good tip, Matt, but first Roddick has to beat Hewitt.

Petra (New Jersey)

Do you believe dynamic tension is a factor in the Williamssisters success? In other words, would either be as successful without the other?

Greg Garber

  (12:41 PM)

Petra: I'd say yes. It helps when you hit every day agianst one of the best players in the world. Would dynamic tension describe your relationship with a certain tennis editor?

ashwani (boston)

for the love of the game, why can we not watch the roddick hewitt match LIVE???

Greg Garber

  (12:43 PM)

Ashwani: Please scroll down and see previous answer regarding programming today. I will check and see if the match is coming on line -- just as the chat ends, I hope...

Juan (New York)

Is there any reason for Djokovic fans to be hopeful that his form will pickup this year? what do you see as the main reason for his slump?

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

He's got the game, Juan. Just seems to be a little down in the confidence area. With Fed, Rafa and Murray, you can't have ANY doubts...

Pat Rafter (Aust)

Looks like the Little Mongrel is back!

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

Bloody right, mate!

Javier (Chicago)

I don't get Djoker? He has the game to beat anyone yet makes the silliest of mistakes at key moments. Is Australia his best opp for a major title, early in the year when players are less dialed in and focused???

Greg Garber

  (12:45 PM)

Javier, I like your thinking...

Richard (South Africa)

Who has the best second serve in the game today?

Greg Garber

  (12:46 PM)

Sabine Lisicki was hitting bombs yesterday.

Kevin (Australia)

Long live Hewitt!!!

Greg Garber

  (12:46 PM)

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie.

Troy (Provo UT)

Greg, thanks for the tiebreaker play-by-play coverage of the Hewitt-Roddick match. Of the remaining men's players--Murray, Haas, and either Roddick or Hewitt--who do you think has the best chance of upsetting Federer (a remote chance though it may be)?

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

I think you have to go with Murray, based on history. He's won six of eight against Fed and the last four. Haas is 0-for-the-last-8...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Who do you think will win? Roddick or Hewitt? Haas already made one upset, will we see another? One is a former champion, the other a 2 time finalist...this is VERY intriguing.

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

I feel Roddick will prevail. He's looked very comfortable all tournament here.

Richard (South Africa)

The best second serve in the mens game?

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

According to the ATP stats Nadal, Roddick and Kohlschreiber are tied for most points won on second serve...

Javier (Chicago)

The clock has to strike midnight for Hewitt soon.

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

Why now? They're on serve with Roddick leading the third set 2-1...

big al (fl)

Greg, Sampras always argued that the change in type of grass at Wimbledon doesn't make as much of a difference as its hyped to be. Seems to me that most people followed Federer's change from serve-volley to staying back at the baseline more. What do you think? Is it that big of a difference. Hard to tell from a tv.

Greg Garber

  (12:52 PM)

Interesting point, Al. Everyone agrees that with the courts slower at Wimbledon it pays off less to approach net as often. Still, a guy like Haas came forward every chance he got and it worked to beat Djokovic. I'd ike to see Fed come in more. That aggressiveness, incidentally, is why Venus Wlliams is so good here.

Greg Garber

  (12:54 PM)

News flash: ESPN programming folks tell me that Roddick-Hewitt will return to air LIVE at 1 PM EST. Score is 2-1, Roddick leading but Hewitt up 40-30.

Scott (Newton, MA)

How do you like Hewitt's HOF chances? In his prime, he was by far the most consistent force on tour and finished no. 1 for two years, won two majors, got to another final... he needs one more comeback, right? If he makes the final here and loses to Fed (but not to Haas), could that make his case?

Greg Garber

  (12:56 PM)

Dude, if Jana Novatna and Mike Chang can get in, Hewitt is a lock. The Slams place him in the conversation ... The No. 1s insure there is no discussion.

Umesh (San Francisco)

Greg, I noticed that Murray served very, very well today. If that continues, is he the clear favorite vs. Roddick (or Hewitt) and even-money to beat Federer? His return game is usually very good and consistent but his serve is what has made the difference in his jump in the rankings, so think it'll be crucial the next two matches

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

Umesh. Not only did Murray serve well -- he returned phenomenally. This will help him against Roddick or Hewitt. Roddick now leads 3-2.

Greg Garber

  (12:59 PM)

OK, folks, we have less than two minutes left before the hour strikes 1 in the east. We are told that ESPN2 will pick up the Roddick-Hewitt match on serve in the third set. Perfect, eh? Great effort today. Come back and see us on Thursday at 12 noon, EST.

Greg Garber

  (12:03 PM)

Greetings, tennis fans, Greg Garber here at Wimbledon. We've already seen the longest semifinal here in the Open era as Serena Williams outlasted Elena Dementieva in a sensational match. Venus is currently wrecking No. 1 Dinara Safina, having won nine of 10 games. Let those questions begin...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Judging from Serena's escape I don't see Venus having any problems handling her in the final...did Dementieva just play spectacular today or was Serena a little off? I'm not that surprised by a third set but at the same time the fact that it was so close as opposed to lopsided surprised me.

Greg Garber

  (12:06 PM)

Zack, we'll lead off, appropriately, with you ... Dementieva played thebest match I've ever seen her play. Her groundstrokes were more solid than Serena's and her serve held up pretty wel. Key the to match was two points, both break points that would have ut Dementieva in better position to win. Both points were replayed -- one a Serena shot that was IN by a millimeter and the second a ball from Dementieva that was OUT by a millimeter. Crazy, crazy close match. Dementieva will get a lot of credit, even in losing.

Joshua Miao (Los Angeles)

Why do NBC or ESPN2 not show the Venus-Safina game? Yeah Safina is getting demolished but I would still rather watch it live than a recording.

Greg Garber

  (12:08 PM)

Joshua: The rules of the game. NBC, the lead rights holder in the US embargoed the Venus-Safina match. That meant ESPN could show Serena-Dementieva, but no highlights of Venus until 8 PM EST. I believe NBC went on the air at noon, but not sure if they're showing match live or on tape delay. Can my chatters chime in here?

Greg Garber

  (12:09 PM)

By the way, Venus is crushing Safina. The match is 45 minutes old and it's 6-1, 4-0. Safina is serving at deuce. Yikes!

Quincy (Toms River, NJ)

Dementieva didn't play THAT spectacularly...the ratio of aces and winners and unforced errors between the two wasn't even close. She still played well enough to almost take this match, but ultimately Serena was more than a little off. She was just a little better in where it mattered. Venus should easily win the final. Safina's just embarrassingly terrible today.

Greg Garber

  (12:11 PM)

Respect your opinion, Quincy, but for a player whose nerves have always been suspect, I thought Dementieva held up quite well. Way better than Safina, who is a mess. She just double-faulted on break point and trails 6-1, 5-0. She's 0-for-3 in major finals and this result won't help her confidence.

jack (los angeles)

will hass put up a good fight against federer tomorrow like he did in paris? i guess my question is if hass plays better on grass or clay.

Greg Garber

  (12:12 PM)

The feeling here is that Haas plays better on THIS grass, which is pretty slow by Wimbledon standards. The key to his game is moving forward and he did this a lot yesterday against Djokovic. He won the first two sets against Federer in Paris and only a perfect forehand shot cost him a huge upset there. I think maybe he gets a set on Friday.

Suzanne (Vermont)

Greg-- Do you know yet who's up first tomorrow? Roddick

Greg Garber

  (12:13 PM)

Yes, we just got the schedule. Haas-Federer, then Murray-Roddick. Better ratings for a late start for the British phenom.

Michael (Maryland)

Do you think that Roddick will go the distance with Murray? I feel like anotehr 5 setter is in his future. With contrasting styles of play between the two I think we could be in for a thriller. Hopefully Murray doesn't disappoint the queen

Greg Garber

  (12:16 PM)

Michael, the Battle of the Andys is an interesting one. Most people have conceded this to Murray, and when Roddick went five sets and four hours against Hewitt, Murray became a bigger favorite. Yes, Roddick willbe sore -- he looked stiff walking out of breakfast at Wimbledon Village this morning -- but he has had some success against Murray and has been in this spot two times before.

Greg Garber

  (12:17 PM)

News flash: Venus has won in 51 minutes over Safina, 6-1, 6-0. No one expected that kind of one-sided match against the world No. 1...Now it's the Sisters Williams in Saturday's final, their 12th Grand Slam final.

Spivey (Atl)

Who you got ? Venus or Serena ?

Greg Garber

  (12:20 PM)

Based on what I just saw -- and Venus' history here -- Venus wins.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

WOW...Safina should just train for the rest of the season and come back next year, I think she is done especially after that huge embarrassment.

Greg Garber

  (12:22 PM)

Not a bad thout. Her coach, Zeljko Krajan comes into our International Press room after matches to hang with his Croatian scribe buddies. I was kidding him about how grumpy he always looked when the camera went to him. And he said Safina's game "p---ed" him off. That is going to be a tough job rebuilding her confidence.

mike (maine)

that was a total meltdown against Venus. No #1 should be able to play that bad unless they are injured and hiding it. that was a total embaressment by Safina

Greg Garber

  (12:23 PM)

Let's make it a rule. You lose your ranking if you can't win, say, two games.

Tom (Orange Park, FL)

Greg, which men's semi will ESPN be showing tomorrow morning? Are we going to get the same tape delayed nonsense.. i.e. Fed shown on tape only at 10 o clock even though the match started at 8 am EST?

Greg Garber

  (12:25 PM)

Tom, I'm with you. I am checking with the program folks and will get back to you.

Jack (Boston)

You stated Roddick has had success against Murray but their Head-to-Head is 6-2 (Murray) Do you think Roddick has enough variety to beat Murray?

Greg Garber

  (12:28 PM)

Roddick beat him in Cincy in 2006 and Memphis in 2007. That would constitute "some." The interesting result is Wimbledon 2006, when Murray beat Roddick in straights -- at the age of 19. He's a lot better now. Roddick played tentatively in big moments against Hewitt. Murray has a bigger game and is thought to be the best returner in the game, which would neutralize Roddick's biggest weapon.

Jill (Brooklyn, NY)

Hi. Great semi between Serena and Elena. Serena's focus under pressure is amazing. But, my question is about the pressers. I luv reading the transcripts of the player's responses. Why aren't the sportswriters identified by name? I would like to know who is asking the nutty, rude, and sometimes interesting questions.

Greg Garber

  (12:30 PM)

Good point. At Roger Goodell's annual press conference at the Super Bowl, we're required to identify ourselves. Sometimes, particularly in major finals, there are all kinds of riff-raff (non reporters) in the audience. Sometimes they actually applaud when the winner comes in and, yes, they ask some silly questions.

Pete (NC)

6-1 6-0 in a SEMI-FINAL??? Should they even play the finals?

Greg Garber

  (12:32 PM)

Sure, Pete. With the Williams sisters you never know what's going to happen. Did you know their career head-to-head is 10-all?

Patrick (Florida)

What's the schedule for tomorrow? Which men's game is on NBC at noon, and which is on the deuce at 7am?

Greg Garber

  (12:36 PM)

OK, just got this from programming. NBC has selected the Roddick-Murray match. This means that ESPN will start it's coverage at 7 AM EST and the Federer-Haas match will begin live at 8 AM. ESPN can't show highlights of Roddick-Murray until 8 PM, after NBC shows the match on tape in California. Got that? There will be a quiz later.

J.A.K.e (Buffalo)

no expected a one-sided match? well maybe not 6-1, 6-0.. but definitely 6-1, 6-2 was reasonable. safina is "good", but does anyone believe she's near the best in the world? venus is near invincible on grass, so i thought that one had blowout written all over it.

Greg Garber

  (12:37 PM)

Safina's rise to No. 1 is indicative of how open to suggestion women's tennis is. I wouldn't be surprised if Kim Clijsters rises quickly near the to when she comes back later this summer.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

What makes Venus do dominant at Wimbledon and how is that different as compared to Federer or Sampras's dominance at Wimbledon? Obviously her serve and height give her a lot of advantage, but what else does she do well that allows her to win a semi-final 6-0 6-1, regardless of the player she is against?

Greg Garber

  (12:39 PM)

Two things: Venus is built for grass...she's long and hits big serves and forehands. Next, grass is the only surface where Venus feels compelled to go to net. Some folks argue -- Mary Joe Fernandez among them -- that she should play this way in all surfaces.

kfdfhn (CT)

FED will WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

The odds, certainly, are in his favor.

Jim (LA)

How many more times is Safina going to get embarrased in a big match?

Greg Garber

  (12:41 PM)

On the other hand, Jim, she keeps GETTING to those big matches. That has to count for something.

Rajiv (Melbourne, FL)

In one way I'm glad Serena won. Had she lost, we would've had to hear her talk about how she played at 50% of her normal standard and that Dementieva had nothing to do with her loss.. even though Dementieva played absolutely unbelievable and Williams played very well, herself.

Greg Garber

  (12:42 PM)

Well said, Rajiv.

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Hey Greg! Is Safina just as big a head case as her brother? What happens to her No. 1 ranking after that demolition by Venus? And finally, any word on Senor Guns' hard-court season plans yet?

Greg Garber

  (12:43 PM)

Answer: Yes, which is saying something. Will get back to you on No. 1 ranking. No word yet on Senor Guns...

George (NY)

How did Marat ever hold it together against Sampras? It's more amazing every time he/Dinara step on the court with their make-up.

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

Exactly. In that 200 US Open final, he gave Sampras 10 games. Incredible stuff.

Greg Garber

  (12:45 PM)

News flash: Blake and Murray, playing for a spot in the finals, are up 3-0 on the No. 2 seeds Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic.

Krystal (Brooklyn (NY))

Which dimolishing was more impressive? Serena v. Sharapova in the Aussie final 2 yrs back, or this afternoons bludgeoning of Safina by Venus?

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

I think today. One game. Fifty-one minutes -- against the world No. 1? Scary stuff.

Rohan (Chicago)

Wait, so the Roddick-Murray match is not going to be shown live?

Greg Garber

  (12:48 PM)

Rohan: Not sure. Murray-Roddick would be in progress if NBC came on at noon like they did today. I gather they're showing tape right now?

Suzanne (Vermont)

Who is Senor Guns?

Greg Garber

  (12:48 PM)

That is our friend Sarah LOVES Rafael Nadal...

Tommy (Trenton, NJ)

Why does everyone assume that Safina' loss was a mental thing? Did you guys look at Venus' stats for the match? So few unforced errors and so many winners. It would've taken a Herculean effort like Dementieva's today to get more than a couple games on her.

Greg Garber

  (12:49 PM)

Venus stats off the chart, but Safna was not mentally into it. She seemed defeated from the start.

Saleem (Philly)

Where would you rank Serena all-time right now?

Greg Garber

  (12:51 PM)

Not at the top of the list. Here are Grand Slam wins by women: Margaret Court Smith (24), Steffi Graf (22), Helen Wills Moody (19), Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert (18). Serena (10) and Venus (7) only have 17 combined.

ivan (new jersey)

hey greg it is venus the best grass court player of all time?

Greg Garber

  (12:53 PM)

Ivan: Maybe third. Martina has nine Wimbledons and Graf has seven. This would be six for Venus.

Ben (Cincinnati)

This might have been asked already but if Murray was to win this, just how big of a celebration would that set off in London and throughout the UK? I imagine it wouldn't be as big as England winning the World Cup but I'd like to think that it would be a big party. No?

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Ben: See the story we posted today. The local writers say it would be Britain's biggest sporting victory since 1966 - when England won its only World Cup, against Germany. That's pretty huge. The TV rankings are going through the roof and one Internet site s offering finals tickets for 20,000 pounds!

Ryan (Atlanta)

Greg, do you have any info on the coverage for tomorrow? What will we be getting live?

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Ryan: See several posts below. Fed-Haas on ESPN at 8 AM EST.

jamesa (ottawa)

Hey Greg, where do you place Venus/Serena as doubles partners all time. Thanks.

Greg Garber

  (12:56 PM)

It's sort of like singles. WHEN they play there's no one better. They just need to play more. They are really fun to watch.

Peter (Darien)

Ben, I heard that the queen will come if Murray wins

Greg Garber

  (12:57 PM)

Wow. Good sources, Peter.

kirsti (earth (ok, wash dc))

greg, do you think venus will stay in the game long enough to rack up as many slams as court smith, graf, moody, navratilova, and graf? do the williams sisters have the commitment?

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

Kirsti: No, I don't think she will. She is already 29 and has won seven. It's too late to pile up those numbers.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Looking ahead, who has the BEST potential to take Federer's US Open title away from him this year? This would be a bit of a gamble but I would say Roddick considering he is the last person to have won there since Federer's reign and it is his home slam and he has been playing his best tennis this year, arguably in his career.

Greg Garber

  (1:00 PM)

Zack, we will cose with you, just as we opened. I think that makes you the Honorary Marshall. Roddick is a good call, but I'll go wth last year's finalist, who is looking much stronger this year at the age of 22: Andy Murray.That's it, kids. See you Friday at noon EST for one last chat from the All England Club.

Buzzmaster

  (6:06 PM)

Greg Garber will be back again Friday to chat from Wimbledon as the men's semifinals are on center stage. Be sure to chat at noon ET!

Greg Garber

  (12:01 PM)

Hello, tennis fans. Greg Garber here for one last chat as we head toward the end of the fortnight here at Wimbledon. We've already seen Roger Federer roll into his seventh consecutive Wimbledon final -- a record. Andy Roddick and Andy Murray are ocked up a set apiece and 1-1 in the third. Let's get to the questions...

Dutchess (Boston, MA)

Why ESPN is not broadcasting the Murray vs Roddick semifinal!? That's not good..We all want to watch it LIVE

Greg Garber

  (12:04 PM)

Dutchess: Glad you asked, along woith every other tennis fan in America. NBC is the lead rights holder to this championship in the U.S. That means they get to pick one match (yesterday it was Venus Williams vs. Dinara Safina), and today they chose Murray-Roddick. Thus, ESPN2 showed the Federer-Haas match live, but can't touch Murray-Roddick until 8 PM EST. Not sure if NBC went live to the match or, to get the maximum effect, started it on tape.In any case, we'll keep you updated from here...

Jason (Toronto)

Since I can't see the match on TV, could you please give some brief comments as to how each Andy is playing?

Greg Garber

  (12:08 PM)

Jason: It's interesting. Roddick is playing solid tennis, not trying to overpower the ball, except on his serve. Murray seems tight and is always struggling on his serve. For example, just now, Murray had to make two great shots to save two break points at 1-2 in the third.

adi (toronto)

hi greg, 16 of last 17 slams, 21 consecutive slam semis, 20 total slam finals, what is left for roger of conquer? how does he stay motivated? do any of the andy's really have a chance?

Greg Garber

  (12:10 PM)

This is the question going forward, Adi. I think Fed's struggles last year, physically and mentally, actually motivated him to get better. That, and losing three Grand Slam finals to Rafael Nadal in a span of eight months. Pete Sampras admitted recently that he had a tough time getting up for the Cincinnatis of the world, but he was always fired up for the Slams. I think Roger will be like that, too.

Greg Garber

  (12:12 PM)

Match update: Roddick just earned his fourth break point in the fourth game of the third set. And -- wham! -- he's done it. Roddick breaks Murray to take a 3-1 lead. Thi is not how the folks watching here (15,000 on Centre Court and 3-4,000 on Henman Hill) expected it to go...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Would you consider it an upset if Federer didn't win? Both of the Andys are respectable grass court players, I think they have legitimate shots against him and don't think that we should provide excuses of Federer not playing his best if he loses.

Greg Garber

  (12:15 PM)

Hey, Zack. Depends on which Andy gets to the final. Fed crushes Roddick in head-to-head competition. It's an incredible 18-2. He beat him in the 2004 and 2005 finals. Murray, though, holds a 6-2 advantage and that includes the last four matches. That said, I think most folks would be surprised if Federer doesn't win No. 15 on Sunday.

Greg Garber

  (12:16 PM)

Match update: Murray serving at 1-4, up 30-love...

RAY GORDON REID ( SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA 65113)

QUESTION TO GREG GARBER WHO DO YOU LIKE TOMORROW SERENA OR VENUS

Greg Garber

  (12:18 PM)

Ray: The sisters are 10-all in their WTA career matches and have split their four previous Wimbledon matches. I'll take Venus in this one. She's going for three straight at All England and her sixth overall

Greg Garber

  (12:19 PM)

Match update: Murray holds for 2-4.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Where would you rank Venus among the all-time great women's grass players?

Greg Garber

  (12:19 PM)

1) Martina Navratilova (9 Wimbledon titles), 2. Steffi Graf (7), then Venus...

Scott (Newton, MA)

I asked you the other day about Hewit's HOF chances... how do you like Roddick's? Does he clinch it with the year end #1 in '03?

Greg Garber

  (12:20 PM)

Scott: My answer (again) is Jana Novotna and Michael Chang. If they're in, so is Roddick.

biren (santa monica, ca)

ahhh. clickfest at wimbledon (maniacally clicking refresh to see scores of roddick match, i hate NBC!)...

Greg Garber

  (12:22 PM)

Seeing a lot of these comments. Don't carpal tunnel syndrome.

Jason (Toronto)

If Martina could win Wimbledon at 36. And Venus is still the favourite at 29. How many Wimbledon titles will Federer end up with? Does he match Pete/Steffi?

Greg Garber

  (12:23 PM)

Absolutely. He can contend here until he stops playing, and he says that will be at least 2012.

David (LA)

Greg, do you know of other tennis player, historically, as aesthetically pleasing to watch as Roger? Who would you put up there with him if not?

Greg Garber

  (12:25 PM)

David: This is a marvelous point. Marcel Rios? Justine Henin? I'll go with you on Roger as the most graceful and delightful to watch...

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Hey Greg, did you know that Venus doesn't have a grass court title outside of Wimbledon? I realize the schedule is always an issue, but maybe it shows that at least the grass season could be extended an extra week.

Greg Garber

  (12:26 PM)

It shows that, like Serena, Venus doesn't care for warmup tournaments. When they train for Rolan Garros and Wimbledon, I find it interesting that they practice on hardcourts in South Florida.

Greg Garber

  (12:28 PM)

Match update: Roddick up 5-2 and had Murray serve at deuce. Murray now at 3-5. Roddick serving for the third set. Tennis editor Matt Wilansky predicted Roddick in five -- a off-the-menu choice. Looks lke he might be right.

Sarah (Bristol, CT)

Yo G! Do Blake and Fish have any plans to partner for doubles again in the future? It'd be nice to see them take on the Bryan brothers in some Slam finals. Maybe they can win some if they keep at it. Senor Guns forever!!!

Greg Garber

  (12:30 PM)

Sarah: I beleive they WILL play together. It's too bad they will always be the No. 2 US team behind the Bryan brothers.

Greg Garber

  (12:30 PM)

Match update: Murray breaks Roddick, who was serving for the third set. Now the Scot will serve for 5-all. Crowd getting revved up.

Jason (Toronto)

If Murray gets through, I think this match, plus the Wawrinka match, plus the pressure, will be too much for him to beat Federer. Roddick will have a much better chance to beat Fed now.

Greg Garber

  (12:33 PM)

Jason: I am completely with you. I keep asking my British colleagues when Murray is going to finally feel the tremendous pressure of trying to win at home. Tim Henman made four semifinals here and never got to the final. Fred Pery was the last Brit to win here, in 1936. Murray has been shaky against Wawrinka, and now Roddick.

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

Match update: Murray feeling the crowd is pumped up. He cracks an ace outside and pumps his fist and it's 5-all in the third.

Siva (Toronto)

To : biren (santa monica, ca)Public announcement!Go to: http://www.wimbledon.org/en_GB/index.htmlAnd click on Live Scores No manual refreshing required...you can get mach stats as well

Greg Garber

  (12:34 PM)

FYI

Jack (Toronto)

Greg, any word whether Sampras will show up for the match on Sunday?

Greg Garber

  (12:36 PM)

Jack: This is the question looming over the tournament. I'm in touch with Sampras' agent and he has yet to make the decision. Now that Roger is in the final, I think he's probably on Expedia.com right now looking into flights.

Scott (Newton, MA)

Did you see the juniors match that went 15-13 in the 3rd? Intriguing prospects for the near future of American men's tennis. How often does junior success translate to wins on the main tour?

Greg Garber

  (12:38 PM)

Scott: It was 16-14 in the third, Jordan Cox over Devin Britton, in an All-American junior semifinal. Spectacular stuff. Some of the folks covering junors were screaming here in the press room. Help is on the way.

Greg Garber

  (12:39 PM)

Match update: Roddick holds and Murray serving to get to a tiebreaker at 5-6. He's up 30-15.

Greg Garber

  (12:40 PM)

If it goes to the tie-breaker, I'll give you play-by-play...

Greg Garber

  (12:41 PM)

We're in the third-set tiebreak, folks. Roddick will serve first.

Greg Garber

  (12:42 PM)

Roddick wins the first point as Murray can't come up with a running forehand.

Greg Garber

  (12:42 PM)

Murray evens at 1-all with a sweet, scooping backhand volley down the line when Roddick broke to cover the center.

Greg Garber

  (12:43 PM)

A running Murray backhand goes wide and Roddick has the first min-break.

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

It's 2-all. Murray with a ridiculous running forehand cross-court winner.

Greg Garber

  (12:44 PM)

3-2, Roddick. Murray runs down a dropshot but puts the swinging forehand volley into the net.

Greg Garber

  (12:45 PM)

4-2 Roddick. Murray, inexplicably, jerks a backhand wide.

Greg Garber

  (12:46 PM)

Now, Murray is serving at 2-4 in a bit of a jam. Big serve, make that 3-4. Roddick to serve.

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

Now it's 4-4. Roddick with a nervous backhand into the net.

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

5-4, Roddick. Terrific serve and volley.

Greg Garber

  (12:47 PM)

5-5. Murray ace outside.

Greg Garber

  (12:48 PM)

6-5 Murray. Crowd growing crazy. Another big serve. Set point against Roddick.

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

6-all. Murray coms to net off a backkhand approach, then sticks a forehand volley (drop shot/miss-hit?) and Murray cant retrieve it.

Greg Garber

  (12:50 PM)

7-6, Roddick ace, then Murray off-balance forehand winner. 7-7

Greg Garber

  (12:51 PM)

8-7 Roddick with a Murray forehand error. Serving for set.

Greg Garber

  (12:52 PM)

Roddick takes the third set with a very unRoddick-like play. He approaches net with a backhand slice, and Murray can't make the running forehand. Tremendous stuff. Might have been the pivotal point of the match.

Gary Vice (Minnesota)

You can watch it live here. Third set tie-breaker just got underway. One set apiece. http://channelsurfing.net/watch-wimbledon.html

Greg Garber

  (12:53 PM)

As a public service, we offer this from Gary. Enjoy.

Zack (Harrisonburg, Virginia)

Greg, even if Roddick wins today, the Brits still have Jamie Murray in the semis of mixed doubles...but I think Paes/Black will take the title.

Greg Garber

  (12:54 PM)

Agreed.

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Yes. See previous post. Our gift to you for your dedication.

Laurel (Illinois)

If NBC has exclusive rights to the Murray vs. Roddick game, will we ever be able to view the match?

Greg Garber

  (12:55 PM)

Probably on tape delay?

adi (toronto)

i'm hoping for roddick win! he deserves to be on the finals for all his efforts to turn his game around, particularly his fitness! which leads to my question, why didn't a-rod wait so long to make the changes he's made? he could have been in the mix far earlier than now.

Greg Garber

  (12:57 PM)

Adi: The problem is, Roddick has lost 16 of 18 matches against Federer. That's a serious, serious number.

Jason (Toronto)

Are you ready to stick a fork in Murray?

Greg Garber

  (12:58 PM)

Yes. He's down two sets to one -- and a break already in the third.

Greg Garber

  (1:01 PM)

Many, many thanks to all of you for your sincere questions over the fortnight. I have a story to write on the men's semis, and it's not the story most were expecting. As we leave you, Murray is serving at 1-all. Pleas disregard score in last post. We'll talk again at the U.S. Open on a daily basis. Cheers.