Roland Garros 2011 track about to repeat itself @ Wimbledon 2011?

Will Federer once again 'assist' Nadal into clinching another Slam while shielding Nadal from Djokovic for the No. 1 rank? Isn't that what's it looking more and more like with just one exception: Nadal's berth in the finals appears more uncertain than his win over Djokovic @ Roland Garros final was.

I mean, Federer is not only playing better than most expected, he is not on clay anymore. To complete the picture, Djokovic appears far less dominant evoking the possibility of a Roland Garros semifinal result: Federer winning the semi encounter. That should take care of the No. 1 rank.

And IF Nadal reaches the final, there's little doubt No. 11 will get taken care of too.

Or is this Nadal's turn to return the favor and slink away before the final stage under guise of Delpo to clear the field for No. 17 and No. 7? If Nadal leaves the scene early, Federer is NOT letting this one go - groin or no groin. And if Federer is even semi serious about reclaiming the No. 1 rank, this is his last shot to win some major freaking points here before the point loaded part of the season begins for him. For rock people, Federer was on a tear after last year's Wimbledon winning four titles including WTF.

Additionally, psychologically this is his last stop before No. 30 rolls in to add another unit to the baggage.

Is all this enough to, at least on paper, transform Federer into the hungriest contender with that do or die mindset? I mean, Nadal's appetite was just satiated, Djokovic had his historic run and Murray......could Murray be the only one closest to that 'now or never' station?

So will it be Federer and Murray in the finals? Seems very likely - with both winning? No one winning? With rain-check? Would not eating for a few days before the final intensify the 'hungry' state even more or is all that only figurative?

Comments

[chipnputt]

None of them have shown any signs of losing as yet, but then the business end of the tournament has yet to begin.

I'd rank them Roger, then Rafa and then Nole in terms of favorites for this title, with it being really close between the Roger and Rafa if they meet in the final. That result could hinge on who has the more difficult semifinal. I seriously doubt Nole or Murray could beat Rafa and Roger back to back. As far as those dates in the semis go, Roger seems to have the easiest path, and Rafa the toughest path. Very exciting week ahead.

Incidentally, if Rafa loses before the final, we know Nole becomes #1. But, if Rafa loses and Roger wins the title, guess who is #2?

[M]

Chip, if Roger wins the final and gets his #2 back, who is #1, and who is #3?

[chipnputt]

Nole #1, Roger #1, Rafa #3. But for this to happen, Rafa has to lose before the final and Roger has to win it all.

Nole becomes #1 if Rafa loses or even if Rafa wins, Nole reaches the final.

[chipnputt]

Roger #2... sorry.

[Banti]

The Rafa/ delpo match is tomorrow. Tad bit excited here.

[sperry]

Chip... just curious... are you using my spreadsheet for that? Did you figure out how to use it?

[chipnputt]

Actually, got this from the following article:

http://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/news/articles/2011-06-20/201106201308566476511.html

and then did some back of the envelope calculations to make sure the guy was correct. Your spreadsheet is awesome but haven't figured it out yet. I gave it to a colleague of mine, my spreadsheet guru, to look at but work has been kind of hectic and she hasn't been able to get to it. Let things calm down a bit and I'll ask her again.

[claire]

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Rankings/Singles.aspx

Go to above site - click on points for each player
ex. Nadal click on his points 12,070
This will give you breakdown of points

so,
Nadal has 12,070, subtract points earned last year at Wimbledon (2,000)
12,070 - 2,000 = 10,070

Go to each players and do same so you know points they have at beginning Of
Wimbledon.

Points are added back at tournament moves along.

Here is breakdown of points to earn at Grand Slams:
Win all matches up to and including R32 - 90
Win all matches up to and including R16 - 180
Win all matches up to and including 1/4 - 360
Win all matches up to and including 1/2 - 720
Runner up add 1,200
Winner add 2,000
So before today's matches - all 4 have won up to and including R32
Beginning points reflect points they have at beginning of tournament after
I subtracted points earned last year

1. Nadal - 10,070 + 90 =10,160
2.Djoko - 11,285 + 90 = 11,375
3. Fed - 8,870 + 90 =8,960

So if Nadal loses today,Djokovic becomes #1 - Nadal points after Wimbledon will
be 10,160.

This is where I end - you can continue adding their points as they win matches
to figure out who is #1, #2, #3.... as the tournament progresses.

I've done this before and decided easier to wait til rankings come out Monday!