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Time Check. 1200 Wimbledon = 2100 AEDT; 1100 GMT; 0700 US ET

SUNDAY FINAL (SELECTION IN BOLD)

Roger Federer SUI (4) v. Mark Philippoussis AUS

- In his own words, Roger Federer played an 'unbelievable' semi-final against Andy Roddick. If he can play to that level today, this will be over very quickly. But this is a Grand Slam final and given Federer's mental vulnerabilities in the past, this will certainly present a huge test. Philippoussis has played well when under pressure over the past fortnight, but he hasn't faced an opponent of Federer's class. The Scud won their last meeting on the dirt of Hamburg a few months ago, but in a best-of-five situation, his lack of consistency might prove his downfall.

OTHER SEMI FINALS FOR FRIDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Andy Roddick USA (5) v. Roger Federer SUI (4)

- Both players are on 10-match winning streaks and have only dropped a set each en-route to the semis. Both are also looking to reach their first Grand Slam final. Federer has a notable 3-0 head-to-head advantage, but this is their first meeting on grass. I have to give the edge to the American. His serve has been close to un-returnable at the All-England Club - in is last match he only gave up one break point opportunity to Bjorkman and that was very early on in the encounter. Roddick also looks to have the clear edge in mental toughness. It's Federer who has the big question mark when it comes to performing at his best in the pressure packed matches.

Sebastien Grosjean FRA (13) v. Mark Philippoussis AUS

- Another two debut Wimbledon semi-finalists clash. The Frenchman continued his impressive grass court season with a hard fought win over Tim Henman, while Philippoussis came back from two sets down and saving five break-points late in the 5th set, to get past Alexander Popp. The head-to-head record stands at 2-2 with Grosjean winning the last two, but this is their first meeting on grass. The Scud is playing some great tennis here and winning close to nine out of ten first serves is always going to make you hard to beat on grass, but Grosjean has been serving well himself and if he can get into the points, he looks to have the advantage from the back of the court.

The great British dream lives on, but it was hardly championship winning material from Henman with his performance against Nalbandian on Monday. The Brit comes into this having defeated just one player in the top-100 while Grosjean has backed up his runner-up at Queen's with wins over the likes of Enqvist, big-servers Arthurs and Moodie and French Open winner Ferrero. While Henman leads the head-to-head 3-2, Grosjean notched up a 4 & 3 win at Queen's three weeks ago. He is serving very well at the moment and has looked a lot sharper from the back of the court. He is yet to play a match on Centre Court and has the crowd to deal with, but on current form, the wrong man is favourite.

It was nothing short of a stunning serving display that saw Philippoussis edge Agassi in their five-setter on Monday. He boomed down a record-equaling 46 aces the same time as, while converting only three, amassing a massive 21 break-point opportunities on the Agassi serve. While this was happening, out on Court 14, Alexander Popp was taking care of Olivier Rochus to reach the quarters for the second time in as many attempts. Yes, the Scud is serving extraordinarily well and as I've said before he's playing some career best tennis this year, but his price today is very short. He has suffered let-downs after big wins in the past and it would came as no surprise to see him make hard work of this one.

OTHER QUARTER FINALS FOR WEDNESDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Jonas Bjorkman SWE v. Andy Roddick USA (5)

- Roddick improved to 9-0 on the grass season with new coach Brad Gilbert after his four-set win over Srichaphan on Monday. While he won an impressive 24 of 29 of his net approaches in that encounter, he'll be tested to the limit today by the crafty Bjorkman. The Swede has made it to the last eight at Wimbledon for the first time but he certainly has the game to trouble the hard-hitting Yank - as evidenced by a straight sets win at Nottingham last year. He backed up in doubles action yesterday so he won't be as fresh as one would hope, but this price looks to big to me.

Roger Federer SUI (4) v. Sjeng Schalken NED (8)

- Both players come into this with some rather serious injury concerns. Schalken reportedly had an MRI scan on a foot injury yesterday and while there were no breaks, he must be is some doubt today. Federer meanwhile, had extensive on-court treatment to his lower back and was only in second gear when getting past Lopez on Monday. He indicated that he was still feeling pain during his post-match interviews. An injection or two might do the trick, but if the trouble is still there, I'm tipping a fully fit Schalken would run him around more than Lopez. Both players come into this on nine-match win streaks having won lead-up tourney's, so form is not a concern. Federer has already defeated Schalken three times this year but their one and only meeting on grass - last year at 's-Hertogenbosch - was won by the Dutchman. Schalken has only dropped 2 of his last 38 service games so if he's fit, he looks to be right in this, but there's too much uncertainty at this stage to go anywhere near this one.

Henmania enters it's second week and while the Brit has only dropped one set, he is yet to face anybody ranked higher than 131 with wins over Zib (157), Llodra (131) and Soderling (155) - quite a sobering thought considering that today, he comes up against Nalbandian - sixth seed and 9-1 at Wimbledon. The Argentinean finished off strong against a faltering Kucera on Saturday and holds the 2-0 head-to-head advantage between these two. With the forecast heavier conditions almost certain to suit Nalbandian this price looks well over the odds to me.

The French Open champion earned his best result at SW19 with a hard fought win over Sargsian on Saturday while Grosjean failed to have his serve broken once in a four set win over Moodie. Ferrero leads the head-to-head 2-0 (both on clay) but in these conditions, one has to like the chances of the Frenchman. Ultra-impressive in the lead-up, Grosjean has the edge in the service department and should also dominate at the net.

OTHER 4TH ROUND MATCHES FOR MONDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Max Mirnyi BLR v. Jonas Bjorkman SWE

- Mirnyi dropped a set to Karlovic back on Friday while Bjorkman thrashed Gimelstob when winning an excellent 81% on 1st serve. The Swede certainly possesses the game to trouble Mirnyi - as evidenced by a 6-1 head-to-head advantage, most recently a straight sets win at Roland Garros. 'The Beast' always leaves plenty of room for the pass and Bjorkman is one of the better returners of serve going around. Mirnyi has the slight advantage of backing up on Court 13 for the third straight match, but it's hard to see him taking this one.

Paradorn Srichaphan THA (12) v. Andy Roddick USA (5)

- Srichaphan put two five setters behind him by doing what he had to against the inexperienced Nadal on Friday. But if Roddick serves anywhere near to what he has been - five break points in 46 service games says it all - then I really can't see the Thai providing to much resistance today. He can certainly fire back his fare share of winners, but he's looked vulnerable on serve all week and will surely be put under pressure in that department more than not.

Roger Federer SUI (4) v. Feliciano Lopez ESP

- The lefty Lopez has made it to the fourth round for the second time in as many starts. He's done it considerably easier this year however, failing to drop a set to the likes of Kendrick, Youzhny and Saretta.  He served 18 aces for an 83% win on 1st serve on Friday, so the kicking left handed serve is proving a real advantage. Federer was impressive against Fish in the last round, but he'll have to give the grass-loving Spaniard some respect today. Will the Court Two curse strike again? Just maybe.

Rainer Schuettler GER (9) v. Sjeng Schalken NED (8)

- The German had too much for Todd Martin at the end of their marathon encounter on Saturday while Schalken was workman-like in a straight set win over Hanescu. The Dutchman has been going for a while now, having won a tourney last week, but he backs up on Court 18 with the faster conditions there to suit. Schuettler is certainly able to prolong this one, but the grass-court record of Schalken is very hard to overlook.

Olivier Rochus BEL v. Alexander Popp GER

- Rochus continues to impress here, after knocking out Nieminen on Saturday while Popp got past an injury-restricted Novak. The German has the bigger serve and has the advantage on playing on the 'faster' side of the grounds at Court 14, but the pint-sized Belgian has proven before that he can handle the power.

Mark Philippoussis AUS v. Andre Agassi USA (2)

- A set and 0-4 down in a breaker, the Scud came back from the dead in his 3rd round match with Stepanek, the same time as Agassi was ploughing away a tight win over El Anayoui. Agassi has won the last six meetings between these two including a quarter-final in 2000, clearly having the Aussie's measure. The Scud will serve his fare share of aces, but the best returner in the game will get plenty back and the unforced errors will flow.

Nalbandian, it must be said wasn't all that convincing up against Andre Sa on Thursday. It was an error riddled performance that quite frankly would not have fared to well against most of the other players in the draw. The Argentinean has the final of last year to hang his hat on, but that's it when it comes to senior grass court experience. After starting the year well, Kucera looks to have run into some very handy form this week and given his long term grass court record, this looks overs.

The Spaniard has won both meetings between these two, but the last one at Indian Wells earlier this year was particularly close. I've been impressed with Ferrero this week, first-up since the French Open was never going to be easy, but I can see this one going down to the wire. Sargsian, while lacking the class of his opponent, will have the edge at the net and importantly, has been given a third consecutive match on Court Two (yet to drop a set in his opening two games), whereas Ferrero comes straight of two matches on Centre Court.

Popp is always going prove a threat on grass. He has defeated Arazi and the grass-loving Sluiter here this week so he must be given some respect. Novak has a lot more Grand Slam experience but it is worth noting that he had not passed the second round here in seven prior attempts. The German looks to have the edge in the service department and if he gets some sunny and fast conditions, he'll be right in this.

Philippoussis was very impressive against Saulnier on Thursday and while he relinquished an early break in the 3rd set, the result never looked in doubt. This will be much tougher. Stepanek has reached the third round in for the second time in as many starts at SW19 and is having his best year on tour. It's the usual story, if the Scud's serve goes missing, he's in trouble and I certainly believe the Czech will be able to take advantage of such an eventuality.

OTHER 3RD ROUND MATCHES FOR SATURDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Robin Soderling SWE v. Tim Henman GBR (10)

- The Swede has been labeled the next big thing by those in the know from his homeland. His big serve makes him well suited to grass and he will certainly go for his shots, but he hasn't seen centre court before and with a bunch of screaming Poms all against him, it may prove too much.

Sebastien Grosjean FRA (13) v. Wesley Moodie RSA

- The Frenchman has really impressed this week. The runner-up to Roddick at Queen's looks to have provided a big confidence boost coming into this week. He is serving brilliantly - 14 aces and 0 doubles in his last match alone. A win here would equal his best result at Wimbledon. Moodie is well suited to grass and always does well at this time of the year in the lower tiered events, but he lacks the all-round ability to be in this.

Olivier Rochus BEL v. Jarkko Nieminen FIN (30)

- Rochus has won both hardcourt meetings between these two and on this surface must be favoured to advance. Nieminen has done well to get past qualifier Verdasco and lucky loser Galvani, but definitely likes it a lot slower that this. Rochus has made the third round for the third time in four starts at the All England Club, so I like his chances to progress.

Younes El Aynaoui MAR (27) v. Andre Agassi USA (2)

- This should be a very entertaining match to watch. El Aynaoui got past Massu in a very tight match on Thursday and looks to be able to adapt his game very well to grass court conditions. An 0-4 head-to-head record with Agassi however, suggest he struggles with the relentless scrambling and all-round ability of Agassi's game.

The German had few problems with Santoro on Wednesday while Martin picked up his serve and disposed of Kuerten. You can be sure Schuettler will run down everything, but the veteran Yank will get a few more free points on serve and has the grass court pedigree. I must say I rated Martin a slight favourite under these conditions.

OTHER 3RD ROUND MATCHES FOR FRIDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Ivo Karlovic CRO v. Max Mirnyi BLR

- Mirnyi has notched up solid wins over Spadea and Ljubicic coming into this. He looks to be serving well with very few errors to his name. Karlovic backed up his giant-killing win over Hewitt with a respectable performance against Baccanello on Wednesday, but this will be much tougher. There is just too much reliance on the serve for my liking.

Jonas Bjorkman SWE v. Justin Gimelstob USA

- Gimelstob surprised many with his performance on Wednesday when he stormed home over the in-form Clement in the fifth set. He certainly likes the fast conditions here, but his opponent today is equally at home here. Bjorkman impressed in the lead up and should use his edge at the net to great advantage today.

Paradorn Srichaphan THA (12) v. Rafael Nadal ESP

- You've got to admire the fighting spirit of the Thai. He was down and out against Mutis on Wednesday before a truly remarkable comeback. He still clearly hasn't fully adjusted his free-hitting game to the vagaries of grass court tennis but his heart is keeping him in it. Nadal has come here with few expectations and with two solid wins already this week, he must be rated a big show today.

Tommy Robredo ESP (25) v. Andy Roddick USA (5)

- Roddick leads the head-to-head 4-0 (1-0 on grass). Robredo has defeated the likes of Acasuso and Vahaly - as he should have - this week but you don't need me to tell you that he faces a tougher test today. The A-Rod will have to be careful not to suffer a let down after the big build-up to his match with Rusedski, but if can maintain anything near to his serving level in his first two matches, this looks comfortable.

Roger Federer SUI (4) v. Mardy Fish USA

- An out of form J-M Gambill proved no match for Mardy Fish on Wednesday as predicted, but I feel that he'll have to play to his absolute best to be a chance today. Federer looks to be running into some form here this week and is looming as a major threat to be in action at SW19 well into next week.

Flavio Saretta BRA v. Feliciano Lopez ESP

- The heavy hitting Saretta came out on top in a five-set marathon against Calleri on Wednesday, while Lopez once again proved his ability on faster surfaces with a straight-sets win over Youzhny. I'm giving Lopez a slight edge, but with another marathon on the cards, I'm willing to sit this one out.

Victor Hanescu ROM v. Sjeng Schalken NED (8)

- The improving Romanian has come through quallies (albeit as lucky loser in controversial circumstances) and then notched up wins over Portas and Chela. Schalken has the class and all-round grass court game to make quick work of this - the only question mark surrounds his fitness should this one go the distance. The Dutchman is coming of a win at Rosmalen last Sunday, a match on Monday and then a draining four-hour marathon against Lapentti in the second round here on Wednesday.

The talented Blake had no problems with the journeyman Larkham in the first round, but he'll need to be wary of the experienced Armenian. Sargsian made very quick work of the in-form Bogdanovic on Tuesday and he certainly has the ability to exploit the mental weakness in the American's game.

The French Open champ showed few signs of a hangover as he swept aside Lisnard on Tuesday. He'll need to do a little more to be certain of advancing today. Escude was pushed by Greek qualifier Economidis in the first round. On that performance and given that he was coming into this week under an injury cloud (groin at Halle), I'm willing to side with the confident Spaniard.

Reports are that the Scud was less than convincing against Zabaleta on Tuesday. The trainer was called at one stage and the big serving Aussie complained of feeling 'flat' in post-match interviews. Saulnier flew through qualifying and then had a confidence building win over last year's semi finalist Malisse. His Grand Slam record coming into this week read a shocking 1-9, but if the Philippoussis serve goes missing for an extended period, I can certainly see him being right in this match.

Both advanced on Tuesday with comfortable wins - El Aynaoui over wildcard Hilton and the well backed Massu over Krajan in what can only be described as a very "suspect" match. The Chilean is no stranger to grass, having won a junior doubles title here some years ago, and I'm not sure that El Aynoui is all that comfortable with the low bouncing conditions.

David Nalbandian ARG (6) to bt Andre Sa BRA

Last year's finalist Nalbandian hasn't had the greatest form coming into this, but he got by a past semi finalist here in Voltchkov on Tuesday. Andre Sa has just turned around a horrific start to the year in the last few weeks but you can't read to much into his win over a 'dead' Puerta in the first round.

Karol Kucera SVK to bt Takao Suzuki JPN

The Japanese qualifier did very well to get past Dick Norman in a tight three-set encounter but this will much tougher. Karol Kucera is very confident on grass, and while I'm not reading anything into his win over an unfit Ferreira on Tuesday, he has the lead-up form to suggest that this will be well within his reach.

Raemon Sluiter NED to bt Alexander Popp GER

The Dutchman demonstrated his love of the grass with an excellent come from behind win over Kafelnikov on Tuesday. Popp beat Arazi in three sets in the first round and does look to have the edge in the serving department, but Sluiter has a lot more all-round game.

Jiri Novak CZE (11) to bt David Ferrer ESP

Clay courter David Ferrer comes off a win over Martin Lee but he'll need to do a lot more to be in this. Novak had a slow start against Horna and as previously mentioned, has not advanced past the second round here in seven attempts, but he'll find this a lot easier.

OTHER 2ND ROUND MATCHES FOR THURSDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Robin Soderling SWE v. Gilles Elseneer BEL

- Two qualifiers meet. Elseneer posted a win over Kiefer in his first Grand Slam match. The German came in under an injury cloud and does throw in the odd shocker so I'm willing to run a line through that one. Soderling meanwhile, was very impressive against French Open finalist Verkerk. Although the Dutchman looked very ill at ease on the grass, he still managed to crank up the serve and heap the pressure on the young Swede. Elseneer clearly enjoys these conditions and has some respectable challenger form on the year but I'm giving the edge to Soderling.

Michael Llodra FRA v. Tim Henman GBR (10)

- Just as another dose of Henmania is about to set in, up comes a tricky opponent in the doubles specialist Llodra. The Frenchman was impressive in qualifying and got the job done against Sanchez on Tuesday while Henman was hardly convincing against the lowly Zib. The Brit has the crowd and centre court experience behind him but this game has danger written all over it.

Sebastien Grosjean FRA (13) v. Wayne Arthurs AUS

- Grosjean came back yesterday and was very impressive against Enqvist while Arthurs advanced after beating Alberto Martin. If the Frenchman can serve like he did against Enqvist, he'll have too much for the more one-dimensional Arthurs. But with the Arthurs serve, it would take a brave soul to put this one in your multi.

Wesley Moodie RSA v. Frederic Niemeyer CAN

- Another two qualifiers meet up here. Both love the fast low bouncing conditions. Moodie got past Rosset in the first round while Niemeyer had a win over clay courter Mantilla. Very tough match to call, but on available grass court form, you have to go with the South African.

Olivier Rochus BEL v. Anthony Dupuis FRA

- The pint-sized Belgian got past the clay courter Coria in a match that resembled anything but regulation grass court tennis. He came into Wimbledon with some very mixed form but he has clearly taken a liking to conditions here. Dupuis did what he had to against British wildcard Bloomfield and did have a quarter final at Queen's in the lead-up, but his Grand Slam record - only past the second round in one of 12 prior appearances - leaves a lot to be desired.

Stefano Galvani ITA v. Jarkko Nieminen FIN (30)

- The lucky-loser Galvani defeated Boutter in a lengthy five-set encounter on Tuesday, but he comes up against an opponent with a more damaging all-round game today. Nieminen came back from two sets to one down against the promising Verdasco and while he possesses no great weapon for the grass, he does has the clear edge in class here.

Scott Draper AUS v. Radek Stepanek CZE (35)

- Draper improved his Wimbledon record to 3-7 with a hard fought win over the promising Frenchman Mathieu while Stepanek defeated qualifier Mertinak. The Czech is one of the big improvers on the tour this year and has a solid all-round game well suited to grass court tennis.

Lars Burgsmuller GER v. Andre Agassi USA (2)

- Agassi comes into this after dropping a set to Delgado on Tuesday while the German finished off the clay courter Montanes yesterday. Burgsmuller has been competitive in the lead-up but he clearly lacks a weapon and the talent to trouble Agassi today.

The out of form Thai made hard work of Hrbaty while Mutis came from two sets down to Squillari. The Frenchman has climbed from 235 to 76 on the champions race this year, so he has clearly lifted his game to a new level. If the Srichaphan serve goes missing as it has in recent times, I do feel this will be a close one.

Gambill holds a notable 3-0 head-to-head advantage, the most recent win coming in the Delray Beach (hard) final earlier in the year, but the highly rated Fish is improving all the time. The Nottingham runner-up had a solid win over the dangerous Gaudio on Monday and looks to be carrying the better form into this.

Both of these have had very little success on grass before. Neither had too many problems in the opening round - Chela over Behrend and Hanescu storming home over Portas. The Romanian has improved his game appreciably in recent times and for mine is right in this.

Jonas Bjorkman 1.25 SWE to bt Jurgen Melzer AUT

Melzer upset the heavy hitting Gonzalez on Monday. He came into this with shocking form, but it's worth noting that he won the junior title here in '99 so he is no stranger to grass. Bjorkman meanwhile, had few problems with Luxa after coming into this week with some solid lead-up form - albeit on the faster courts at Nottingham. The veteran Swede will have to be on his game, but will prove too consistent.

Rafael Nadal 1.50 ESP to bt Lee Childs GBR

Plenty of smiles here as Childs got past Davydenko on Monday, but I, along with many others I presume, underestimated the grass court ability of Nadal. In what was meant to be a learning experience, the 17-year old Spaniard took out one of the pre-tournament fancies in Ancic. Lefties are always tough on grass and he may just have too much class for the Brit.

Tommy Robredo 1.45 ESP (25) to bt Brian Vahaly USA

Both advance after four-set wins on Monday - Robredo, having a little more trouble than expected over Asasuso and Vahaly likewise against the clay-courter Volandri. The American came out on top when these two met earlier in the year at Indian Wells when on an excellent run, but the cool Spaniard has a lot more experience at this level and should be able to turn the tables today.

Sjeng Schalken 1.28 NED (8) to bt Nicolas Lapentti ECU

Lapentti turned around some poor form on Monday with a win over Carlsen while Schalken did well to come from Sunday's Rosmalen final to get past Parmar. Lapentti had a fine result this time last year, but on current form, the Dutchman looks strong in this one.

OTHER 2ND ROUND MATCHES FOR WEDNESDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Ivo Karlovic CRO vs. Paul Baccanello AUS

- Both are coming off their first win at Wimbledon - Karlovic with his much publicised win over the defending champ Hewitt and Baccanello over Heuberger. The big question here is whether the big Croatian can come back down to earth and play his best tennis or still have his mind on his last Monday's heroics. If his serve is on song, it's hard to see the Aussie having too much of a show, but tennis is a funny game and it would be no surprise to see Karlovic suffer a let down today.

Ivan Ljubicic CRO vs. Max Mirnyi BLR

- Don't expect too many breaks of serve between these two. Both have very similar records on grass in recent times, but maybe Mirnyi was more impressive in his opening round win over Spadea. I'm not touching this one.

Justin Gimelstob USA vs. Arnaud Clement FRA (15)

- The Frenchman survived a marathon two-day match with Ginepri and has played a lot of tennis in the lead-up, but he would be confident of his chances today. The journeyman Gimelstob has struggled to play out the five sets for some time now, so this looks very tough.

Greg Rusedski GBR vs. Andy Roddick USA (5)

- A match-up that could well pass as quarter or semi final. You don't need me to tell you that the serve will dominate in this one - and that's where Roddick probably has the edge at the moment. The big, pressure packed points will be a big deciding factor and for mine, this is where Rusedski is vulnerable. The Brit came out on top with relative ease in the third round here last year but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

Roger Federer SUI (4) vs. Stefan Koubek AUT

- It's fair to say that Federer was less than convincing towards the end of his match with H-T Lee on Monday. He became very inconsistent and blew at least seven match points. Koubek doesn't possess a weapon to hurt Federer, the only concern being the Swiss' apparent fragile mental state. Not at this price.

Agustin Calleri ARG (23) vs. Flavio Saretta BRA

- If ever a match was worthy of take-your-pick status, this has to be it. Calleri got past an injured Voinea on Monday and while he has done little on grass, he is a big improver over the last year or so. Saretta had few problems with Mackin and showed last year that he doesn't mind the fast and low bouncing conditions.

Feliciano Lopez ESP vs. Mikhail Youzhny RUS (16)

- Lopez did what he had to against promising American Kendrick while Youzhny had very few problems with an out of form Beck. Apart from a terrible loss to Bjorkman at Nottingham, Youzhny had a very promising lead-up and looks far more suited to these conditions.

Rainer Schuettler GER (9) vs. Fabrice Santoro FRA

- The German, despite his unorthodox preparation of playing a clay challenger at home last week, came through his first round match with Kratochvil in four sets, coming back from a break down late in the final set. Santoro meanwhile, came back from two sets to one down against Vinciguerra. Both are competitive on grass, but the Frenchman is the one who'll look to finish off the points.

Todd Martin USA vs. Gustavo Kuerten BRA (17)

- Guga advances thanks to a Van Lottum retirement while Martin made very tough work of Vicente. The veteran American is not getting any younger and having played a tough five setter compared to the set and a half of his opponent won't bode well should this go the distance, but on this surface it's hard to go against him.

Last year's runner-up has drawn a very tough 1st round encounter. Voltchkov is a past semi-finalist here ('00) and while his 8-11 record for '03 doesn't excite, he appears to have come good at the right time for this. After losing to Luczak at Queen's, he beat Gimelstob and the in-form Bogdanovic before taking eventual winner Rusedski right to the wire in the quarter finals at Nottingham. Nalbandian meanwhile has reportedly failed to overly impress at the Stoke Park exhibition. A past finalist deserves respect but this one looks certain to be much tighter than the odds suggest. Voltchkov's right ankle was heavily strapped in his match with Rusedski at Nottingham and looked to be causing him some discomfort, so as a precaution this is with an 'injury-void' bookie.

The Swede holds an imposing 4-0 (0-0 on grass) head-to-head advantage here and the Frenchman is coming in under a slight injury cloud. He withdrew from doubles last week at Rosmalen citing a lower back strain shortly after losing to Vacek in a second round singles encounter. He did final at Queen's when recording wins over the likes of Kratochvil, Hewitt and Henman, but this stands out as a danger game. Enqvist went down to Gambill in two breakers at Queen's and then had three warm-up matches last week at Stoke Park. He's had a very disappointing year-to-date, but with a solid record here, he must be rated a decent chance.

The 18-year old Soderling has not played a single match this year at ATP level, but he came through quallies by dropping just one set and has some respectable form in hardcourt challengers. Verkerk meanwhile, is going from a French Open final to club tennis to a loss to Burgsmuller in his first grass court match to his first Wimbledon match! He can certainly play on fast courts, but whether he will have the time adjust to the subtleties of grass court tennis is another question. If the Swedish youngster can get enough Verkerk bullets back into play then he'll be right in this.

Moodie has popped up during the grass court swing over the past few years - he defeated Bogdanovic to win the Surbiton challenger after a runner-up in '02. He qualified at Roehampton with a couple of rather unconvincing wins to make it through to his first Grand Slam main draw. Rosset beat Van Lottum and Nieminen before a tight loss to Malisse at Queen's and has been serving very well in recent times.

The young Spaniard is a promising type who has posted some handy results when stepping up to the top level this year. This will be his first main draw Grand Slam match. His only senior-level grass court experience came with his three qualifying wins at Roehampton however. Nieminen is coming off an excellent clay season, but he is just 2-5 on grass himself, so I don't expect him to have everything go his way today.

Kafelnikov has never played his best at Wimbledon despite having had more success in the lead-up tournaments. He's won 19 consecutive first round matches at Grand Slams, but he faces a very tricky opponent here. Sluiter is 15-8 on grass over the past three years and has some very respectable form in the lead-up.

There's a big gap in grass-court experience in this match-up, but I don't think there will be much in this. Novak has dropped off this year from his career best '02 and Wimbledon is historically his worst Slam - he has not advanced past the second round in seven attempts. The improving Horna is more at home on the clay and is playing on grass for the first time in his senior career, but it's worth noting that he won the junior doubles title here as a youngster so he won't be totally lost.

Malisse made it to the semis here last year, defeating Rusedski and Krajicek before going down to Nalbandian in five. He has had a solid lead-up, losing to Agassi at the Queen's quarters and defeating Roddick in three tight sets last week at Stoke Park. Saulnier meanwhile, has enough form to present quite a danger today. He beat Draper and Mirnyi at Queen's before taking Henman to three sets and then comfortably come through qualifying at Roehampton. His Grand Slam record (1-9) doesn't do much for me, but Malisse remains one of the less mentally stable players on the tour, so I'm willing to get on the dog here.

Dick Norman 1.33 BEL v. Takao Suzuki JPN

Suzuki had a win over Stoliarov at Surbiton as his only win in four challenger starts this year. He posted a heavy loss to Sangunietti in the 2nd round of Surbiton but he qualified at Roehampton without dropping a set. Norman also qualified with relative ease and with lead up form at Queen's when defeating Fish and Sa before pushing Hewitt to three sets, he must be favoured to advance here.

Michael Llodra 1.22 FRA to bt David Sanchez ESP

Hard to see Sanchez getting close in this one. He comes off a clay challenger in Germany (1st rnd l. to Vinciguerra) and at 0-2 career on grass, it's fair to say he doesn't feel all that comfortable on the surface. Doubles specialist Llodra qualified with three very good wins over the likes of W Black, Reid and Galvani, so this should be comfortable.

Wayne Arthurs 1.14 AUS to bt Alberto Martin ESP

Martin has won the odd match or two on grass throughout his career, but this will be tough. The big-serving Arthurs is at his best on grass and despite losses to Dupuis and Arazi in the lead-up, will have far to much.

Mark Philippoussis 1.10 AUS to bt Mariano Zabaleta ARG

The Argentinean had a win over Blake last week at Stoke Park, but it's hard to see him having any answers for the big-serving Scud. Zabaleta is just 0-3 here and despite recent improvements, will continue to struggle on grass.

Lars Burgsmuller 1.25 GER to bt Albert Montanes ESP

Neither would list grass as their favourite surface, especially the Spaniard who struggled in his only match on grass against Clement here last year. Burgsmuller, despite not winning a match in three starts here, has had a solid lead-up and with the clear edge in experience should get on the board today.

OTHER 1ST ROUND MATCHES FOR TUESDAY (SELECTIONS IN BOLD)

Andre Sa BRA v. Mariano Puerta ARG

- Puerta is stepping up from clay challengers, the most recent last week in Germany, to a surface where he is a career 0-2. Sa may have had a shocking 1st half of the year, but two wins on grass in the lead-up should have last year's surprise quarter-finalist ready for this.

Karol Kucera SVK v. Wayne Ferreira RSA (28)

- Both are well suited to the grass, perhaps the veteran South African even more so, but until we know how the groin has come up this looks like one to avoid. Of course, Ferreira has not played since being carted out of Roland Garros on a stretcher in his match with Schuettler, and he may feel more inclined to turn up to extend his amazing record of 50 consecutive slams.

Gilles Elseneer BEL v. Nicolas Kiefer GER

- Another recent injury to consider here. Kiefer, fresh from a final at Halle, would normally be penciled in as the winner here, but he withdrew from his first round match at Rosmalen last week citing a leg injury. Elseneer came through some tight qualifying matches to reach his first Grand Slam main draw after posting losses to Bastl and Sa in the lead-up, but it all depends on the German's fitness.

Tomas Zib CZE v. Tim Henman GBR (10)

- Zib took a set off Verdasco in the final round quallies before getting in as a lucky loser, but this looks like a fairly comfortable opener for the Brit.

Frederic Niemeyer CAN v. Felix Mantilla ESP (22)

- Niemeyer has come through qualifying with wins over Gamonal, Jones and Kendrick. He is just 5-11 at ATP level but his recent future and challenger form is respectable. He defeated Gimelstob at Surbiton before going down to Bogdanovic and Clement after qualifying for Halle. Mantilla is not totally lost on grass but it's fair to say the majority of his wins on the surface have come up against lower ranked and more unsuited opponents.

James Blake USA (26) v. Todd Larkham AUS

- Blake hardly did anything to impress last week at Stoke Park when losing matches to Corretja and Zabaleta but one would have to assume he'll have too much firepower for the Aussie journeyman who is just 2-8 at Grand Slams.

Sargis Sargsian ARM v. Alex Bogdanovic GBR

- Sargsian has posted first round losses to Federer in Halle and Arazi at Nottingham so he won't be too confident coming up against Great Britain's new hope. Bogdanovic was a runner-up to Moodie at the Surbiton challenger before defeating Parmar and holding match points against Dupuis at Queen's. He then posted his biggest win over Gambill at Nottingham. He'll have the crowd support but I fear his lack of experience may be the deciding factor.

Nicolas Escude FRA v. Konstantinos Economidis GRE

- Yet another injury question mark here after Escude retired hurt last start at Halle with a groin strain. Economidis comes through qualies - possibly courtesy of a 'sporting' retirement from Hanescu in the final round. He plays just his second main draw Grand Slam match after losing to here in the first round last year. Looks like one to avoid.

Jean-Rene Lisnard FRA v. Juan Carlos Ferrero ESP (3)

- The Frenchman only won six games when these two met at the Aussie Open in January and I'm not sure if he'll fare much better on this surface at his first match at Wimbledon. Ferrero is first-up since his French Open win so it would not be unreasonable to expect a slow start today, but class should prevail.

Guillermo Coria ARG (7) v. Olivier Rochus BEL

- Coria hasn't played on grass since losing a five-setter to Meligeni here in '01, but it's worth noting he teamed up with Nalbandian to win the '99 junior doubles title. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and he comes up against on opponent who has notched up some handy results on grass, most notably a win over Safin here last year. I rate this fairly even - given that most books make Coria a narrow fave, I'll side with the value.

Richard Bloomfield GBR v. Anthony Dupuis FRA

- Don't know much about the young wildcard Brit who is literally stepping up from futures for this. A win over Voltchkov at the Surbiton challenger can't be overlooked, but he's moving into uncharted waters today. Dupuis has some solid lead-up form and with a decent serve and the big advantage in experience he must be favoured to advance.

Stefano Galvani ITA v. Julien Boutter FRA

- One might expect the big serving Boutter to have a decent record on grass, but he has gone just 0-4 over the past three years and has not played a grass court match in the lead-up. Galvani meanwhile, has just as little to go on after losing to Alberto Martin in his only recent grass court match in the first round here last year. He qualifies as a lucky loser, but he did struggle against Llodra in the final round.

Hicham Arazi MAR v. Alexander Popp GER

- Both of these are coming off some excellent match practice at Nottingham last week. Arazi got past Sargsian, Mirnyi and Arthurs before going down to eventual winner Rusedski 75 75, while Popp used his solid serve to great advantage when defeating Spadea and Sa before taking Fish to three sets. The German made the quarters in his one and only appearance here in '00 but the slower conditions this year might be more beneficial to Arazi.

David Ferrer ESP v. Martin Lee GBR

- The journeyman Lee is competing in his seventh Wimbledon and has had a lot more experience but I need to know that he's fully fit before I consider him at this price. He has been struggling with injury of late and a 5 & 0 loss to Gimelstob last week at Stoke Park does not flatter. Ferrer is untested on grass and has been struggling on clay all year but I can't bring myself to get involved in this one.

Scott Draper AUS v. Paul-Henri Mathieu FRA

- A look a Draper's record here indicated that he is quite often over-rated for his ability on grass - he is just 2-7 at Wimbledon - and his lead-up form consisting of losses to Bachelot and Saulnier doesn't read well. The young Frenchman Mathieu by comparison is very inexperienced on grass - he played here last year and lost a tight second round three-setter to Nalbandian -  but he looks to be getting back to his best after an injury hampered start to the year. Losses to Youzhny and Parmar in the lead-up does not represent the worst form going around by any means.

Michal Mertinak SVK v. Radek Stepanek CZE (35)

- Qualifier Mertinak has some solid hardcourt futures results this year but he takes a giant leap up to his first Grand Slam match today. Stepanek has lifted his game a cog or two this year and with a few matches under his belt at Halle, I'd be very surprised if he were not to advance.

Younes El Aynaoui MAR (27) v. Mark Hilton GBR

- Mark Hilton may get a wildcard as one of the best Brits, but he is out of his depth at this level. El Aynaoui is yet to fully master grass, but his lead-up has been solid.

Zeljko Krajan CRO v. Nicolas Massu CHI

- The heavy hitting Massu must be favoured to advance here, but there are still some minor doubts over his fitness. He retired against Ferrero at Roland Garros and then lost in the first round of a clay challenger in Germany last week. He is another who has won a junior doubles title here. Krajan prefers the clay and in his first match at SW19, may struggle to adjust.

Jamie Delgado GBR v. Andre Agassi USA (2)

- The Brit runs into Agassi for the second time in three years. Hard to see him getting close.

Two qualifiers meet here with the young Aussie Baccanello having come through quallies without dropping a set to Kas and the capable Carraz and Motomura. He has grass form from futures events in his homeland and must be rated a decent chance against the more experienced opponent. Heuberger certainly likes it fast, but his form in qualifying and his 0-3 record at ATP level in 2003 does leave a lot to be desired.

There's a bit of a whisper going around about the young Brit Childs. He had a win at Surbiton and made the semis of the Manchester (grass) challenger last year, so he can play on the surface. Davydenko has had an excellent year winning two tourney's but he is very inexperienced on grass.

Very tough to price this one up on current form, but I have to give the edge to Koubek. Rochus defeated Ancic at big odds last week before suffering a humiliating double-bagel defeat to Schalken, while Koubek did manage to take seven games off Kratochvil at Nottingham. The Austrian looks to have the edge in consistency and all-round game.

Kratochvil took Henman to five sets in the fourth round of Wimbledon last year and has gone 2-2 in the lead-up, losing to eventual finalists Grosjean and Fish. Schuettler, as he did last year, took the unusual step of playing on grass at Halle (d. Carlsen; l. Stepanek) and then going back to a clay challenger (also in Germany) where he struggled to beat qualifier Goellner before withdrawing and citing a right foot tendon. He played the same schedule last year and beat Arazi and Sargsian here but I have to oppose him today.

Van Lottum is somewhat of a journeyman but he is more than competitive when he gets on the grass. He lost a tight match to Rosset at Queen's before notching up two wins at Rosmalen and going down to Sluiter 75 64. Kuerten is back on grass for the first time since 2000. Some say he is a proven performer on the surface - but a look at those who he has defeated at SW19 - Woodruff & Bower in '00 and Wilkinson, Prinosil, Zimonjic and Manta in '99 - doesn't read too well.

Voinea is coming off a very ordinary clay season but he took Sluiter to a first set breaker at Queen's in his only lead-up event. He won a couple of matches here last year to bring his Wimbledon record to 2-5. Calleri, without a grass lead-up event and 0-2 at Wimbeldon, likes it slow and has had some respectable results on hardcourts in the past year but I like the Romanian here.

Federer could hardly have drawn a more dangerous opponent as he tries to break the 1st round hoodoo. H-T Lee has losses to Vicente and Fish (three sets) as his preparation but he has the game and composure to be right in this. Federer is all class and won his only grass start at Halle to make it four wins on three different surfaces this year but the Grand Slams are a different ball game at the moment.

Lopez proved how fickle grass court form can be here last year when winning a few tight matches and getting through to the fourth round with little or next to no experience on the surface. He played the lead-up this year with mixed success - d. Davydenko, l. Kiefer (three sets) and l. Van Scheppingen. Kendrick (a lucky loser from quallies - l. to Niemeyer) lost to Dent in his only lead-up at Queen's but he has been very competitive when rising to ATP level this year. Not the roughest going around today by any means.

Schalken has the rather unenviable task of competing in the Rosmalen final on Sunday and them coming straight to London for a Monday encounter at Wimble