WIMBLEDON 2000

REVIEWS BY MARK NEWMAN

FOURTH ROUND PREDICTIONS

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(1) Pete Sampras vs. Jonas Bjorkman

You can never count Sampras out, even with an ankle injury, but Bjorkman knows his stuff on grass. If the ankle is sore, Bjorkman in four, if the ankle is fine Sampras in five (…well three really, but five rhymed with fine!?!)

(8) Tim Henman vs. (10) Mark Philippoussis

Pick of the men’s fourth round. British hero Henman faces big serving Aussie fresh (we hope he’s fresh) from his 20-18 final set in the third round. A day’s rest should be enough for Philippoussis to recover. Expect him to start badly, but then overpower Henman with his big serving. Philippoussis in four sets.

(2) Lindsay Davenport vs. Jennifer Capriati

Pick of the women’s fourth round. Jennifer Capriati has only one career win over Davenport in five meetings, but at their two meetings this year proved to be one of the few players who could stretch Davenport at the beginning of the year. It won’t come easy for Jennifer, but I think she could pull off a huge upset in three sets if she keeps focussed and cuts down on the double faults, otherwise the defending champion will continue onwards.

(1) Martina Hingis vs. (11) Anke Huber

The first real test for Martina Hingis this Wimbledon. She will need it with both Williams sisters as possible opponents in the next two rounds. This will be a good warm-up for them. Hingis in 2.

Kristina Brandi vs. Jelena Dokic

There will be an unseeded semi-finalist at Wimbledon in the women’s (and indeed the men’s) this year, and the winner of this match could be it. Dokic had the good run last year and would be favoured but for the fact that last week on grass at ‘s-Hertogenbosch Brandi defeated Dokic 6-0 6-1. Brandi in three sets this time, and probably losing to Magui Serna in the next round.

(6) Monica Seles vs. (9) Arantxa Sanchez Vicario

Could be a real special match this one. Such a contrast of styles. Sanchez Vicario is an all-court player who takes her time, while Seles pounds the ball from all sides. Not easy to call, but it will be an entertaining match. I favour Seles in three sets.