The Wimbledon Championships 2011 began on Monday, with defending champion Rafael Nadal starting the proceedings with a straight win on Center Court against journeyman Michael Russell of the USA with the score being 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. The weather is expected to play a role in the proceedings the first week but is expected to improve by the week end. Number 2 seed Novak Djokovic could have a testing first round against Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, a player who has troubled him in the past. Nadal is scheduled to meet British hope Andy Murray in the semi-finals whole Roger Federer is in the same half as Novak Djokovic.
The Indo-Pak Express, Pakistan’s Aisamul Haq Qureshi and India’s Rohan Bopanna are seeded fourth and should be considered one of the favourite teams on their favourite grass surface. The pairing is drawn in the same half as top seeds, the Bryan brothers. But, before they get to the Bryans, they have to get past some very strong teams, including Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic.
Aisam and partner have played some very close matches against the Bryan brothers and should be fancying their chances, should they get to the semis. This could be Aisam’s best chance for a breakthrough in a major event like Wimbledon.
Sania Mirza Malik has a difficult singles draw, having to play the number 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki in the second round. Mirza has had some doubles success with a final stride at the French Open and is seeded fourth in the women’s doubles with partner Elena Vesnina. They have a difficult first round against Anna Chakvetadze and American Melanie Oudin. A quarter-final meeting against Daniel Hantuchova Radwanska would be their big challenge on their way to their projected place in the semi-finals.
