Players to watch

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published June 25, 2006

---

ROGER FEDERER

RANKING:

He might be beatable on clay, but Federer has been untouchable on grass, where he has won 41 straight to tie Bjorn Borg's record.

COUNTRY:

Switzerland

MAJOR TITLES:

Seven, Wimbledon ('03, '04, '05), U.S. Open ('04, '05), Australian Open ('04, '06)

RAFAEL NADAL RANKING:

Everyone wants to see if the world's best clay-court player can have success on grass, a surface on which his noted topspin forehand doesn't seem to work as well.

COUNTRY:

Spain

MAJOR TITLES:

Two, French Open ('05, '06)

ANDY RODDICK RANKING:

A fantastic grass-court player, thanks largely to his powerful serve. Has lost to Federer in each of the past three Wimbledons.

COUNTRY:

United States

MAJOR TITLES:

One, U.S. Open ('03)

JAMES BLAKE RANKING:

Has never had success at Wimbledon, but is playing better than ever and has the power game to thrive. Confidence is at an all-time high.

COUNTRY:

United States

MAJOR TITLES:

None

DAVID NALBANDIAN RANKING:

One-time Wimbledon runnerup is having a great year and knows lay of the land. Seems to play better at the majors.

COUNTRY:

Argentina

MAJOR TITLES:

None

AMELIE MAURESMO RANKING:

Has the talent to win, but you never know which player will show - the one who won the Australian Open or the one who flopped at the French.

COUNTRY:

France

MAJOR TITLES:

One, Australian Open ('06)

VENUS WILLIAMS RANKING:

Three-time Wimbledon champion is 42-6 all time at the All England Club. Her last tournament title came here in 2005.

COUNTRY:

United States

MAJOR TITLES:

Five, Wimbledon (2000, '01, '05), U.S. Open (2000, '01)

KIM CLIJSTERS RANKING:

Mixed reviews at Wimbledon but is athletic and powerful enough to be a threat. Health always seems to be an issue.

COUNTRY:

Belgium

MAJOR TITLES:

One, U.S. Open ('05)

MARIA SHARAPOVA RANKING:

Considered the favorite by oddsmakers, Sharapova is 15-2 at Wimbledon. Has just one singles title this year, however.

COUNTRY:

Russia

MAJOR TITLES:

One, Wimbledon ('04)

JUSTINE HENIN-HARDENNE RANKING:

This is the only major she hasn't won. Has twice been bounced in the opening round but was a finalist in 2001.

COUNTRY:

Belgium

MAJOR TITLES:

Five, U.S. Open ('03), French Open ('03, '05, '06), Australian Open ('04)