Wimbledon’s Favorite Pastime

Anastasia Myskina, the recently crowned French Open champion, spoke of dining with former Russian president Boris Yeltsin and being greeted at the Moscow airport by current President Vladimir Putin.

Serena Williams, defending Wimbledon champion, explained enthusiastically how exciting it was for her to meet designer Donatella Versace -- “I just love her designs,” Williams exclaimed, before launching into an explanation of her love of all things 1980s, most especially Depeche Mode.

Then there was Roger Federer.

The defending men’s Wimbledon champion had no recollections to share of meetings with presidents, no saucy tales of hanging with the fashion elite.

For Federer, Sunday’s discussion was only about the tennis. He was surprised to learn from a journalist that being the first person to hit a ball on Centre Court might mean some adjustments because until the court has been played upon, it is more slippery and more unpredictable.

“Thanks for telling me,” Federer said. “I’m happy I attend press conferences. I get to know something about the court.”

As defending men’s champion, Federer has the honor of starting first on Centre Court today. He will play British wild card Alex Bogdanovic, ranked No. 307 in the world.

As defending women’s champion, Williams is first on Centre Court on Tuesday when she will play Jie Zheng of China. Zheng, 20, is playing her first Wimbledon while Williams has won two in a row.

Both Federer and Williams are seeded No. 1 this year, and both are considered fairly strong favorites for different reasons.

Federer has played well after winning his first major title here last year. Williams is one of the few physically sound women in the draw who have proven to be consistent either in big moments or on grass courts.

Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters, ranked Nos. 1 and 2 in the world, are sidelined. Henin-Hardenne is recovering from a viral infection, and Clijsters has a wrist injury that may sideline her for the rest of the year.

Williams claimed their absence wasn’t important to her. “But I think it makes a difference for the tour I guess,” Williams said. “It doesn’t matter who I play, though, or when.”

Asked how long it took to get over the disappointment of losing a sloppy match to Jennifer Capriati at the French Open, Williams said: “Well, after my suicide in Paris, you know, I was really disappointed. I’m not going to be able to rewind time. So I have to move forward. I’ve had to get over it.”

Getting over the loss did not include playing any grass-court warmup tournaments. Doing that sort of preparation would have meant staying in Europe, Williams said. And that was not an option.

“I’m in Europe usually four weeks before the French and then that’s six weeks including the French. After that, I honestly would go nuts. I’ve done it before and it wasn’t good on my mental state. So I think it’s best for me to go home.”

While Serena and her sister, Venus (seeded No. 3) went back to Florida, the suddenly influential Russian contingent starred. Including Myskina’s title at the French Open, Russian women have won three consecutive tournaments -- Maria Sharapova, at 17, took the event in Birmingham, and Svetlana Kuznetsova, who will turn 19, won at Eastbourne on Saturday.

“Maybe we can have all Russians in the semifinals,” said Myskina, who beat fellow Russian Elena Dementieva in the French Open final. “That would be perfect.”

Having won her first major title, Myskina said, “gives me great confidence.” It also boosted her compatriots’ self-esteem. “I think they all see what I did and Elena did and know that they can now do it too.”

Federer listed No. 2-seeded Andy Roddick and No. 5 Tim Henman, the British player who was a surprise semifinalist at the French Open, as his strongest competitors. “For me they’re the biggest threats in this tournament, to anybody and to me.”

Entering Wimbledon as a defending champion, Federer said, has given him a different feeling. “All the focus, I feel, is on me,” Federer said. “Also from my own side, I put a lot of pressure on myself. When I step on the court Monday, it’s going to be strange feelings.”

It also may be a day of farewells.

Martina Navratilova, 47, will play singles at noon on Court 2, the cozy court of upsets. Her opponent is Catalina Castano, a little-known 24-year-old Colombian who has only once won a match in a major tournament. And Croatia’s Goran Ivanisevic, who hasn’t played here since winning his only major title in 2001, has returned for one last run.

Ivanisevic got his wish: He’ll play on Centre Court again. He is scheduled to follow Federer and take on No. 31-seeded Mikhail Youzhny of Russia. Ivanisevic, 32, said he hopes his arm does not fall off his ailing shoulder. No one wishes otherwise.

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MEN TO WATCH

ROGER FEDERER (Seeding: 1st)

Age: 22. Country: Switzerland. 2004 match record: 39-4. 2004 singles titles: 5. Career singles titles: 16. Major titles: Wimbledon (‘03), Australian Open (‘04). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-Won Championship, ‘02-Lost in 1st Round, ‘01-QF, ‘00-1st, ‘99-1st.

It’s a fact: Defending a Grand Slam title for first time. ... Has won 17 consecutive matches on grass. ... Most beautiful, seemingly effortless game around. No holes. ... Great instincts on returns can neutralize top serves. ... Split with coach Peter Lundgren in December after three years; didn’t replace him.

ANDY RODDICK (Seeding: 2nd)

Age: 21. Country: United States. 2004 match record: 38-8. 2004 singles titles: 3. Career singles titles: 14. Major titles: U.S. Open (‘03). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-SF, ‘02-3rd, ‘01-3rd, ‘00-Did Not Play, ‘99-DNP.

It’s a fact: Broke own record for fastest serve by clocking 153 mph during successful defense of Queen’s Club grass-court title. ... Terrific forehand. ... If volleys are solid, should make long run.

DAVID NALBANDIAN (Seeding: 4th)

Age: 22. Country: Argentina. 2004 match record: 20-7. 2004 singles titles: 0. Career singles titles: 2. Major titles: 0 (Best: F, Wimbledon ‘02). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-4th, ‘02-F, ‘01-DNP, ‘00-DNP, ‘99-DNP.

It’s a fact: Reached 2002 Wimbledon final, 2003 U.S. Open semifinals (with match point against Roddick). ... Beat Federer in 1998 U.S. Open junior final.

TIM HENMAN (Seeding: 5th)

Age: 29. Country: England. 2004 match record: 26-11. 2004 singles titles: 0. Career singles titles: 11. Major titles: 0 (Best: SF, four times at Wimbledon, once at French Open). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-QF, ‘02-SF, ‘01-SF, ‘00-4th, ‘99-SF.

It’s a fact: Semifinalist at Wimbledon four of the last six years, losing each time to eventual champion. ... Semifinal run at French Open was first time past the fourth round at another major. ... Working with Paul Annacone, Pete Sampras’ former coach.

JUAN CARLOS FERRERO (Seeding: 6th)

Age: 24. Country: Spain. 2004 match record: 15-7. 2004 singles titles: 0. Career singles titles: 11. Major titles: French Open (‘03). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-4th, ‘02-2nd, ‘01-3rd, ‘00-DNP, ‘99-DNP.

It’s a fact: Physical status still a question after bruised ribs hampered French Open title defense; he lost in second round. ... Respectable showing last year at All England Club shows he can compete on grass. ... Briefly ranked No. 1 last season.

LLEYTON HEWITT (Seeding: 7th)

Age: 23. Country: Australia. 2004 match record: 32-10. 2004 singles titles: 2. Career singles titles: 21. Major titles: Wimbledon (‘02), U.S. Open (‘01). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-1st, ‘02-W, ‘01-4th, ‘00-1st, ‘99-3rd.

It’s a fact: Last year, became only second defending champion to lose in the first round since Wimbledon began in late 1800s. ... Baseline-rooted style is an unorthodox way to win at All England Club, but if his strokes are on, he could go far.

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WOMEN TO WATCH

SERENA WILLIAMS (Seeding: 1st)

Age: 22. Country: United States. 2004 match record: 16-3. 2004 singles titles: 1. Career singles titles: 24. Major titles: Wimbledon (‘02, ‘03), U.S. Open (‘99, ‘02), Australian Open (‘03), French Open (‘02). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-Won championship, ‘02-W, ‘01-lost in quartefinals, ‘00-SF, ‘99-Did Not Play.

It’s a fact: Played only 19 matches over last 12 months. ... Left knee surgery Aug. 1. ... Lost to Jennifer Capriati in French Open quarterfinals, earliest Slam exit since 2000 Australian Open. ... Success at Wimbledon, injuries to Justine Henin-Hardenne, Kim Clijsters pushed her to top seeding from No. 10 ranking.

ANASTASIA MYSKINA (Seeding: 2nd)

Age: 22. Country: Russia. 2004 match record: 24-7. 2004 singles titles: 2. Career singles titles: 8. Major titles: French Open (‘04). Last 5 Wimbledons: ‘03-4th, ‘02-3rd, ‘01-2nd, ‘00-3rd, ‘99-DNP.

It’s a fact: Career-best ranking, seeding at a major. ... Coming off first major title at French Open; never before past the quarterfinals at any Slam.

VENUS WILLIAMS (Seeding: 3rd)

Age: 24. Country: United States. 2004 match record: 26-4. 2004 singles titles: 2. Career singles titles: 31. Major titles: Wimbledon (‘00, ‘01), U.S. Open (‘00, ‘01). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-F, ‘02-F, ‘01-W, ‘00-W, ‘99-QF.

It’s a fact: Like younger sister Serena, can’t be counted out if body holds up. ... Seeded higher than No. 8 ranking. ... After run of five finals in six majors (losing to Serena each time), has lost in third round and quarterfinals at last two Slam tournaments.

AMELIE MAURESMO (Seeding: 4th)

Age: 24. Country: France. 2004 match record: 29-5. 2004 singles titles: 2. Career singles titles: 12. Major titles: 0 (Best: F, Australian Open ‘99). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-DNP, ‘02-SF, ‘01-3rd, ‘00-1st, ‘99-DNP.

It’s a fact: Will not have to play with French Open’s pressure of home fans’ expectations. ... Upset by Daniela Hantuchova in semifinals of Eastbourne grass-court tuneup tournament.

LINDSAY DAVENPORT (Seeding: 5th)

Age: 28. Country: United States. 2004 match record: 28-5. 2004 singles titles: 2. Career singles titles: 40. Major titles: Wimbledon (‘99), U.S. Open (‘98), Australian Open (‘00). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-QF, ‘02-DNP, ‘01-SF, ‘00-F, ‘99-W.

It’s a fact: Hampered by right knee injury, lost in fourth round of French Open. ... Performance has worsened by one round in each Wimbledon appearance since 1999 title.

JENNIFER CAPRIATI (Seeding: 7th)

Age: 28. Country: United States. 2004 match record: 16-7. 2004 singles titles: 0. Career singles titles: 14. Major titles: French Open (‘01), Australian Open (‘01, ‘02). Last five Wimbledons: ‘03-QF, ‘02-QF, ‘01-SF, ‘00-4th, ‘99-2nd.

It’s a fact: Youngest Wimbledon semifinalist at 15 in 1991; didn’t make it that far at All England Club again until 2001. ... Looked impressive at French Open until semifinal collapse against Myskina.

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From Associated Press