Wimbledon 2009 - My Picks

Wimbledon is upon us once again, and clay courts have been replaced by grass. The news that Rafael Nadal, 2008 Gentlemen's Champion, will not be playing this year's tournament due to an injury. So who will be this year's champions? My picks were correct for last year that Venus Williams and Rafael Nadal would win, but this year tournament seems open to anyone.

2009 Picks

Gentlemen's Champion: Roger Federer


Hot off his 1st French Open title, which completes the career Grand Slam, and Nadal being out of the tourament ... it is his tournament to lose. Winning this title would put him past Pete Sampras for the most Slam titles in the open era AND he would regain his number 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal. Good luck, Roger!

Ladies' Champion: Serena Williams


I chose Venus Williams last year, because she is my favorite player (and namesake in my tennis club ... long story) and she won the year prior. She is reigning Queen of Grass having 5 titles on this surface ... but 2009 is not going to be her year. I think Serena will take home this year, provided that she doesn't have a meltdown and lose focus during a match. I want Venus to win, but I don't want to jinx it by picking her.

My picks have been committed to the blogosphere, and we will see in the next fortnight if I am correct.

[Photos: Yahoo! Sports via AP]