The sun is shining on Nadal

DRY COURTS SUIT RAFA, BUT NOVAK AWAITS

Rafael Nadal versus Roger federer next Sunday afternoon at 2pm on the Centre Court.

It might not have quite the same ring as, say, england versus france in the World Cup final two hours later, but at the start of the week it is still quite a prospect to envisage.

a repeat of their greatest encounter 10 years on may come to pass although Novak djokovic, already cast as the pantomime villain after Saturday night, could have something to say about it.

By tonight, when all is calm after Wimbledon’s annual Manic Monday, the shape of the weekend will look clearer, and two 36- year- olds in federer and Serena Williams ought to be two wins away from the final.

The best match, however, could come late on friday afternoon if Nadal meets djokovic in the last four. This looked unlikely a month ago, given the Spaniard’s relatively modest record at SW19 since 2011, and the Serb’s ongoing search for his inner warrior.

The sun has shone continually, baking Wimbledon’s courts to the point where they are playing hard and fast, with the ball bouncing higher than usual.

This has been ideal for Nadal and his knees, as it reduces the strain on them. Under these conditions he has thrived, although he faces a hazardous draw through to the weekend.

That could involve playing djokovic, who on Saturday evening responded to a degree of baiting from the Centre Court crowd — probably exaggerated in his own mind — by mounting the kind of spirited comeback against Kyle edmund that used to be second nature.

Wimbledon played down the Serb’s subsequent criticism of some elements within the crowd, a spokesperson saying: ‘There is no need to issue any reminder to the public. The role of the chair umpire is to encourage the crowd to demonstrate respect for the players, and, while spectators will naturally show enthusiasm for the players they support, they have always demonstrated that respect at Wimbledon.’

While little has been seen of him in the second week for the past seven years, Nadal remains a huge favourite on the Centre Court. If he was to meet djokovic on friday it could be another febrile atmosphere.

The biggest threat to Nadaldjokovic happening on that side of the draw could be Juan Martin del Potro, another popular figure plagued by injuries who is enjoying the truer bounce brought about by the sunshine.

Nothing has happened so far to throw federer (left) off his stride. If anyone is likely to do it then it could be 2016 finalist Milos Raonic in a scheduled semi-final, assuming that the Canadian keeps his body intact.

It would be unwise to assume anything after a week which has seen many top players approach lesser opponents as if they were jumping Becher’s Brook.

Marin Cilic falling to grass-court no- hoper Guido Pella might have been the biggest shock of the lot, but the carnage among the top 10 women’s seeds has been extraordinary, with only one ( perennial Wimbledon under-achiever Karolina Pliskova) surviving into week two.

The player who has held more service games than anyone else so far? Not Serena Williams but the player who beat Jo Konta, dominika Cibulkova, all five foot three of her.

Williams still looks well short of the dominant figure who has won seven Wimbledon titles as she works her way back from a long career hiatus.

She ought, on paper, to make it through to the semi-finals, but winning four matches in six days is going to be tough at this stage of her comeback, however great her pedigree. Her statistics on second serve, for example, are distinctly mid-table, and she will need to lift her game if she is to strike a blow for working mothers come Saturday afternoon.

Nothing can be said with any certainty, but a potential winner lurks in the opposite side of the draw, German left-hander angelique Kerber. She has already won two Grand Slams and made the Wimbledon final two years ago.

This is a week when a less familiar name could make a long-awaited break from the pack. That is more likely on the women’s side, while one of the remaining, ageing Big four in andy Murray’s absence should be left standing on Sunday — by the time the football has kicked off.