After all the rain delays at this year's Wimbledon, we are finally down to the stretch of tennis where all singles matches are played on Centre Court and Court One. Unbelievably, mother nature even contrived to put both halves of the men draw on even keel, after the bottom half was at least a round, in some cases two rounds, behind the top half. Let's hope the rain stays away, and the tennis befits the occasion.

Rafael Nadal vs. Tomas Berdych
I admit I predicted yesterday that Nadal would lose to Mikhael Youzhny if the Russian started better. However, you really never can count out the young Spaniard's desire and tenacity, although Youzhny's injury certainly had a say in the eventual outcome. Berdych is a different game of chess altogether on this surface. He has beaten Nadal on every surface except clay, and has always imposed his game on Rafa. Throw in the fact that the Czech pretender won the warm-up in Halle, and that makes him the overwhelming favourite. I am going for Berdych in straight sets, although you don't need a genius to figure out who is going to win if the match goes the distance.

Novak Djokovic vs. Marcos Baghdatis
Another match between two supremely talented youngsters who, along with the first pair, should make up the summit of men's tennis after Roger bids goodbye. Djokovic played some excellent pressure tennis against Lleyton Hewitt in a very demanding match, showing maturity by playing the big points better than the former champ. He is going to need all that subtlety and smartness again when he plays crowd-favourite Baghdatis. The Cypriot certainly is an excellent grass-court player, following up his superb performance last year with another stellar effort this year. Baghdatis really should have too much for Djokovic, especially since the Serb is coming on the back of two excruciating four-setters in consecutive days. Marcos to win in straight sets.

Roger Federer vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero
Yes, Ferrero did have the temerity to break Roger's serve. He is even displaying some good games from the baseline. Please do not be fooled. Roger may look a bit rusty now, but then Federer always does play at least one set below his premium in every match. The prediction remains the same as yesterday. Federer in three.

Andy Roddick vs. Richard Gasquet
A day's rest certainly can't be a bad thing for  both these guys. I still feel this could be the Frenchman's coming; it all depends if Gasquet can get some rallies going on Roddick's service games. If it does go the distance, Andy should prevail with his huge serve and better experience on big occasions.

Justine Henin vs. Marion Bartoli
The term youngster in women's tennis has taken new dimensions. Bartoli is only 22, yet she could be classified as a late-comer considering the boom of hard-hitting teenagers in ladies' tennis right now. Bartoli certainly has impressed at SW19 with some great tennis and stunning upsets. While she certainly has a good game, her opponents' mental weakness have played a huge part in her progress. A good game and mental strength unfortunately won't be enough for the Frenchwoman against Henin. Not only is the Belgian No.1 playing exceptionally well in her quest to complete the career Grand Slam, she is certainly setting the standard in playing elegant tactical tennis.

'Berdych has beaten Nadal on every surface except clay, and has always imposed his game on Rafa'

Venus Williams vs. Ana Ivanovic
If Nicole Vaidisova didn't choke against Ivanovic, I certainly would be writing a different preview for this semi-final. The Serb has done brilliantly to get this far, yet I still believe she is some way from figuring out the surface. Venus looks like she is on one of her classic Wimbledon runs, where all the momentum and shot-making can take her past any opponent. After dispatching the top two Russians with consummate ease, she really should have too much for the young Serb sensation. Ivanovic won't give up easily, and will certainly hustle and run; but with the Venus serve on fire, I can only see the triple champion winning in straight sets.