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Fortnight foolery Second week at Wimbledon holds true intrigue
Posted: Monday July 03, 2000 07:26 AM
Week one of Wimbledon and the seeds went a'tumbling. Norman and Hewitt, Pierce and Martinez, Pioline and Krajicek. These and more were scattered to the winds. But the tournament is no less fascinating entering the second week -- as a glance at Monday's list of matches in the last 16 will testify. Take Centre Court. First, it's Pete Sampras -- injury saga and all -- against one of the less stoic Swedes, Jonas Bjorkman. Next on, the all-American women's showdown between defending champion Lindsay Davenport and a resurgent Jennifer Capriati. After that, great British hope Tim Henman goes up against Australia's big-hitting Mark Philippoussis. Over on Number One Court, there's Martina Hingis and Anke Huber, Monica Seles and Aranxta Sanchez Vicario and Andre Agassi against dangerous David Prinosil to delight the Wimbledon masses. The Williams sisters are on Court Two -- first Venus, then Serena. Pat Rafter isn't far behind. Elsewhere, the Jelena Dokic watch continues. Will Dad behave or won't he?
It's intriguing stuff and perfect Wimbledon fare for what's traditionally one of the best days of the whole tournament. The last 16 men and the last 16 women are all in action, honing in -- they hope -- on a weekend of title glory. Tickets for this day are like gold dust, as if it were men's quarterfinal day or finals weekend. Upsets in week one are good and add spice to the competition. But not too many. This year, we might just have the balance about right. A few big guns ... a few players of smaller caliber. There's a chance for Jan-Michael Gambill to break through as a true star of the men's game. One of People Magazine's 50 most beautiful people might just now become one of tennis' 10 most riveting attractions. Spain's Magui Serna and the USA's Lilia Osterloh and Kristina Brandi will all be dreaming of quarterfinal nirvana, with which they could launch major careers in the women's game. The stars of today and perhaps tomorrow have the biggest stage awaiting them. Tune in and be prepared to be excited, surprised and entertained. Week two at Wimbledon is where it really starts to kick into gear. Phil Jones is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International. Jones is part of the World Sport crew that is in England covering Wimbledon.
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