ESPN Wimbledon 2007

WIMBLEDON, England -- All right, I want everyone to remember that they heard it here first & Roger Federer is amazing! I will get it out of the way right from the top; I don't see a lot getting between him and a fifth consecutive Wimbledon title. However, whether or not he repeats, there will be several wonderful stories as usual.

Here are a few thoughts on how I see this year's Championships unfolding.

Nicolas Mahut, last week's finalist at The Artois Championships, has proven to be a most formidable opponent on the grass this year. He has backed up that result by qualifying for Wimbledon, winning three more matches (without dropping a set) to earn his place in the draw. This is of particular interest to me not because I am a huge Mahut fan; rather, he is playing old-school, grass-court tennis -- and thriving!

This is exciting news for everyone. Is it possible that the servers are inching ahead of the returners once again? Or possibly the grass courts are lending some assistance to well-struck volleys? Or just maybe it is an indication of what might be necessary to succeed in the future (i.e., variety)? My belief is that several of Mahut's aggressive, net-rushing peers on tour will be challenged and encouraged by his stylish success and have an infusion of confidence in their own games.

Despite Mahut's recent form (wins over Ivan Ljubicic, Rafael Nadal and a 7-6 in-the-third-set loss to Roddick), I don't expect him to be the attacking player to charge through to the second week. Here are a few of the guys -- net-rushers, counterpunchers, and all-courters -- who might surprise us and put themselves smack dab in the thick of things.

Marat Safin: Tremendous talent, and as he gets older his game (and hopefully his mind) is better-suited for the grass. Possessing one of the best serves and being a great returner puts him at the top of the dark-horse list. Safin, the last player not named Nadal to beat Federer in a Grand Slam, could get the top-seeded Swiss in third round.

Ivo Karlovic: If Ivo can stay aggressive with his return game, he will be a very tough out. He has the best, most difficult serve to return in the game, and he is backing it up better and better. It's no "stretch" to say that the 6-foot-10 Croat could move through the early rounds with a chance to cause some serious damage.

Radek Stepanek: This Czech is a true tennis player. He moves well, returns superbly, serves great and fights like a dog. What I think might really separate him from the pack of chasers for the crown is his ability to adapt his tactics to any situation.

David Nalbandian: I had to throw one not-so-aggressive player into the mix. He surprised everyone five years ago when he progressed to the '02 final, and I think he is well-positioned to do the same this year. In my opinion, Federer is the only player who has more control over his game than Nalbandian. His fitness can be called into question and he has struggled of late, but I am a huge Nalbandian fan and would be crazy not to give him a chance. Plus, he knows what it takes to go deep in Grand Slam tournaments.

Mardy Fish: A biased selection here, but my belief is that his game fits the grass well given his good serving and returning. These skills will be especially important to him on Tuesday when he will play No. 2 seed Rafael Nadal. The greener grass at the beginning of the tourney, which equates to faster conditions, should help Mardy's attacking game. If he sneaks by Nadal, expect him to improve on his illness-shortened, third-round loss last year.

Elsewhere, there is the doubles saga that Mark Knowles and Daniel Nestor have been living the past couple months. Somewhat surprisingly, Nestor suggested to his longtime partner Knowles that they should part ways and find new teammates once Wimbledon is over. One problem: They have barely lost since, winning both the French Open and The Stella Artois Championships. Word on the street is that their recent success might have earned their relationship a reprieve. They, the Bryan Brothers, and the team of Max Mirnyi and Jonas Bjorkman all figure to be staying in London well into July.

Loving the game of tennis as I do, I get giddily excited for these couple weeks. But my allegiance is with the U.S. All of us red, white and bluers have more to look forward to than at the French, especially following Andy Roddick's tremendous fourth championship last week at Queen's Club. He is imposing himself awfully well, and his confidence rises the moment he steps on the grass. A Wimbledon title is ahead of him, this year or in the not-so-distant future.

For the English fans who are more interested in the Brits, I give you encouragement and a little advice. If Andy Murray's wrist is well, he is every bit a good enough player to do well here. I also remain confident that Tim Henman has at least another run left in him, although he plays No. 25 Carlos Moya right out of the blocks. Next to Federer and Hewitt, Henman will be the man with the most intangibles in his corner on Centre Court. Cut him some slack and enjoy the remaining years of his career.

It always is nice to be left-handed on the court. In my estimation, it is one of the most telling aspects of the Federer-Nadal matchup. Nadal uses his left-handedness very well. Another lefty, Spaniard clay-courter I see having the ability to play on the grass, albeit maybe not as well as Nadal did last year, is Fernando Verdasco. A bull of an athlete who has a huge forehand and a big serve, Verdasco has seemed never to mind the surface under his feet being grass. Don't be surprised if this man with red dust on his socks and shoes sticks around London long enough to get a bit grass-stained.

We all have lots to look for, and to look forward to. I will be here relaying my thoughts and responding to your questions for the next couple of weeks. Make me think, please.

And, before I sign off, equal prize money between men and women is great!

Former pro Todd Martin, who coaches Mardy Fish, will be chatting daily from Wimbledon on ESPN.com.