Roger Federer defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber, 7-5, 6-3, today in the quarterfinals of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle. Meanwhile, at the Queen’s Club tournament in London, Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to friend Feliciano Lopez, and Andy Murray was bumped out of the third round by Mardy Fish in the continuation of their interrupted match from yesterday. Top seeds Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick were booted out of the London tournament on Thursday.

Given the circumstances, World No. 2 Roger Federer is brimming with confidence. Here he is after his match today (via SI.com):

“This [win over Kohlschreiber] is further proof that I am in good shape,” he said.

“I am playing well in all areas, I am serving great so I have no complaints.”

Roger’s a bit ambivalent about Andy Murray’s and Rafael Nadal’s grass court preparations (via SI.com):

“Who would have guessed that they would all be out before the semis?” he asked. “If they are not playing any more matches, then they won’t be getting any momentum. You don’t have much time to get fit on grass so it’s certainly a missed opportunity for them on this surface.

“If you go out of Queen’s or here early, then there is only really Wimbledon left. But I’m sure it will only take a few days for it to sink in and then they will be back up to speed come Wimbledon. I have to think about myself and I am happy with the way I am playing.”

Rafael Nadal, who also withdrew from the doubles citing a strain to his right hamstring, is not too worried about his own pre-Wimbledon preparations. He called the leg injury “nothing very important” and actually admitted to looking forward to some down time (via FoxSports.com):

“I feel ready to come back at home and enjoy a little bit, watch all the family, watch all the friends, you know. Have some dinners with friends and maybe play some golf.”

Huh. So what do you think is going on with Rafa? Is it a mild tweak mixed with post-Roland-Garros glow and his new dedication to not overplay? Did Lopez just have too much game, or – dare I say it – was it an easy out for Rafa to lose to a friend and countryman? Or is it something to really worry about?

 Loading ...

Not playing golf this weekend: Feliciano Lopez vs Mardy Fish and Rainer Scheuettler vs. Sam Querrey in the Queen’s Club semifinals. In Halle, it’s Roger Federer vs. Philipp Petzschner and Lleyton Hewitt vs. Benjamin Becker in the Gerry Weber Open semis.