Wimbledon 2009: Federer, Murray Advance, Soderling Goes Home

Wimbledon gets exciting as Federer, Murray, Safina, sisters Williams advance, while Ivanovic, Mauresmo and Soderling head home.

Game is starting to intensify on the courts of the 2009 Wimbledon Championships in London, England, as major tennis stars begin to get eliminated. Robin Soderling (SWE), the man who defeated No. 1 seeded Rafael Nadal (ESP) at the 2009 French Open, had a deja-vu experience when he lost to Roger Federer (SUI) today. Federer defeated Soderling in the finals of 2009 French Open last month to win the tournament. Soderling committed a number of errors, while Federer was close to perfect.

No. 1 seeded Dinara Safina (RUS) has cruised past Amelie Mauresmo (FRA). Safina came in disappointing second at the 2009 French Open, yielding to compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova. But Safina seems to be on a mission to grab that coveted first spot at Wimbledon this year. Amelie Mauresmo has never been an easy opponent to beat, making today's match between the two nothing less of "historic." Mauresmo is a former Wimbledon champ, but Safina is currently a top ranked female tennis player. The game was intriguing, but it is rumored the new retractable roof at the court attracted more attention from viewers than the game itself.

Andy Murray (GBR) defeated Stanislas Wawrinka (SUI) in a game no less dramatic. The match finished at 2238 BST, the latest ever Wimbledon finish. Like Safina, No.3 seeded Murray is entertaining big ambitions for the 2009 Wimbledon title.

In other matches, Venus Williams (USA) eliminated Ana Ivanovic (SRB), who left the court in tears. Ivanovic had to retire from the match due to an injury to her thigh that she sustained during the game. The Serbian player said she was in a lot of pain and could not step on her leg. Serena Williams (USA) came out strong against Daniela Hantuchova (SVK). No. 4 seeded Elena Dementieva (RUS) got an easy win over Elena Vesina (RUS). Among others advancing were Victoria Azarenka (BLR) and Novak Djokovic (SRB). American 17-year-old sensation Melanie Oudin lost today, making many mistakes during the match with Agnieszka Radwanska (POL). But she managed to get people talking about her by upsetting former No.1 Jelena Jankovic (SRB) early in the tournament.