Wimbledon 2012 TV Schedule: Superstars to Watch for on Day 1

The 2012 Wimbledon is essentially a three-man horse race between Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The trio of superstars will attempt to get off to strong starts in the opening round at the All England Club.

The first round will be a great indicator to see which of these previous Wimbledon champions has the chops to outlast their two rivals and hoist a Grand Slam trophy.

Novak Djokovic (1) vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero

The All England Club is where Djokovic’s rise hit its peak in last year’s final. The Serbian took the No. 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal on the Wimbledon grass last year, beating him in stunningly efficient fashion, 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3.

After last year’s win over Nadal, Djokovic was quoted saying, “This is what I’m born for.”

A successful title defense will go a long way to back up those assertions.

Djokovic’s forte has been anything but playing on grass, where he only holds one major title. Plus, after a heart-stopping loss against Nadal in the French Open a few weeks ago, this will be Djokovic’s first time rebounding from a significant loss.

Rafael Nadal (2) vs. Thomaz Bellucci

If you’re a believer in momentum, believe in Rafael Nadal at this year’s Wimbledon.

Nadal’s recent major victory at the French Open over Djokovic signals that the Spaniard is back to playing his best tennis. At Roland Garros, he merely buried Djokovic’s 27-Grand Slam match streak and reclaimed his title of “King of Clay” in the process.

Now, Rafa enters Wimbledon with a chance to tie Bjorn Borg’s record of winning both the French Open and Wimbledon titles in the same season three times.

With Djovokic and Federer far on the bracket’s opposite side, Nadal should have no problem earning a berth to the finals.

Roger Federer (3) vs. Albert Ramos

The No. 3 player in the world has been fighting a Grand Slam drought for two-and-a-half years, but his previous Wimbledon success puts him in the conversation. Federer owned the grass for five straight years from 2003 to 2007 and has won six overall majors at the All England Club.

While Grand Slam finals berths used to be a given for Federer, a matchup with Djokovic looms large in this year’s semis. Djokovic has had Federer’s number thus far, claiming a 4-1 edge in major matchups.

If Federer can best the No. 1 player in the world, look out for the 16-time major champion to catch fire in the final.