Wimbledon 2012: Essential Guide to This Weekend's Tennis Action

After the first week of tennis is complete, there are several storylines heading into the first weekend. 

With suspended play and key upsets, Wimbledon 2012 has certainly lived up to the hype that it created. Tennis fans have also witnessed the complete domination of top seeds over lower opponents and the resurrection of some of the former greats proving they still have it in them.

Nonetheless, no matter the outcomes of the matches, the All-England Club and the tennis world's oldest major have delivered competitive and enjoyable matches for all to enjoy.

Here are some of the key headlines heading into the end of week one on both the men's and women's side of the draw.

Women's Side

The top women's seeds, for the most part, were able to advance with relative ease. The only one to have an early exit was the No. 5 seed Samantha Stosur, who fell 2-6, 6-0, 4-6 to unseeded Arantxa Rus.

Maria Sharapova has played true to her No. 1 ranking. She dropped a tough tiebreaker in her second match but quickly cleaned up her play and will carry this momentum into the weekend.

Victoria Azarenka has looked dominant through her first two games, not dropping a single set. She looks to continue her great play and show why she is a force to contend with.

Two other notable losses in the first week of women's play were American Venus Williams, who exited the lawns in the first round for the first time in 15 years, and ninth-seeded Caroline Wozniacki, who after bursting onto the seen in recent years has quickly fallen down the ranks and struggled to regain her balance.

The dark horse in this tournament is fourth-seeded Petra Kvitova. The Czech has flown under the radar both thus far in England and the entire season. The 22-year-old is last year's champion at the All-England Club, and by the way she has playing, it is clear Kvitova will not be giving her trophy away that easily.

Another player who has been quiet so far but will certainly be a major factor is Serena Williams. After her shocking first-round loss at the French Open, many thought that this was the start of her downfall.

However, the American has shown no signs of slowing down on her Wimbledon journey thus far. The sixth seed has yet to drop a set and continues to show her competitive drive. Williams will look to this weekend to continue to get her swagger back, which spells trouble for anyone she faces in her path.

Men's Side

The gentlemen's singles draw has arguably been the most exciting so far in England. Several key players are being sent home early, while some are making names for themselves and others have found a sense of refreshment.

The biggest headline heading into the weekend is the absence of the No. 2 seed and French Open champion Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard was stunned by unseeded Lukas Rosol. After scraping by in a first set tiebreaker, Nadal would drop the next two sets but surged back to take the fourth. However, in the fifth and final set it was Rosol who was able to end up on top.

After his early exit in a preparation tournament, many believed it would not affect Nadal and his play at Wimbledon. Clearly, something was wrong. Several questions will be asked about the 26-year-old and what this does for his future.

For the remaining two of the Big Three, No. 1 Novak Djokovic has been on cruise control and has yet to drop a set. Roger Federer has returned to old form and continues to prove why grass is arguably his best surface. With Nadal now gone, this may be the exact break FedEx has been looking for to prove why he is still at the top of his game.

Besides Nadal, there have been some other disappointing finishes. Sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych, who after a strong showing in the French Open was considered by some a contender in England, was ousted in the first round by Ernests Gulbis in straight sets. American John Isner was also defeated in the first round in a heart-breaking five set battle with Alejandro Falla.

Heading into the weekend, there are three players to keep an eye on.

One is No. 4 seed Andy Murray. He is often overshadowed by the three players ranked ahead of him, but he has quietly had a great season. This strong play has continued in his first week of Wimbledon.

The one obstacle holding the Englishman back is not winning a major, but with Nadal out and playing in his home country, this is by far his best opportunity. If he continues to play well, look for Murray to make a great run to the final round.

Another is Mardy Fish. After sitting out of the French Open recovering from surgery, the American has made a great comeback and has looked in tip-top form so far at the All-England Club.

His next test is David Goffin of Belgium, who had a strong French Open and has continued this strength at Wimbledon. This is certainly a matchup to watch this weekend, and if Fish can hold the youngster off, he will definitely give himself a legitimate shot a deep run on the lawns.

The final dark horse on the men's side is Andy Roddick. He has fallen under a lot of scrutiny recently and has certainly not been playing his best tennis.

However, when it comes to the All-England Club, the American seems to always kick it into another gear. He has been in three Wimbledon finals but never hoisted the trophy. So far, the 29-year-old is playing well and has shown why he is always in contention on the grass courts.

His match this weekend against No. 7 David Ferrer is a key one to watch. Both are savvy veterans who can outplay anyone. If Roddick advances, look for him to continue his upset streak and provide himself a great opportunity to punch a ticket to his fourth final on the lawns of England.