Wimbledon 2012: Bold Predictions for Men's Quarterfinal Matches

After giving the ladies the spotlight at the All England Club on Tuesday, the men will take center stage with the Wimbledon quarterfinals taking place. 

It is a star-studded day of tennis, if you are into that sort of thing, as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray will all be in action Wednesday. 

We are definitely in gut-check time for all eight players, so what better time to talk about what will happen when they step on the court looking to win the most prestigious tournament in the sport. 

No. 1 Novak Djokovic vs. No. 31 Florian Mayer

Aside from the first set against Radek Stepanek, Djokovic has been practically flawless in this tournament. 

Mayer is riding a nice streak in making it this far, though he has really scuffled throughout this tournament. He will need to play the best match of his life in order to steal a victory from the defending champion and top-ranked player. 

Good luck with that, Mayer. 

Prediction: Djokovic wins in straight sets

No. 3 Roger Federer vs. No. 26 Mikhail Youzhny

With Nadal's loss in the second round, everything felt like it opened up for Federer to at least make it to the finals. He hasn't been completely crisp throughout the tournament, but is finding ways to win.

Federer may not be the dominant force he once was, but you still have to respect the talent and ability he still possesses. 

Youzhny needed five sets to defeat Denis Istomin in the fourth round to get this match with Federer. I wouldn't completely rule him out in this spot, though I don't see him being strong enough on this surface to win the match. 

Prediction: Federer wins in four sets

No. 4 Andy Murray vs. No. 7 David Ferrer

If you are only going to watch one match, Murray vs. Ferrer should be the choice. 

Murray is looking to make it to the semifinals for the fourth straight year. That would tie his best run at Wimbledon. I like the way he is playing right now, especially the way he has gotten better after that five-set with Ivo Karlovic in the second round. 

Ferrer made easy work of No. 9 Juan Martin del Potro in the fourth round. This is his best run in this tournament so far. I don't think he is ready for it to end. It will be close throughout, but look for the mild upset. 

Prediction: Ferrer wins in five sets

No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga vs. No. 27 Philipp Kohlschreiber

Tsonga really has yet to be challenged in this tournament. He did struggle a bit against Mardy Fish before winning in four sets to get to the quarterfinals. His run to the semifinals last year gives him the confidence he needs to perform in this match.

Kohlschreiber, while not a bad player, has benefited from some upsets in the early rounds and lesser competition as he moves deeper into the tournament. He doesn't have the power or speed to match Tsonga for an entire match.

Prediction: Tsonga wins in four sets

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