The most anticipated tennis match ever and more thoughts

For Wertheim's audio roundup of today's matches, click here or scroll down below.

Jon, do you think the Federer-Nadal final could be the most anticipated tennis match ever (even more than Sampras-Agassi at the '02 US Open)? If there ever was a clash of the titans, this is it! Can't wait! -- James Money, Glasgow, Scotland

I would tend to agree with that. We've seen two great rivals reach the final of tournaments. We've seen repeats of finals match-ups. We've seen No. 1 versus No. 2. But I can't recall such a rich context to a match. Given all that's happened this year -- Federer appearing mortal; Nadal scorching him in Paris; both playing so well here; Nadal's possible ascent to No. 1; Sampras' record for Slams looming -- this is an incredibly significant and telling match, no matter what happens. Can't wait.

Hi Jon, do you know the real story behind ESPN2's (or NBC's) decision to not show the men's first semifinal between Federer and Marat Safin? It's just ridiculous! Networks complain about tennis ratings but they keep screwing us over and over again! -- Guil M., San Juan

I've been overwhelmed this morning with mail on this topic. Here's how I understand it: As part of the broadcast arrangement, NBC has first dibs on the matches. The problem is that the Today Show is sacrosanct. The network can't justify bumping those ratings for live tennis. So NBC chooses Federer-Safin, but airs it on tape-delay after Matt Lauer, et al. sign off. ESPN is left with the Williams-Williams doubles match (which, ironically, probably did well in the ratings). I realize this is small consolation for hard-core tennis fans watching Wimbledon semis on tape delay, but at least two networks are interested in the sport.

How can you say that Rafael Nadal will be "crushed" if he loses this Wimbledon tournament? The guys is steadily improving on grass, has closed the gap on Federer considerably, and generally tends to "wear his opponents down" due to his excellent conditioning. The kid is all of what, 21? I'm sure he will be crushed, particularly since he's going to have another 10 years to pursue a Wimbledon title or three, ya think? Crushed is an overstatement of epic proportions. -- Eric Williams, Philadelphia

Nadal has been playing the best tennis of his life lately. He's openly admitted this is the title he most covets. He smoked his rival the last time they played. He won a tune-up on grass. A year ago, he came within a service break of winning and expelled tears when he fell short. You think he'll be okay losing in the final?

Another loss that seems a lot better, Ana Ivanovic's loss to Zheng Jie. It makes me feel a lot better that she made the semis, to tell you the truth. -- Aly, Orange County, Calif.

Right on. And let me note, that Janko Tipsarevic won a round after Andy Roddick before losing.

Is there ever discussion about narrowing the service box size? A sport like baseball has infield dimensions that players have never outgrown (measured by power and speed). But in tennis, service power and player height has diminished some competition simply because the service box often presents one spot from which the receiver of serve has no chance. -- CK, Saint Paul, Minn.