The worlds of men’s tennis and women’s tennis are very different right now – and not just in terms of attire.

The men’s side is completely dominated by the triumvirate of the best-ever (Roger Federer), the best-right-now (Rafael Nadal), and the best-this-year (Novak Djokovic), with lanky brit Andy Murray fruitlessly trying to crash the party.

The women’s side, on the other hand, is about as predictable as a WWE pay-per-view.

The first week of Wimbledon threw this difference into sharp relief, as all but one of the women’s favourites were bounced, while the usual quartet of men advanced without much trouble to the quarters. In a way, it’s like comparing the NBA playoffs – where the cream tends to rise to the top – to the NHL, where a hot goalie can take a 7- or 8-seed a long way.

Whether you prefer the familiar, predictable battles of the men’s side or the anything-goes nuttiness of the women’s, this week should feature plenty of intrigue at the All-England Club.

Gentleman’s Singles

While it’s often hard to make a case for anything other than Nadal-Djokovic final, there are a few elements that could upset the natural pecking order. Namely, Rafa’s aching foot, Djokovic’s struggles on grass, and Roger Federer’s absolute dominance of the first few rounds. He’s been so in control that it’s looked like he’s hardly even trying, just saving his energy for the final matches.

The quarterfinal fodder features a couple guys with a frustrated country’s hopes on his shoulders – Mardy Fish, playing in his first quarterfinal at Wimbledon, would be the first American men’s champion since Pete Sampras in 2000, while 18-year-old Australian phenom Bernard Tomic would be the first champion from down under since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002.

Finals pick: Roger Federer over Rafael Nadal

Ladies’ Singles

It’s an All-European draw in the ladies’ quarters for the first time in 98 years. Eight different countries are represented, with Russia’s Maria Sharapova, currently ranked sixth by the WTA, as the only previous champion still in the mix. France’s Marion Bartoli played what she called the best match of her career against Serena Williams to make the quarters and comes in with a lot of momentum. Still, this tournament is totally up for grabs.

Finals pick: Victoria Azarenka over Marion Bartoli