Wimbledon, of all the Grand Slams, holds to traditions so dearly that they make their schedules with the players in mind rather than maximize television coverage.

Unlike the French, they do not start competition on a Sunday. Unlike the other Grand Slams, Wimbledon does not play the middle Sunday, which would yield plenty of viewers who can’t take a day off in the middle of the week.

All players play in the round of 16 on Monday, then the women play their quarters on Tuesday (with 1 day rest), then the men play the quarters on Wednesday, the women play semis on Thursday, the men play semis on Friday, the women’s final on Saturday, and the men’s final on Sunday. From Tuesday on, the women don’t get a day extra rest nor do the men, which can happen in other majors.

Indeed, other majors are probably fearful that women won’t sell as many tickets as men, so they always have men playing every day. Wimbledon doesn’t do that. In the second week, women have their days, and men have theirs.

Today (Thursday) is the women’s semifinals, and much like last year, it offers the opportunity for two Williams sisters to make the final. Although Serena has lost to Dementieva 4 of the last 5 times, Serena is also better at the big events. Dementieva, though, fought really well and didn’t yield. She had a match point, plus a chance to avoid getting broken late in the second set. But Serena is Serena, and she fought tough for her win. Final score: 6-7(4), 7-5, 8-6.

Venus playing Dinara and crushed her 6-1, 6-0. An all-Williams final for the second year in a row.

Let’s move to the previews of the men’s semifinals.

Tommy Haas plays Roger Federer. Federer has a fairly big head-to-head lead, 9-2. Haas hasn’t beaten Federer since 2002 when he beat Roger in 5 sets. Haas has been playing pretty well in the twilight of his career. He pushed Federer to 5 sets at Wimbledon and twice beat Novak Djokovic on grass. He’s modified his game from clay to grass to play serve and volley and this may again give Roger troubles.

However, once must remember that Roger used to exclusively serve and volley back in the early days. Recall his match against Pete Sampras in 2001. Roger came in on first and second serves. And Roger just played Karlovic who often comes to net, so it’s not as if he hasn’t seen any volleyers. Much will hinge on the first set. If Roger can win that, I can see him winning in straight sets. I expect maybe a four setter, but Haas has been playing well, and I can envision a 5 setter too. Still, expect Roger to be too tough for Haas, but expect close sets too.

In the other semifinals which is “featured” because of Andy Murray, expect Murray to win. Again, I look to four sets. Murray beat Roddick at Wimbledon in 2006 in straight sets. Murray does so many things well, in particular, he serves well and he returns well. His variety should be too much for Roddick, but I can see Roddick winning a set. Roddick knows he’s running out of chances and that Wimbledon offers him his best shot at a Grand Slam title, but the crowd will be solidly in Murray’s favor. Honestly, I can also see this one going 5 sets too.

Although it’s boring prediction (though hopefully an exciting match), look for a Federer-Murray final.