Federer faces Russian test in Wimbledon opener

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June 22, 2007 16:54 IST

Swiss top seed Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-equalling fifth consecutive Wimbledon men's singles title against Russia's Teimuraz Gabashvili.

Friday's draw for the grasscourt Grand Slam, which starts next week, also paired Spanish second seed Rafael Nadal against American Mardy Fish. Third seed Andy Roddick faces an all-American encounter against Justin Gimelstob.

France's defending women's champion Amelie Mauresmo was drawn to play American Jamea Jackson while Belgian top seed Justine Henin starts against qualifier Jorgelina Cravero of Argentina.

Russia's Maria Sharapova, the second seed, plays Yung-Jan Chan of Taiwan while twice champion Serena Williams of the United States was drawn against Lourdes Dominguez-Lino of Spain.

British number one Andy Murray, who is still a major doubt for the tournament with a wrist tendon injury, was drawn against Ecuador's Nicolas Lapentti.

Elsewhere in the men's draw, four-times semi-finalist Tim Henman of Britain faces former French Open champion Carlos Moya and big-serving Croatian Ivo Karlovic plays experienced Frenchman Fabrice Santoro.

Croatia's Mario Ancic, the last player to beat Roger Federer on a grasscourt back in 2002, withdrew because of illness. The 18th seed's place in the draw went to Canadian Frank Dancevic.

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