ROGER FEDERER or Rafael Nadal — and sometimes both — appeared in all 10 Wimbledon finals from 2003-12, combining to claim nine of those titles.

    Neither made it that far last year. Not even close. Federer lost his second match at the All England Club. Nadal exited in the first round, a year after bowing out in the second.

    With play at Wimbledon starting yesterday, Federer and Nadal are eager to return to the heights they once reached with regularity at the grass-court grand slam tournament.

    They sound certain that they are prepared to fare better than 12 months ago — and, as might be expected from a seven-time champion, Federer came right out and called himself “a contender.”

    “I feel like, yeah, if things click here, I should be able to win the tournament,” Federer said.

    “I feel I have a very good chance again this year,” he added.

    Federer tuned up for Wimbledon, where he is seeded fourth, by winning a title on grass at Halle, Germany. That showing gave Federer all the assurance he needed that his game is in prime form at the moment, especially on the slick surface he dominated for a decade.

    Nadal, of course, also wants to do better. He reached five Wimbledon finals and earned a pair of trophies, including by edging Federer 9-7 in the fifth set in 2008. They met in three consecutive title matches at the All England Club from 2006-08, and could meet in the semifinals this year.

    For now, Nadal is pleased with the state of his left knee.  (SD-Agencies)