MKRob Sports

The Williams sisters could be set for another Wimbledon final after they were placed in separate halves of the bracket in Friday’s draw.

The men’s draw was rocked when defending champion Rafael Nadal pulled out because of tendinitis in his knees, leaving Roger Federer the big favorite to win a sixth Wimbledon championship and 15th Grand Slam title.

Defending women’s champion Venus Williams may have to overcome top-ranked Dinara Safina in the semifinals, while Serena could play fourth-ranked Elena Dementieva in the last four.

The Williams sisters have played each other in three previous Wimbledon finals, with Venus winning last year and Serena taking the title in 2002 and 2003. Venus has won five Wimbledon titles since 2000, including the last two.

Safina, still looking for her first Grand Slam title after losing the French Open final for the second straight year, was drawn against Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain in the first round. Venus Williams will take on Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland and Serena plays Neuza Silva of Portugal.