The 22 January date was fixed because it was the last date available before the stadium takes delivery of the pallets of grass which form the pitch.

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Nadal's astonishing form on grass has led many to tip him to end Federer's domination at Wimbledon.

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Sharapova reached the semi-finals last year after winning the tournament at the tender age of just 17 in 2004 and remains confident that her form on grass has improved.

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