Roger Federer's loss at a Wimbledon warm-up last weekend was just his second grass-court defeat since 2003, extending his winless drought to nearly five months.

But the All England Club brings out the best in Federer, who has reached a record seven straight finals there, losing only one — to Rafael Nadal in 2008.

So when Federer steps onto Centre Court for his opening match Monday against Alejandro Falla, he'll be the man to beat, getting the top seed even though he's ranked second.

He'll try to join Pete Sampras and 19th-century champion Willie Renshaw as the only men to win the singles title seven times.

A recharged Nadal and Andy Roddick, who lost 16-14 in the fifth set of last year's final, are Federer's biggest threats.

The women's favorites are Serena and Venus Williams, who are seeded 1-2 and have combined to win eight of the last 10 Wimbledon championships. Returning after absences will be Justine Henin (first since '07) and Kim Clijsters (first since '06), each seeking her first title.