Mixed entanglements with Germany indeed. On a day Lleyton Hewitt's first time pre Wimbledon odyssee on German soil in Halle ended with a celebratory title and win over Roger Federer, Aussie hopes were shattered by the Socceroos defeat by the German National team. On to Ghana for the Socceroos, and Wimbledon for Lleyton.

Lleyton's victory is significant on a number of fronts. It's the first time he's beaten Federer in 15 attempts over the past seven years, and on a surface where Roger has been almost invincible. Perhaps more impressive is a breakthrough so soon after double surgery, on his "other" hip in January, and knee in February.

One medical expert here in the UK was moved to describe the win as "medically significant". It certainly reinforces the message Lleyton gave to doubting journalists and tennis insiders after he lost at the Australian Open that his career was far from done. This ATP Tour victory is perhaps just as significant as Sam Stosur's exciting run at Roland Garros..we can be grateful these two players are keeping Australian tennis present at the pointy end on both tours.

On to Wimbledon, and the pressing matter of seedings. Wimbledon is the only tournament in the world which departs from the rankings of the day (as in yesterday actually) and "weights" grass court results from the past three years.

Nevertheless, one must first be in a seeding position, being the top 32, to be eligible for the weighting. So Lleyton's spirited defence of points at Roland Garros and Halle were primarily aimed at keeping his precarious position of 31 inside the top 32. Mission accomplished and some.

By winning Halle and moving to no.26 on the ATP Tour, Lleyton is assured of a seed. However, my hunch is that a big bonus awaits him. On the complex seeding criteria, I suspect Lleyton will be rewarded with as high as a top 16 seed and, all things being equal, a relatively safe passage to the second week, and fertile territory for the former Wimbledon champion.

I was speaking this week at Nottingham at a seniors Tour event (playing is easier than politics!) with Richard Krajicek, the 1996 Wimbledon champion. Richard said he only got into a seeding position the night before that tournament when a seed withdrew, so as you can see, you can always use a slice of luck!

Other news from here at Nottingham was the return to the court for Martina Hingis. She played very well, losing a third set tiebreak in the final of the exhibition event to Michaella Krajicek, Richard's 21-year-old sister. It was an impressive "debut" by Martina, but she didn't give the impression she'd be following the Belgian duo of Henin and Clijsters back on to the main Tour. The silken skills are still there but, on the cusp of turning 30, not the desire I suspect. With Martina, tennis becomes chess and she's always a pleasure to watch.

So back to Lleyton and from nowhere really, he has once again confounded the doubters and put his hand up and into contention. If he goes to a Wimbledon semi or final, the medically "significant" will soon become a medical "miracle".

Conversely, Sam Stosur, who's grass court results have not been flattering, runs the risk of a downgrade by the committee of the All England Club. I don't think it will bother her because she's pretty unflappable, and she will certainly be only taking it one match at a time on the grass.

I think we'll wait for the draw to surmise on other Aussie probabilities, so for now all eyes are on the seedings announcement. Having said that, I reckon Lleyton deserves a bit more luck than drawing Roger or Rafa in the last 16 as habitually has been the case....surely his efforts to alter the seedings will continue to turn the hands of fate through a favourable draw.

I don't think its too much to ask of the tennis gods.

They know miracles can happen.