Monday 23 June 2014

Surface changes but not the men's favourites

Wimbledon 2014 is upon us and previewing the Men's Singles is pretty much a repeat of the 2013 preview.  Yes, Roger is most peoples favourite to win because they like him the most, but he is struggling to win majors these days, 2012 Wimbledon a rare triumph for one of the best we have seen, certainly on grass.

Andy Murray is a different story this time round, thanks to him breaking the drought for Britain and winning the 2013 Championship, but he still has the pressure of the nation upon him to successfully defend.

Novak Djokovic, with Murray, has been the most consistent performer at Wimbledon over the past few years, winning in 2011 but now desperately wanting to break his run of runners up trophies in Grand Slam finals - the last three finals appearances have been losses, two to Nadal, the other to Murray at Wimbledon last year.

Nadal himself won Wimbledon in 2010 and 2008 but has struggled here of late, and is seeded to meet Federer in the semis should they both reach that far.
Sadly the depth in men's tennis while not as poor as in previous years, still lacks for adequate consistent competition for the top few, especially Rafa and Novak
I cannot see a threat to the one and two seeds reprising their 2011 final, and continuing their fabulous rivalry which as recently as last month in Paris saw them again rise above everyone else.

Sure, other names will make some sort of mark as the fortnight passes by - Raonic is having a breakout year, Wawrinka is laying legitimate claims to being the number one Swiss player, Berdych is consistent like Ferrer and Nishikori is exciting.  And the battle will most likely be for quarter final spots against the top four seeds who should put an end to those runs and form the semi finals.

Roger will be valiant and lose yet another match at the highest level to his Grand Slam tournament nemesis, and the Djokovic Murray semi final will quite possibly be a five setter over four hours and the best match of the tournament, Murray not quite back to top form, surrendering his title bravely.

Novak to win in my opinion - he is comfortable on grass and to his enormous relief does not have what he had in Paris - the biggest handicap in tennis: playing Rafa on Rafa's surface.

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