It’s that time of year again when strawberries and cream along with copious amounts of Pimms are once again on the order of play—yes, it’s time for Wimbledon and it starts today.&
It’s that time of year again when strawberries and cream along with copious amounts of Pimms are once again on the order of play—yes, it’s time for Wimbledon and it starts today. And whilst we indulge on our favourite summertime snacks and tipples, we also get to indulge on some fantastic tennis.
British spirits will be high this year as we get to see if Andy Murray has what it takes to do it all over again and win the tournament but there have been some changes since Sunday, 7th July 2013.
First of all, Murray has a new coach—after parting company with Ivan Lendl in March this year, he has now decided to work with former French professional and two-time grand slam winner Amelie Mauresmo and Wimbledon will be the first time that we get to see the pair work in unison and we’ll get to see any changes that it’s brought to Murray’s game.
Also, Murray hasn’t had the best of run-ups to this grand slam and hasn’t looked as sharp or clinical in 2014 so far. At the AEGON Championships at Queen’s Club two weeks ago, he was knocked out Radek Stepanek in third round despite being the home favourite.
It will be interesting to see how he gets in the zone and how much his focus changes during the progression of Wimbledon. The defence of his title starts on Monday when he faces David Goffin on Centre Court.
A Nadal comeback?
The way the draw has worked out, should they both get this far, Murray would face Djokovic in a repeat of last year’s final but this time, there is a feeling that the Serbian is on better form and would be the one to deny Murray his second victory in London.
One person who has a good season so far is Rafael Nadal. After fighting his way back from injury over the past couple of years, the Spaniard has recently won the French Open and is a favourite to make it two grand slams in a row with victory at Wimbledon. The last time he won this tournament was in 2010 therefore a win for him is long overdue.
The men’s tournament has always been exciting as it always has a surprise up its sleeve—whether it is the emergence of a new talent or an early knockout for one of the favourites it has the ability to excite and exhilarate and this year will be no different.
As we look to see if Andy Murray can hang on to his Wimbledon title, we already know that we’re going to have a new women’s champion. Following her surprising Wimbledon victory in 2013, Marion Bartoli has had to retire due to injury so who will take over her crown?
Redemption possible
Wimbledon favourite Serena Williams has had some pretty poor form in the first two grand slams of the year so this is the perfect chance for her to redeem herself and win the championships in her 15th appearance at SW19.
Maria Sharapova won the French Open earlier this year so, like Nadal, she will be looking to make it two in a row however she tends to favour clay courts rather than grass courts but this year will be a special one for the Russian as it’s ten years since she stunned Serena Williams to take the title.
One to look out for is Madison Keys. The nineteen-year-old American won her first WTA title at Eastbourne on June 21 and will be looking to follow that success by ploughing her way through the rounds at Wimbledon. Although she isn’t a contender for the title, it will be interesting to see how well she can tackle a two-week grand slam as opposed to a 6-day tournament.
Wimbledon will be broadcast all over the BBC starting today so sit back, relax and enjoy two weeks of tantalising tennis.
What do you think? What are your predictions? Have your say in the comments section below.
Image: Alexander Smotrov / Wikimedia Commons
