Wimbledon 2017
The weather looks good as thousands are about to descend again to SW15, and a fascinating two weeks are in store for the third major of the season.
There has been talk for a while now that the big four in the men's game are on the decline, however, they fill the top four seeds again and will look to dominate from the outset. Murray and Djokovic have won the last four titles here, but it is Federer and Nadal who are the 'form' players. This year so far they have won four titles apiece, with Federer winning his 18th major title by taking the Australian Open in January, and Nadal at Roland Garros in the French Open for the tenth time. In contrast Murray and Djokovic have been struggling in 2017, however a morale-boosting win in the Aegon at Eastbourne this weekend will have definitely helped Novak. Murray, on the other hand, has had to withdraw from recent events due to injury and didn't appear to be moving freely in his latest practice sessions.
Below are the current stats for the top four seeds in this year's men's draw.
Andy Murray
Current world ranking: 1
Seeded: 1
Wimbledon history
Best result: Won (2013, 2016)
Last year’s result: Won
Grand Slam results in 2017 to date
Australian Open: Fourth round
French Open: Semi-finals
Titles so far in 2017: Dubai
If Murray is to go deep into this tournament then he is going to have to ease himself back into form, and it appears the top seed will have the chance to do that as his first couple of matches should be straightforward enough if he is injury free. Dustin Brown is a potential second round opponent, and he has beaten Nadal at Wimbledon previously, however he doesn't have a great Wimbledon record. Nick Kyrgois would pose a far greater threat if the two were to meet, as his game is very well suited to grass. Murray leads the head to head between the two players 5-0, but Kyrgois is improving all the time. Big hitters Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Sam Querry are also in this quarter, but it is Stan Warwrinka that looks certain to pose the biggest threat.
Novak Djokovic
Current world ranking: 4
Seeded: 2
Wimbledon history
Best result: Won (2011, 2014, 2015)
Last year’s result: Third round
Grand Slam results in 2017 to date
Australian Open: Second round
French Open: Quarter-finals
Titles so far in 2017: Doha
It is not unusual for Djokovic to come to Wimbledon off the back of a disappointing French Open, in 2011, 2014 and 2015 he shrugged off losing at Roland Garros to land himself wonderful Wimbledon wins. This year has felt a little different due to him losing to opponents that he would normally swat aside, however, his win this weekend will have set him up perfectly and give him a much-needed boost. His potential third round opponent, Juan Martin del Potro could provide a huge test, and anything below top form would leave Novak vulnerable. Richard Gasquet and David Ferrer are also in this quarter of the draw, as is Djokovic's French Open conqueror, Dominic Thiem. Theim however, has a very poor record on grass and I wouldn't expect him to trouble Novak too much if they were to meet.
Roger Federer
Current world ranking: 5
Seeded: 3
Wimbledon history
Best result: Won (2003-07, 09, 12)
Last year’s result: Semi-finals
Grand Slam results in 2017 to date
Australian Open: Won
French Open: Did not play
Titles so far in 2017: Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Halle
The incredible Federer is playing some of his best tennis for several years and comes into Wimbledon full of confidence having won four times already this season. Roger begins against Alexandr Dolgopolov, who has all the shots in the book, and a player that can trouble anyone on his day. Whether he has what it takes in a five-set encounter against Federer on centre court is another matter though. Mischa Zverev and Grigor Dimitrov are both very useful players, but the sternest test may come from the huge hitting John Isner. However, this does appear to be a kind draw for Federer, and I don't envisage too much trouble in reaching the semi-finals.
Rafael Nadal
Current world ranking: 2
Seeded: 4
Wimbledon history
Best result: Won (2008, 2010)
Last year’s result: Did not play
Grand Slam results in 2017 to date
Australian Open: Runner-up
French Open: Won
Titles so far in 2017: Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, French Open
Nadal hasn't made it past the fourth round at Wimbledon since 2011, but he is currently injury free and playing his best tennis for a number of years. He does seem to have a number of dangerous players in his quarter of the draw. Karen Khachanov is just 21, but since switching to grass he has really come alive and at 6'6" and a powerful serve, he definitely has the weapons to trouble Rafa. Marin Cilic has won a Grand Slam tournament and has made it to the Wimbledon quarterfinals for the past three years. He was extremely close to beating Federer here last year (he had match point), and although he is 1-4 against Nadal, I would not be surprised to see him beat him this time around.
Overall, I have a feeling that Novak Djokovic may just be coming back to his imperious best, and if he is, then he will be impossible to stop. With various question marks over a lot of his main rivals, I think he is overpriced at 11/2 and will be backing him accordingly.
Wimbledon Selections
Novak Djokovic outright - 2 points @ 11/2 (Sportingbet)
Player to win quarter - 0.5 point four fold - Wawrinka (13/2), Cilic (4/1), Federer (4/7), Djokovic (5/4)
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