I’ll admit that I woke up this morning feeling a bit like a kid on Christmas morning. Today is of course the start of Wimbledon, but this year’s tournament is also a little bit special. After last year ending Britain’s seventy-seven year wait for a Men’s Singles Champion Andy Murray will today step out onto Centre Court to begin the defence of his title. The question on everyone’s lips is ‘can Murray do it again?’
Andy has had a tough season so far and looked some distance off his best at the beginning of the year as he returned to the tour following back surgery. There have been plenty of encouraging signs in the last few months however, with a semi-final showing at the French Open suggesting he is close to hitting top form.
So, what can we expect from him at Wimbledon this year?
The next two weeks will bring a new kind of pressure for Murray and we don’t know for sure how he will cope with the demands of defending a crown he worked so hard to win. For added spice there’s also a new coach in town, with former Wimbledon champion Amelie Mauresmo stepping into his coaching corner.
My personal opinion is that Andy is in with every chance of defending his title. He has well and truly proved that he is one of the best grass court players in the world and he hasn’t lost a match at Wimbledon since his defeat to Roger Federer in the 2012 final. Following that loss he returned to Centre Court just a few weeks later to win Olympic Gold and of course triumphed in last year’s final against Novak Djokovic, who is this year placed in Murray’s half of the draw. Aside from that the draw has been relatively kind to Andy, particularly in the early rounds. The first real test could perhaps come in the last eight, with Ferrer or Dimitrov being possible Quarter Final opponents. Murray won’t be looking that far ahead, though – and the Grand Slams have proved time and time again that nobody is safe during the early rounds.
On the women’s side the British charge is this year being led by Heather Watson, with Laura Robson missing the event with a wrist injury. Heather comes into Wimbledon on the back of a semi-final appearance on the grass in Eastbourne, where she also had arguably her best ever win against top-twenty player Flavia Pennetta. These are great signs that the young Brit can have a successful Wimbledon campaign and it’s going to be interesting to see how she does. Watson first has to overcome a tricky first-round opponent in Ajla Tomljanovic of Croatia.
Aside from Andy Murray, day one of Wimbledon sees plenty of British men in action, with five of them scheduled to take to the courts. Dan Evans opens against the Russian Andrey Kuznetsov, whilst James Ward faces the vastly experienced Mikhail Youzhny. Rising star Kyle Edmund plays Andreas Haider-Maurer of Austria, whilst Dan Cox starts his campaign against Jeremy Chardy of France. Dan Smethurst will make his Wimbledon debut on day two against America’s John Isner.
British women to look out for on the opening day are Johanna Konta, who plays Shuai Peng of China, and Naomi Broady, who faces Hungarian Timea Babos. Day two sees Samantha Murray having the unenviable task of facing Maria Sharapova, whilst Tara Moore also has a tough draw and plays former finalist Vera Zvonavera.
How will the Brits do over the next two weeks? Only time will tell and it’s going to be truly fascinating to watch. Get ready to shout loudly, wave your flags and #BackTheBrits.
By Daniel Flower