You may have missed the fact that Wimbledon begins on Monday thanks to the World Cup, but those annoying gaps between matches in South Africa can soon be filled with the rather more tranquil scenes on offer from the grass courts of SW19.
All British eyes will, of course, be on Andy Murray as we look for a first male British winner since Fred Perry in 1936. Does he have a chance?
No, of course not. Especially this year as his form and, seemingly, mental attitude has been appalling since he reached the final of the Australian Open. On the clay surface he has suffered defeats in early rounds and even though the switch to grass at Wimbledon it looks to me like his confidence has been shot to pieces, despite his public denials that this is the case.
That grass is Murray’s favourite surface is somewhat misleading anyway. 12 of his 14 titles have been won on hard courts, only one having been won on the green stuff. His semi final appearance in last year’s tournament was the best he has achieved at Wimbledon, though he will point out it has been steady progress from his third round, fourth round and quarter final losses in previous years.
We’d all like Murray to pick up a first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon but much like Henman before him, I don’t think he has what it takes to ever win one, let alone under the incredible pressure he is always under at this tournament. No amount of screaming or showing off of biceps will change my mind.
The form man going into Wimbledon is without doubt Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard’s fifth French Open title was won just a couple of weeks ago. You can’t count out Roger Federer either, winner of this tournament on six occasions, including last year. His star has fallen somewhat, having won only one title so far this year, albeit the Australian Open in which he defeated Murray.
There are, of course, a few others to consider. Robin Soderling and Juan MartÃn del Potro to name just two. But those of you hanging your hopes on Murray will be disappointed and probably quite early on in Wimbledon’s fortnight. . At least you’ll have the World Cup to cheer you up. Or maybe not…