Wimbledon 2017
We are just a week away from one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar. SW19 is gearing up for what promises to be an intriguing Wimbledon 2017.
So who are the contenders for these championships?
Men's Contenders
Andy Murray
After an incredible last year, things are starting to get a little pear shaped for the world number 1 and the defending champion. Andy Murray doesn't seem to be showing the world why he is the top ranked player in the world. Whether it is to do with lack of match practice or something else, it looks like a slightly different Murray as opposed to last year, but I would still back him to reach the semis and possibly the final, so he is certainly not out of the equation. Murray is also considered as one of or if not the best movers on a grass court.
Novak Djokovic
It has been an interesting season for the Serbinator. Djokovic is know longer the same player who was dominating mens tennis just a few years ago. Whether it's do with splitting up with former coach Boris Becker and replacing him with Andre Agassi or something else is debatable. However Novak is still up there with the best so he definitely should not be ruled out of contention of reaching the final or even winning it.
Stan Wawrinka
Stanislas Wawrinka seems to be under the spotlight of Roger Federer but is still a high quality player as he showed Murray in the semi-finals of the French Open this year. The Swiss no:2 has has three grand-slam titles under his belt, the most recent being the 2016 US Open where he defeated Djokovic in the final in four sets. In terms of my predictions for Wimbledon 2017, I definitely see him reaching the semi-finals at least.
Roger Federer
Who can forget the most successful tennis player of all time. A true champion who has won a record of 18 grand slam titles should not be ruled out. Roger Federer is certainly the crowd's favourite at Wimbledon, especially when Murray isn't playing. Although he is 35, he still moves pretty well on the grass courts. Roger has had a great start to the grass court season by winning a tournament in Halle, Germany. The key question is. How much does he have left in the tank in terms of energy and motivation? Having said this, a place in the semi finals should be his target at least.
Rafael Nadal
Another sporting great. Rafael Nadal the king of clay is still up their with the best for winning grand slams. Nadal is a true champion and is one of the fierce competitors in the mens game, but injuries have seamed to hinder his success. Having said that, the Spaniard has shown great character throughout his career and has proven this by winning a total of 15 grand slam titles including 2 Wimbledon titles along his favourite, the French Open in which he has won 10 times the most by any player in a single grand slam. Depending on what mindset Nadal is in, I would put him in contention of reaching the quarter finals.
Women's Contenders:
Sadly there will be no Serena Williams featuring in this year's championships due to pregnancy. This gives the opportunity for someone else to clinch the women's title and make the women's draw very interesting.
Simona Halep
Simona Halep is one to watch out for in this year's championships. Although she is yet to win a Grand Slam, she is has 14 WTA singles titles and is currently in 2nd place in the WTA rankings. The Romanian is considered as one of the best returners of serve in the women's game and is definitely not out of contention to win her first grand slam. A place in the final should be the target for Helap.
Garbiñe Muguruza
Angelique Kerber
Germany is well known for it football and motor racing. But the country has also produced some fine tennis players such as Boris Becker and Steffi Graf. Angelique Kerber is a dangerous player who is currently the top ranked female tennis player in the world. Last year she won her first two majors, the Australian Open where she beat Serena Williams in three sets and the US Open where she beat Karolina Plíšková also in three sets. She is definitely a contender for the women's title this year.Johanna Konta
Ever since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977, Britain has never witnessed a female Grand slam champion. But over the last two years Johanna Konta has really stepped up her game and is currently ranked no:7 in the WTA rankings. Her best run in a grand slam came this year as she reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open where she was beaten by none other than Serena Williams. Konta is regarded as a very good match player by other pundits. It will be fascinating to see how she does from a British prospective in this year's championships.
We should be in for a fascinating two weeks at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, Let's hope the weather stays fair throughout these championships.
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