Torrential rain and flooding…. it must be time for Wimbledon…
Ok, enough about the weather, Wimbledon is almost upon us. Come rain or shine it’ll be a tremendous fortnight and this year, more than most, us Brits have something to be truly optimistic about.
After his historic win in Paris, Roger Federer has been installed as the bookmaker’s favourite for the men’s competition. Admittedly not the biggest surprise. And we assume the second favourite is Rafael Nadal?
Wrong. It’s Andy Murray.
We had years of hopes and dreams with Tiger Tim but the bookies never placed him as second favourite; ever.
So I’m thinking, this can’t be right, must be an anomaly. So I checked another bookmaker. Murray still second favourite, except this time equal with Nadal. So I checked another. Same deal; Murray and Nadal considered as having an equal chance.
There has to be something in it and, yes Murray definitely has a chance. We think there’s no question this guy has Grand Slam potential. He proved it at the US Open, and will have learned good lessons from the pasting he took from Federer in the final. But, take a step back and look at Murray’s career achievements as a progressive series and you’ll see an undeniable ascendency; Murray is a guy that is on track to achieve big things. Injury and fitness permitting, I think we have a world top 5 , not just for a fleeting 6 months, bu for some time to come and a genuine contender as a Grand Slam winner to boot.
So is 2009 Andy’s year? We’d love it to be, but if it isn’t we’d say his chances this time next year will have improved again. Oh, and he’s already stated that the US Open surface gets his vote over grass so I’d have my money on success there before it comes to SW19.
What for the other Brits taking part? The wildcard allocated to Laura Robson can’t fail to catch the eye. Since winning the junior title last year she’s reached the semi-final of the US Open juniors and, in March, became the number 1 ranked junior in the world. When she steps onto court in a fortnight’s time she’ll be the youngest competitor to play in the competition since Martina Hingis in 1995. No question that she’s there for the experience but with a senior title already under her belt, it’s not unthinkable that she could progress through the first round, if the draw is kind. One thing’s for sure, no matter how she fairs, the experience she gains from competing in a senior grand slam event at such a young age will provide a great platform for pushing her career onto the next stage.
Jamie Murray is already a Wimbledon champion and has a chance in the doubles competition. However he, and his partner, Jonathan Erlich were knocked out at Queens in the second round which doesn’t imply they’re on top form. Come on Jamie!
Other British men are also assured of making an appearance at the Championships. Alex Bogdanovic, Daniel Evans, Josh Goodall and James Ward have all received wild card entries. In the ladies competition, Elena Baltacha, Katie O’Brien, Melanie South and Georgie Stoop have also received wildcards whilst British number one lady Anne Keothavong is another showing signs of real potential, having just crept into the world’s top 50.
So if you’re glued to the action from Wimbledon and feel inspired to to learn more about tennis then you’ll be pleased to know that the David Lloyd Tennis School will lauch during the first week of Wimbledon. You can find out more, and pre-register, at www.intosport.com/david_lloyd.html and best of all it’s FREE. From the very basics  in tennis through to physical conditioning, skills, tactics and more, you’ll find what you need to help improve your game. So what are you waiting for – get yourself signed up!
Until next time…. intosport.com, the home of world class sports coaching, online and FREE!
Murray is indeed second favorite for Wimbledon, but he was also second favorite at the Australian Open earlier this year.
Lets hope the media don’t get too carried away. No prayer mats and no insanely negative press if he doesnt win.
The key to the media response will be if Murray wins the crowds this year. Henman won the hearts of the fans and was always seen as a valiant loser. Andy’s instinctive and determined competitive side doesn’t always win him fans but often wins him matches. He’s shown us before that the latter is more important to him; if he does fulfil his potential then the former will come as a matter of course…