If you have any plans to book a tennis court in the UK for the next couple of weeks, forget it!
Yes, it’s that time again when people who have never seen a tennis ball become experts. It’s Wimbledon 2015!
The biggest tournament of the whole year is upon us and what a fortnight it promises to be if the warm up tournaments are anything to go by. The women’s game especially seems to have a sudden surge of determined, talented girls such as Belinda Bencic.
It’s Not All Strawberries And Cream
If, like me you watched the Eastbourne tournament, you will have seen 18 year old Bencic sweep all before her and gain her first WTA tournament win. It was unfortunate that Caroline Wozniacki had to withdraw from their semi-final through injury but, really and truthfully Bencic would probably have won anyway. She is without doubt a dangerous opponent in the draw for the seeds at Wimbledon.
Eastbourne also saw a spirited effort from hitherto unknown British girl, Johanna Konta. She impressed as she battled her way to the quarter finals but sadly for her, Maria Sharapova awaits in Wimbledon’s first round.
So who will be ladies champion? Serena Williams seems to be unbeatable at the moment but she has not won Wimbledon for a few years now. Even so you can’t bet against her, though Agnieszka Radwanska and her Eastbourne conquerer Bencic should both go well.
As the Pims with strawberries and cream are consumed at the Old England Club, there will be just one name on all British lips. That name, of course, is Andy Murray who enters the fortnight probably in the best form of his career. Henman Hill ( or is it Murray Mount ) will doubtless have to sit through all Andy’s trials and tribulations, the shouts of “come on Andy” will be heard but will they be supporting this year’s champion? Or will the old joke of him been Scottish if he loses resurface?
Well, he has stormed through the clay court season sweeping all before him except for one man, Novak Djokovic! Even then he gave Novak a huge scare in the French Open semi-finals so back on his favourite grass surface, nobody will fancy playing Murray. He has put his recent good form down to marrying his long term girlfriend and legend has it that he has his wedding ring tied to his laces whilst playing.
Whatever he’s doing it’s working as he showed at Queen’s Club recently. He seems to have improved his somewhat iffy second serve and is as fit as anyone around the court. He wants to win a second Wimbledon more than we can imagine but he will have to do it the hard way.
With possible matches against Tsonga, Nadal and Federer to play before he even thinks of a possible final with Djokovic, it won’t be easy. However he must remember that they will certainly not want to play him. That bit of positive thinking just could be the difference to him winning Wimbledon or not. Will Andy Murray win Wimbledon? In my opinion yes he will !
So all is ready, fans are already camping on the pavements near the Old England Club and the weather forecasts say we are in for a heatwave. With the extra week after the clay court season, I have a feeling this could be the most exciting tournament for a long time. There will be some stunning tennis, some shocks and two weeks of pure sporting theatre.
So get the strawberries and cream in, open the Pims and enjoy!
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