Andy Murray carries Britain’s hopes going into Wimbledon as the tournament draws ever closer. With the start of the All England club’s main stage starting in less than 24 hours, the confidence of Murray is evidently high, despite only reaching the quarter finals last time round.
The draw, which was made on Friday gifted Murray a first round match with Mikhail Kukushkin, who stands at 58th in the ATP rankings, representing Kazakhstan at Wimbledon. A player who Murray has had much joy against in the past winning on both occasions.
Here is the Brit’s possible and most difficult route to the final.
Mikhail Kukushkin:
The 27 year old Kazakh, who was originally born in Russia had a torrid time preparing for Wimbledon at the Nottingham open, losing a first round match against Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
The right-handed 27 year old has had little joy at Wimbledon in previous years, his personal best coming in 2014 where he reached the third round but was soon brought back down to earth by Rafael Nadal. That rise to the third round saw Kukushkin reach his highest ranking in 48th. He soon dropped back down though.
Murray last played Kukushkin in 2012 at the Australian Open, where the Kazakh was forced to retire through injury. However, at this point in the match Murray was in a compromising position leading 2 sets to love.
Robin Haase:
If Murray does succeed, he could be up against Robin Haase in the second round. A very experienced Dutchman who has been around for a long time, competing at the All England Club since a youngster winning two singles titles along the way.
Haase is best known for his powerful serve which often exceeds the 200kph mark. He often uses a very flat powerful shot that barely makes it over the net, making it difficult for opponents to react. This was shown when he met Murray in the US Open when he cruised into a two sets to love lead.
The major negative of the 28 year olds game is his temper. A very spirited player who often lets his temper get the better of him! Similar to Kukushkin, Haase’s personal best at Wimbledon was in 2011, where he reached the third round.
Murray last met Haase last year at the US Open, where he beat the Dutchman 6-3 7-6 1-6 7-5. In four meetings between the two, Murray has won three with Haase beating the Brit in 2008 at the Rotterdam Open in straight sets.
Andreas Seppi:
If Murray does continue to impress and passes the spirited Robin Haase, he could be paired up against Andreas Seppi in the third round. The 31 year old Italian, who sits handsomely at 27th in the world, will cause Murray a much sterner test. Seppi is an unbelievably powerful player who has challenged and caused problems for some of the worlds top players. He is best known for his attacking play, which has led to him winning three singles titles in the past.
His biggest upset came earlier this year when he knocked Roger Federer out of the Australian Open, whilst being unseeded. A huge achievement for the Italian who just a year earlier lost his seeding and looked like his game was coming to an end.
His Wimbledon best came in 2013 where he reached the fourth round, eventually losing in straight sets to Juan Martín Del Potro.
In seven matches against Murray, Seppi has only won the one. This came in the quarter-finals at the Nottingham Open, with the Italian winning 7-6 4-6 6-1.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga:
It gets even more difficult for Murray if he progresses to the fourth round. He could meet Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and the old feud could make a return. Despite his form dipping lately, he is still a major force in the tennis world. The Frenchman’s serve is almost unplayable, as it is one of the fastest and strongest. He is mostly known for his aggressive groundstrokes, whilst his forehand and backhand are both effective in setting up points. His most consistent shot is his accurate forehand drive down the line, catching many of the best players in the game out.
Tsonga has never won Wimbledon, but has been unbelievably close. Back to back semi-finals in 2011 and 2012 saw him make his name in world tennis. Sitting at 12th in the World ATP rankings with eleven career titles to his name makes Tsonga a very difficult opponent.
In twelve matches between Murray and Tsonga, the Brit has won 10 with the Frenchman winning just two. Tsonga’s two wins came in the 2004 Nottingham Open and last years Canadian Masters.
Rafael Nadal:
From Tsonga in the fourth round to Nadal in a possible quarter final. Similar to Tsonga, Nadal’s form has been on the rocks and he’s currently on the search to find his feet again. Will Wimbledon be his chance to do this? If he improves massively then there is no reason why it shouldn't be. From being first in the ATP rankings in 2008, Nadal has dropped down to tenth.
There are no answers for Nadal’s poor form, especially after his awful display in the first round of the Aegon Championships against Alexandr Dolgolopov.
It has been evident that Nadal has struggled in the past couple of months, whether that is from injuries or a loss in confidence only he will know. However, everybody knows what Nadal possesses if he gets his A game back and that aggressiveness in his play that has won him so many singles titles.
At Wimbledon, Nadal has had a mixed time, winning the tournament in 2008 and 2010, but struggling to progress past the fourth round since 2011.
The Spaniard leads the head to head record between him and Murray. In 21 meetings, Nadal has won 15, with Murray winning 5. Rafa’s last win against Murray came at last year’s French Open in the semi-final winning in straight sets.
Roger Federer:
That man, again. Simply described as the master of tennis. A legend in the tennis world and well loved by the fans at Wimbledon. The Swiss superstar is dubbed by many commentators as the greatest tennis player of all time. Not the test Murray wants to have in the semi-finals at Wimbledon.
Jimmy Connors got Federer’s style of play accurate when in an interview with the BBC in 2006 he said, “In the modern game, you’re a clay court specialist, a grass court specialist or a hard court specialist - or you’re Roger Federer.”
Federer is versatile, can move around the court at speed and play exceptional shots. His smash shot is so accurate that it’s a like a tiny piece of thread going through a needle. An amazing shot that wins him so many points.
The ‘legend’ has won Wimbledon seven times, whilst winning 86 career singles titles. Another fact that will cause Murray concern is that Federer has only lost six matches all year.
The Brits record is surprisingly good against Federer, winning 11 out of 23 matches. Murray’s last win came in the 2013 Australian Open Semi-Finals. Could his next win against the giant be at Wimbledon 2015?
Novak Djokovic:
If Murray overcomes Federer, then the reigning champion will more than likely be waiting for him. Djokovic who beat Roger Federer in the final last year will not want to hand over the trophy with ease, so Murray will have a huge fight on his hands.
Coming into Wimbledon at number one in the world, nobody will want to play Djokovic, yet Murray may see some light at the end of the tunnel, finding encouragement from his 2013 Wimbledon win against the Serb. Novak’s aggressive baseline play, and sheer speed across the court causes a lot of problems for the opponents, even Federer. His serve return is that good, it is considered as the best in the game.
Winning Wimbledon twice already, Djokovic will be eager to make it a hat-trick with a win this year, whilst adding to an ever increasing 53 career titles.
Djokovic has an excellent record against Murray, which will certainly make it harder for the Brit. In 27 matches, Murray has only won eight in contrast to Djokovic’s 19. Murray’s last win against the world number one. That famous 2013 Wimbledon final.
As Wimbledon draws ever closer, the pressure will grow on Murray as the expectant British crowd expect him to build on last years disappointing exit in the quarter finals. But it is clear that Murray is on top of cloud nine right now and that could be a big positive going into the tournament.