Wimbledon Men’s Singles 2012: The Top Four
Rackets at the ready! It’s that time of year when strawberries and cream taste good in the rain and tennis whites make a far better fashion statement than a little black dress. Yes, the classy, grassy tennis tournament is back and to mark the occasion I’m giving you the low-down on the top four seeds in the Wimbledon Men’s Singles championship.
Novak Djokovic
[singlepic id=31 w=200 h=200 float=left]Much expectation rests on Djokovic’s shoulders as he prepares to defend his Wimbledon title. However, his recent defeat at the hands of Rafael Nadal (in the French Open Final) must still sting and the pressure may prove too much for the Serbian sports genius.
Of course, he can always chill out by impersonating some of his compatriots. His pouting, shorts pulling impression of arch rival Rafael Nadal went global last year. What a way to ‘not be serious’ to twist John Mcenroe’s famous words ever so slightly.
However, true focus will be required if Djokovic is to succeed once more. At least he won’t have the distraction of a flirtation with Women’s world No 1 Caroline Woziacki to deal with this time. Since their playful discourse last year where she referred to his unbeaten record she has started dating Irish golfer Rory McElroy.
Rafael Nadal
[singlepic id=34 w=200 h=200 float=left]Still the king of the clay courts, Nadal has not fared so well on grass these last few years. However, he is a mighty challenger whose intense presence and determination on the court never fails to intimidate.
Dominating from the back, Nadal is relentless despite his long hair appearing drenched within the first five minutes. Do not be deceived, a little sweat does not mean weakness and the Spaniard thrives in tense conditions, never betraying his emotions until he leaves the court, a winner. Then, he flashes that beaming, childlike smile drawing an ‘aaaah’ from the audience and leaving you wondering how such a sweet boy powered his way to victory.
Roger Federer
[singlepic id=32 w=200 h=200 float=left]The Mr Smooth of the Tennis World may still be the best-dressed of the male competitors but having surrendered the top spot some years ago he’s never quite regained his form. Now, more of a family man than a fiercesome opponent, he is nevertheless dangerously talented and can not be counted out when it comes to the latter stages of this tournament.
His vast experience has led him into the history books behind fellow swede and legend: Bjorn Borg. His all round excellence is perfectly suited to grass and he has a genuine love for Wimbledon which could be rekindled to dramatic effect if only he can hang in there and believe.
Andy Murray
[singlepic id=33 w=200 h=200 float=left]The sole British hope and Scottish straight talker may have to be less ‘down to earth’ more ‘reach for the stars’ if he is ever to get past a semi final and give himself a real shot at the title. He’s already proved himself more successful than popular predecessor Tim Henman but needs to find a deeper motivation to progress that stage or two further. Hopes that Ivan Lendle’s coaching skills could lift him to a higher level have not been fulfilled. The Scotsman continues to stagnate at number four in the world rankings and has not made a Grandslam final this year.
We can only hope the sun will shine brightly at Wimbledon, warming the cockles of this stony Scot’s heart and coaxing out some rare brilliance . . . So let’s pretend rain isn’t forecast for the next week.
Djokovic Picture sourced at: http://on.wsj.com/af2b9C
Nadal Picture sourced at:http://bit.ly/huhXXD
Federer Picture sourced at:http://bit.ly/wXuRiA
Murray Picture sourced at: http://bit.ly/LLJLNE
Wimbledon Men’s Singles 2012: The Top Four.