Andy Murray's year at Wimbledon? Doubt it...
So, is this the year for Andy Murray?
His five-set victory over Stanislas Wawrinka on Monday night was the stuff of ‘British challenger at Wimbledon’ legend, originally made famous by Tim Henman.
The question is, has Murray already peaked, leaving the Wawrinka thriller as the high point?
Or was it just a bit of familiarity breeding contempt as he tried to outsmart his training partner?
His quarter-final with wildcard Juan Carlos Ferrero should answer that question. Either way, I cannot see anyone – even Murray on top form – toppling Roger Federer.
The most supremely efficient player ever to grace a tennis court looks too good for the opposition and although the rejuvenated Andy Roddick and Leyton Hewitt are giving excellent accounts of themselves after a few ropey years, you suspect Rafael Nadal would have been the only one able to threaten Federer’s chances this year – and him making history with a 15th Gland Slam title.
That said, I do have good powers of affecting history with my predictions, so expect The Fed Express to slip out at the last eight stage to Irlo Karlovic on Wednesday – incidentally, a player who is yet to lose a service game in this tournament.
* It would be remiss of me not to reply to the last blog from Mr Jonathan Redhead, pictured right, and his apparent jealously of my slow-right-arm-ticklers that have accounted for nine wickets in less than 20 overs for Newsman Cricket Club.
All right, I’ll admit a lack of experience in my cricket career did ensure the inevitable victory for Coach & Horses’ arrived a few balls earlier. But hey, I just turn up and do my thing – however erratic that turns out to be.
I’m sure Jon’s time will come to show what he can do this summer (he’s yet to be selected, by the way).
The target for this season is four, JR (wickets that is, not wides).
As for the suggestion of my 'likeness' in appearance to the cringe-worthy Freddie-from-Big-Brother (with Pete Raven and Phil Banyard equally culpable) - harsh, too harsh.
posted on 30 June 2009 15:38 byMichael Bailey - Sportsdesk
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