The “Big Four” of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal has swept the past 14 Wimbledons. Their peers, fans and pundits have all marvelled at their domination. “I think it's the pursuit of excellence each and every day. I think that's what those four guys have done better than everybody, ever in tennis,” Milos Raonic said. “Despite how it could have been very discouraging for Novak being behind Roger and Rafa for so many years, then Andy the same thing, being behind a bunch. They just pursued excellence each and every day.” But all dynasties come to an end, right? ATPWorldTour.com looks at four players who might have what it takes to hoist the Gentleman's Singles Trophy...
The “Big Four” have dominated for years, as much in recent times as any, considering they've claimed 44 of the past 49 Grand Slams. Yet somehow, this week at Wimbledon, tennis fans will have an opportunity with the Big Four that fans haven't enjoyed in more than two years. For the first time since 2015 Roland Garros, the entire quartet – Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal – will play in the second week of a Grand Slam. Who will be the favourite, and who will be No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings next week? ATPWorldTour.com looks at the Big Four's week ahead. Andy Murray On paper, Murray has the easiest route to the Wimbledon semi-finals....
1. Murray Finds His Footing Again It’s rare that a top seed and defending champion isn’t seen as the overwhelming favourite to win an event, but some fans were reluctant to book Andy Murray for a third Wimbledon title after his struggles this season and opening round exit to Jordan Thompson at the Aegon Championships. However, the World No. 1 has been riding the support from his home fans into the second week and producing some of his best tennis once again. The Brit stormed through his first two rounds and then prevailed in the match of the tournament against 28th seed Fabio Fognini. Avenging a loss to the Italian this spring at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, Murray dug deep...
After having at least a day off due to Wimbledon’s Middle Sunday, the remaining 16 players will be rested and ready to go for their fourth-round matches. From former Wimbledon champions, to #NextGenATP stars and veterans enjoying career-best moments, a wide range of players and matchups highlight Monday’s schedule. Here are three must-see Monday matches... 1. Roger Federer v Grigor Dimitrov The battle between two of the most attractive one-handed backhands on the ATP World Tour will be sure to produce plenty of rallies that delight the Centre Court crowd. Neither player has dropped a set this fortnight, but Dimitrov has produced more dominant scorelines in his matches. The Bulgarian has lost just 12 games in his past eight sets....
#NextGenATP German Alexander Zverev will play in the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time this fortnight at The Championships. The 20-year-old right-hander secured his spot in the fourth round on Saturday with a straightforward 6-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner on No. 2 Court. Zverev had reached the third round of a Grand Slam on three prior occasions – last year's Roland Garros (l. Dominic Thiem) and Wimbledon (l. Tomas Berdych) and the Australian Open earlier this year (l. Rafael Nadal). But the celebrated 6'6” right-hander broke through on Saturday when he displayed the level of tennis that helped him crack the Top 10 of the Emirates ATP Rankings in May. [ALSO LIKE]...
