Wimbledon 2014: Men's singles quarterfinals preview
We are into the second week at Wimbledon and tennis fans are up for some interesting clashes. Despite Nadal not featuring in them, the quarter-final matchups promise some action. Here’s a take at each of the quarterfinals matches:
Novak Djokovic vs Marin Cilic
Djokovic has been the favourite to win Wimbledon right from the start of the tournament and has lived up to the expectations. He has played brilliant tennis and posted comfortable wins against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. His opponent Cilic, coached by the legendary Goran Ivanisevic- known for his love for Wimbledon, has been known for his big serves. He ousted Berdych in the second round this Wimbledon. He has not won a match against the Serb in their 9 previous meetings. Cilic will have to play some of the best tennis of his life if he has to cause an upset.
Prediction: Novak Djokovic
Andy Murray vs Grigor Dimitrov
Despite being the defending champion, Andy Murray did not start the tournament as a favourite. His title defense so far has been a smooth ride and Dimitrov is his first real test. Dimitrov meanwhile comes into the match with a nine-match winning streak on grass and a win in their most recent head to head clash at Acapulco, Mexico. While the odds are against Dimitrov, the young heartthrob will be keen to establish himself among the top guns by making the leap at the pristine grass of Wimbledon, like his antecedent Federer. While grass suits Dimitrov’s game style, Murray has the best record in the last two years at SW19, and will also have the crowd on his side. This match is sure to give the fans all the entertainment that they need.
Prediction: Andy Murray
Roger Federer vs Stan Wawrinka
The top two Swiss players meet for the first time on grass, with Federer coming into the match as Swiss No.2. It’s been quite some time since the shift in his and Stan’s rankings and he must be used to it by now, but what’s different this time is that the Swiss Masterclass tagged as the G.O.A.T is playing some of the finest tennis in a long time, showing incredible fitness and movement, producing beautiful serve & volleys and has managed to win the confidence of experts. A positive note for Stan is that he comes into this match having tasted victory in their last head to head meeting. Their clash is akin to the other quarterfinal between Murray and Dimitrov, Federer and Murray having the lead in head to head matches but Dimitrov and Wawrinka having turned the tides in their last meetings respectively. This match between friends and davis cup teammates will definitely not be a friendly one as the two fight it out for a place in the last four.
Prediction: Roger Federer
Milos Raonic vs Nick Krygios
One of the best servers on the tour takes on the best server of the tournament. In a match that is sure to see a lot of aces being served, the teenager from Australia will be tested. It will be interesting to see if he can keep his head grounded and stay focused after shocking the world by packing off World No.1 Rafael Nadal. Both will battle it out to reach their first Grand Slam semi-final. The two met in the first round at the French Open this year, it was Raonic who came through in straight sets. Krygios’ odds for winning Wimbledon improved from 1:5000 at the start of the first week to 1:16 now, but will lack of experience at the big stage be the influential factor, or the nothing to lose attitude be an advantage for Krygios is for the viewers to see. Krygios who is in his first year at the professional tour has admitted that he is not yet fully used to the five set format, but showed nerves of steel in his five-set comeback victory against Gasquet earlier in the second round. Can Raonic take advantage of the experience on his side, we will come to know by tonight.
Prediction: Milos Raonic
