I have to admit I have only just stopped sulking after a poor performance against Dustin Brown sent my all time favourite, Rafa Nadal, packing. Despite his status as one of the all time greats the last four years as a Rafa fan at Wimbledon time have been painful to say the least, but as always he was humble and gracious in defeat (if you can't tell, I'm kind of in love with him). The gorgeous Rafa aside, I will continue to enjoy the Championships regardless - not having a favourite to root for in some ways takes the pressure off, allowing you to relax and just enjoy some good tennis without your happiness hinging on the outcome! With that said here are some of my thoughts and predictions as we enter the latter stages of the tournament...
Gentlemen's Singles
Who I'm cheering for...
Now that Nadal is out I've had to re-evaluate who it is I'll be cheering for in the mens side of the competition. After climbing the rankings and his recent win at the French Open Stan Wawrinka has been on my radar more and more and I actually rather like Stan the man. Previously he had only been heard of as the Swiss number 2, always in the shadow of the inimitable Roger Federer, but recently he has shocked everyone by stepping out and becoming one of the strongest players on the tour. I don't really have many reasons for my sudden Stan fandom other than the fact he plays amazing tennis and he kind of reminds me of a cute woodland creature - perhaps its because he is still the slight underdog when it comes to playing the big four - whatever the reason I'll be cheering him on as he enters the last 16.
This second one might be very a very predictable answer for a Brit, but believe me its taken me a long time to warm to everyone's favourite Scot, Andy Murray. For years I was very unpatriotic and just couldn't get behind the British number 1 - I thought he was boring, grumpy and not as good as everyone wanted him to be. However, after I screamed the house down cheering him on in the 2013 Wimbledon Final I could deny it no longer - I quite liked him. I think since he really stepped up in the last two years to be a true part of the top four, his public persona has come on leaps and bounds. Granted his interviews are still often rather dry but, especially off-court, he has increasingly let people see a more human side to his persona and there is absolutely no denying now that he is a phenomenal tennis player. If he has the momentum to make it to the final I will definitely be screaming the house down once again.
My Final Predictions...
I think it is highly likely that it will be a Murray/Djokovic final. Both players are at the top of their games, playing effortlessly through the early stages and both seem to have a great deal of momentum. As for the winner, I'm going to be hopeful and say Murray will bring us a British Wimbledon champ once again.
Ladies Singles
Who I'm cheering for...
Well, in another display of patriotism I am currently writing this while going absolutely nuts for Heather Watson vs Serena Williams. I've liked Watson but never been a huge fan and I really didn't think she stood a chance against the world number 1 and seemingly unstoppable Williams. It currently stands at two sets all with Heather up two breaks in the third set, and she is playing unbelievably brilliantly - I'm beside myself!! Whether she wins or looses, I have been so impressed with her in this match and will definitely be watching out for her more in the future.
I have also been rooting for a more experienced player, Maria Sharapova. Once the golden girl of the sport she has been down on form in the past few years and I would love to see her Wimbledon once again (with her last victory in London being 10 years ago). She is still fantastic sportswoman and a favourite of the sport and I would love to see her win another slam.
(Forgive me for writing less about the Ladies but this Watson match is really hotting up!)
My Final Predictions...
Well, I'm a bit stuck here now! Half an hour ago I would have said Serena was a shoe in for the final, no doubt about it - but now it seems anything can happen! I think last years champion Petra Kvitova will be in there from the other side of the draw, but given the match I'm watching I don't want to jinx anything so I'll not say anymore!
Right, I'm off to watch the rest of the days tennis - I hope you've enjoyed my thoughts and we'll see if any of my predictions come true!
Thanks for reading,
Daisy.
