I BELIEVE this is once more Andy Murray’s year.
The Scot is in a good place in his life.
He is playing the best tennis of his career, he’s very happy in his marriage to Kim, and the spirit in his support team is good.
Everything is going Andy’s way, and I predict he’ll be lifting the Wimbledon Singles trophy again in a fortnight’s time.
Murray is a better player than when he first won the title in 2013, and fitter. When he lifted the crown at SW19, his back was giving him permanent pain.
The game itself has moved on in those two years, but Andy has made the most progress by comparison to his main rivals.
Murray’s forehand is stronger, his first serve percentage is higher, and the second serve more reliable under pressure.
People will point to his losing streak against Novak Djokovic dating back to that historic Wimbledon victory for the Scot.
Murray has not beaten the Serb since. I believe now is the time.
There’s no question that Djokovic has a psychological edge, but Andy has to believe that the pressure is more on Novak to keep that run going. His coaching team of Amelie Mauresmo and Jonas Bjorkman will be flooding him with positive thoughts.
They will point to the French Open semi-final, when Andy won two sets in brilliant style on his least-favourite surface, and remind him that the last time they played on grass, he beat Novak.
Andy is very close to Djokovic’s level on clay and hard courts. On the grass, he has the edge.
Murray’s movement on the Wimbledon surface is better than the Serb’s. He grew up on grass and understands the surface’s subtleties.
Murray stays so low on the ball, which is vital at Wimbledon. His whole game suits grass with his variety of shots, and different spins and slices.
Obviously Djokovic will not be easy to beat, and there are plenty of others in the field with ambitions. The standard right now is frighteningly good.
But Murray can come out on top. He’s certainly had the perfect warm-up, following up some great performances on clay by winning at Queen’s Club in spectacular style.
Backing him up is a very balanced coaching combination of Mauresmo and Bjorkman. You could almost say that Mauresmo’s pregnancy, which forced Andy to bring in the Swede as back-up, was a blessing in disguise.
Bjorkman is street-wise and savvy. He was a great competitor, who made the very most of his ability, and if he can pass on that asset to Murray it will be invaluable.
The bonus is that Bjorkman can be with Andy in the locker-room in the build up to his matches, something that wasn’t possible with Mauresmo.
Andy still values Amelie’s input, and it could be a winning combo.
But the duo still have some way to go before matching the two Grand Slam titles that Murray picked up under Ivan Lendl’s guidance.
Murray knows he faces some big challenges in the next two weeks. I believe he is ready to meet them head on.
Andy has the experience of two Grand Slam titles in the past.
He is fitter than when he won in 2013. His game has developed and moved on. He is relaxed and happy in his personal life.
In my view, it all adds up to an Andy Murray Wimbledon win.
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