The last time a male tennis player won the Wimbledon Title was in 1936 when Fred Perry defeated Gottfried Von Cramm 6-1, 6-1, 6-0. That moment was frozen in history for British Tennis fans and it is that memory that has offered them solace for over 73 years. For the first time in three quarters of a century British fans have a reason to be hopeful. Andy Murray, the young man from Scotland, is one of the top favorites to win the 2009 Wimbledon Mens Title.
There is a vast amount of pressure on Andy Murray right now. The hopes and dreams of his countrymen hang in the balance of every set he plays. On Wednesday Andy began his mission to bring the Wimbledon Title back to Great Britain. His first obstacle, Robert Kendrick of the United States. This match was not highly anticipated from the standpoint that Kendrick is ranked at 76th. It was to simply be a warm up for more competitive matches down the line. It developed into more of a warm up than Murray had anticipated.
After all, in previous matches against one another the Scot had easily defeated Kendrick 6-0, 6-0. This day however the American came to play. Although Kendrick played with fire and vigor and with the same determination that took him to 5 sets against Rafael Nadal 3 years earlier at Wimbledon in the end the Scot was to have his day. Murray lost the second match but kept his composure and never gave up. His competitor was running the court making amazing returns but Murray stood steady and answered each with his own heart and passion eventually winning the two and a half hour match 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4.
Once again it is noted that on any given day a player or a team can play beyond their potential. Kendrick played well beyond his ranking and although he fell in the end he earned the respect of his victor and the fans at Wimbledon. Murray admitted that the match was tough but his confidence in himself was ever apparent. His next match is against the Latvian hard hitter Ernests Gulbis and you can bet that Andy Murray will not take this match lightly. The road to the 2009 Wimbledon Title will not be an easy one for Murray but he appears to be composed and prepared for the competition. This could be the year that Britain has cause for celebration once again. Until we meet again good betting and remember to always be a good sport.
The tennis world was not shocked but a little let down when Rafael Nadal pulled out of Wimbledon due to his knee injury. Nadal, Spains Pride and Joy, could not bring himself to chance further injury on the grasscourt at Wimbledon and did not want to compete unless he could do so at full strength. His departure opened the door for the Swiss star Roger Federer to open the competition against Lu Yen-hsun of Taiwan. Roger acknowledged that it was Nadal who should be opening the competition but took on the honor with great charm as he begins his search for his 15th Grand Slam Title.
Roger was recently crowned the Champion of the French Open. He became only one of six tennis players to ever complete a career Grand Slam. There are many British fans who are already anticipating a contest between Roger and thier own Andy Murray on July 5th. Andy kicks off his Wimbledon competition on Tuesday.
Today Roger Federer kicked off Wimbledon on centre court and although he got off to a slow start eventually cruised by Yen-hsun of Taiwan 7-5, 6-3 and 6-2 respectively. At the all England Club in London Roger has won 41 of his last 42 matches. The only loss there came last year when he dropped one in the finals to Rafael Nadal. Some tennis historians called it the best tennis match ever played. It is for this reason that is heartbreaking that Nadal could not compete this year. Many were looking forward to that possible rematch.
Roger failed to convert on his first four break point chances. Even though he fell behind 3-2 in the first match he regained his composure and took control of the match. There is no doubt that Roger is favored to win the 2009 Wimbledon but there are a few players like Englands own Andy Murray who will have the opportunity to make their bid for it as well. In the back of Rogers mind he has to be wondering about his missed rematch against Rafael Nadal as well. Any true Champion wants to compete against the best in his field so there can never be any unanswered questions or doubts.
The first major seed to be lose at Wimbledon was the American James Blake. The 17th seed fell early to Andreas Seppi of Italy 7-5, 6-4 and 7-6. There are no guarantees at Wimbledon. Every point will have to be earned and there are no givens at any time. If Roger Federer is destined to win his 15th Grand Slam Title than he will have to play his heart out everytime he walks onto the grasscourt. Being favored to win is nice but making it happen is what it is all about. Until we meet again good betting and always remember to be a good sport.
