By Erik Gudris | Friday, June 20, 2014

 

The "big four" in men's tennis are back as they headline their respective sections in the Wimbledon Gentlemen's draw.

Photo credits: Peter Staples

The "Big Four" are back.

Well, at least for this upcoming fortnight at Wimbledon, with organizers using their exclusive formula in determining the top seeds. Hence why Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer find themselves headlining their individual sections of this year's Gentlemen's Draw. But will the most celebrated quartet in the sport's recent history find their way into the final four at the All-England Club?

Djokovic's Section

Top seed and last year's finalist Djokovic enters Wimbledon probably still wondering what might have been in Paris. But as long as his wrist issue doesn't flare up, Djokovic should navigate his way through the early rounds despite not playing any matches on grass. After an opening encounter with Kazakhstan’s Andrey Golubev, Djokovic might tangle with the always-dangerous Radek Stepanek in the second round.

No. 14 seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga looms as a potential fourth round foe, but the Frenchman isn't as potent a performer of late. Still, if Tsonga gets inspired on the grass, he could test Djokovic.

On the other side awaits two other potential obstacles. No. 12 seed Ernests Gulbis of Latvia has the power to blast his way into the quarterfinals. Or will the Latvian succumb to a letdown knowing he just reached the semis of Paris? No. 6 seed Tomas Berdych certainly can't be counted out. The big serving Czech did beat Djokovic several years ago at Wimbledon to reach his first and only major final. Many have been waiting for Berdych to make yet another deep run at a Slam, but unless Djokovic isn't at 100%, it's hard seeing anyone but the Serbian reach the last four.

First Round to Watch: Jurgen Melzer vs. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Pick: Djokovic

Murray's Section

Defending champion and national hero Andy Murray faces a different kind of pressure at his home Slam this time around. Now with the angst of "will he, won't he?" off of his shoulders, Murray now has to handle the expectations of trying to repeat as the winner.

The good news for him and his many fans is that the Scot is playing a lot better since returning from back surgery, evidenced by his semifinal run in Paris. If anybody benefited from the grass court seeding formula, it was definitely Murray, who finds himself in the No. 3 slot.

After an opener against Belgian David Goffin, Murray has plenty of time to fine tune his game before the second week. No. 20 seed Kevin Anderson with his big serve might pose a challenge, but nothing Murray can't handle. No. 7 seed David Ferrer, despite some recent stomach issues, is still scheduled to possibly meet Murray in the quarters.

That probably won't happen, as Ferrer looks a like prime upset target. No. 11 seed Grigor Dimitrov, talented young Austrian Dominic Thiem and the entertaining yet dangerous Dustin Brown lie in wait. Dimitrov, who will open against American Ryan Harrison, is fresh off winning Queen's Club and has dark horse contender written all over him.

Dimitrov just might face Murray in the quarters, but is the Bulgarian really ready to make the next step and reach a Slam semi? The jury is still out if Dimitrov's game and stamina can withstand a best-of-five battle. Murray's answered that question before and he probably will do so again.

First Round to Watch: Grigor Dimitrov vs. Ryan Harrison

Pick: Murray

Federer's Section

The prevailing view on whether seven-time champion Federer can win the title one more time boils down to two factors - his health and the draw. Fortunately for the Swiss Maestro, his body this season is far better from last year and yet another Halle title just last week will boost his confidence no doubt.

Federer opens against Italy's Paolo Lorenzi and then just might face French veteran Julien Benneteau. Federer battled back from two sets down against Benneteau in 2012 so he will know not to underestimate him nor anybody else given Federer's loss in the second round last year to Sergiy Stakhovsky.

No. 15 seed Jerzy Janowicz of Poland, last year's semifinalist, continues to struggle. That's why Federer might just meet up against Australia's Lleyton Hewitt in the fourth round in a match that, if nothing else, will allow fans to wander down memory lane for a while.

Does No. 5 seed Stan Wawrinka finally have his head on straight after crashing out of Paris in the opening round? He will hope so for his sake to avoid a similar fate versus Portugal's Joao Sousa.

Wawrinka could redeem himself by setting up a quarterfinal clash against his friend Federer. While it's a match that Wawrinka certainly could win, does Wawrinka believe he can, especially at Wimbledon? If so, the Swiss pair could give us the match of the tournament.

First Round to Watch: Gilles Muller vs. Julien Benneteau

Pick: Federer

Nadal's Section

As in Paris, the biggest question mark entering yet another major hovers around the head of Rafael Nadal. He answered it a few weeks ago by winning his ninth French Open title. Yet an opening round loss in Halle just added more doubt if Nadal can bounce back in time after a grueling two weeks on the terre battue.

Nadal won't be helped by his draw in the early rounds. Slovakia's Martin Klizan, a former top 30 player, will be the world No.1's first round opponent. Then, in a serious case of deja vu, Nadal might face Lukas Rosol, who red-lined his way past Nadal two years ago. While it's unlikely Rosol will catch fire again, Nadal should advance only to try and weather the near-impenetrable serving of No. 29 seed Ivo Karlovic. And don't forget No. 24 seed Gael Monfils of France, who could prove a handful if he gets his theatrical game going on the grass.

If Nadal endures all of that, he should be in prime form for the second week. Or will he? Two players in the upper half may have the final say on if Nadal reaches the semifinals. No. 10 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan appears healthy again and certainly poses a danger to anyone. No. 8 seed Milos Raonic is finally becoming just more than a serve. His movement on grass might not be perfect yet, but the Canadian has added a serve and volley to his game that could prove the difference this fortnight.

Neither Raonic nor Nishikori have beaten Nadal in previous meetings, though Nishikori did look poised to do so in Madrid before injury halted him there. But if Nadal finds himself worn down by his trying early rounds, then the opportunity is there. The French Open/Wimbledon double is getting harder and harder to pull off. Nadal may have to wait for the extra week next year between those two Slams to do it again.

First Round to Watch: Benoit Paire v. Lukas Rosol

Pick: Nishikori

Semis: Djokovic d. Murray; Federer d. Nishikori

Final: Djokovic d. Federer