Wimbledon is not just a ‘Grand Slam’ or a mere tennis tournament, it is a grand celebration of sportsmanship, history, tradition and also competition in its purest form.Be a part of this tradition by following the Wimbledon on Star Sports.The 2017 Wimbledon Championship is well underway with the culmination of the first week seeing some amazing tennis across both the men's and women's draws.
With the exception of Stanislas Wawrinka, who lost in the first round, all the other top seeds in the men's competition have progressed through to the third round without much of a challenge.
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Defending champion Andy Murray would be focused on retaining his title but the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal would definitely have something to say about that.
Here's a look at the five players who are the best contenders to win the Wimbledon 2017 Men's Championship:
#5 Marin Cilic
The Croat is a dark horse for the title but has the capability to surprise everyone with his play, like he did at the 2014 US Open when his big serves and booming groundstrokes saw him win it all. He is coming off a quarter-final appearance at the French Open and lost out to Feliciano Lopez in a gritty three-set final in the Queen's final recently.
Having dispatched two German opponents and American Steve Johnson so far in his matches, Marin Cilic has been improving his play and looks to be gaining momentum. He could be the player to surprise everyone.
#4 Novak Djokovic
The former world number one has been in good form so far at the Championships, dismissing his opponent in round two for the loss of only five games, which came after his first round opponent retired in the second set due to an injury. The third round saw him make short work of Ernests Gulbis in straight sets.
Since winning the Roland Garros in 2016, Djokovic has not been able to add any other Grand Slam title to his kitty. He has found the going tough in Grand Slams recently and is nowhere near his imperious best.
After splitting with Boris Becker, the Serb is now working with the legendary Andre Agassi. Having won the Eastbourne International before Wimbledon, he would look to kick into higher gears moving into the final days of the Championship.
#3 Andy Murray
Despite being the current world number one and the defending champion, Andy Murray is not a nailed on favourite for the Wimbledon title, as he came into the tournament in iffy form and is also battling a hip injury.
The Brit has struggled for consistency in 2017, having lost in the fourth round at the Australian Open, before doing well to reach the semi-finals at Roland Garros. His preparations to defend his title at this year's Championships at Wimbledon, however, were not ideal as he lost in the first round at Queen's.
In the 2017 Wimbledon, however, he has played well so far, dropping just a single set on his way to the Round of 16.
#2 Rafael Nadal
One of the most consistent players in 2017, Rafael Nadal has forgotten all his injury troubles of the past few seasons and fought his way back to the top.
A heartbreaking loss to Roger Federer in the final of the Australian Open was followed by a flawless French Open campaign, where he clinched a record-breaking tenth title.
Having progressed to the Round of 16, he faces a tough route going forward in the competition and will take on another left-hander in Gilles Muller. Rafa will be looking to erase the ghosts of the past as Muller was the man who handed the Mallorcan his first loss at the Wimbledon 12 years ago. Should he go through, he could possibly face Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals.
#1 Roger Federer
With seven Wimbledon titles, it is no surprise that Roger Federer is considered the overwhelming favourite for the title on his beloved surface. The Swiss ace manoeuvred a potential banana skin in Mischa Zverev in the third round by getting his tactics spot on to counter the German’s serve and volley.
Federer has breezed through the opening three rounds without dropping a set and has looked to be in great form.
Apart from the Australian Open and the Halle tourney, he has won the Indiana and Miami Masters titles this season and has been in imperious form and fitness. Skipping the clay-court season to stay in the best possible shape for Wimbledon was a great decision, going by his play on grass so far.
