First Ball Forehand

Ok, before we get to Wimbledon predictions, let’s have some fun with a legend, Andy Murray. How can you not love Andy Murray? Knighted. 3-time grand slam winner. Murray plays the game with a heart to be admired. Will he win this debate? Let’s find out.

Background: Andy Murray will improve his ranking to inside the top 25 by year-end. He is currently 39 in the world.

Format: Best of 5

Set 1: You said it. Murray plays with unbelievable heart. He is a tenacious competitor. The rest of the season is on grass, hard court, and indoors. Duh, Murray is a 2-time Wimbledon Champion, 1-time US Open Champion and 1-time Tour Finals Champion. He absolutely will make a run this year into the top 25. Set 1 Winner: Murray will reach top 25

Set 2: We all love Murray, but let’s face the facts. He’s 36 and can’t hold up in a best of 5, even on his favorite surfaces. It’s not that he can’t win an incredible match against a top 20 opponent. He can’t recover and win the next match. He needs to do better than 2nd round to have any shot. Sorry, it won’t happen. Set 2 Winner: Murray wll NOT reach top 25

Set 3: Even with the difficulty recovering, he’s got a good glide path to get there. He’s ranked 39. He’s only 1325 points away. There are only 2 majors that are best of 5. The rest of the tournaments are best of 3 and if Andy’s recent 10-match win streak is an indication, he’s fine in best 2 out of 3. Set 3 Winner: Murray will reach top 25

Set 4: Yes, Murray physically held up in 10 matches best 2 out of 3, but they were Challenger matches. He got crushed by De Minaur on grass last week. That’s not playing at a high enough level to make a run. He’s just not good enough anymore. Set 4 Winner: Murray will NOT reach top 25

Set 5: This is Murray’s last hurrah. He knows his time is running out. He wants to go out as close to on top as he can. He will push himself like no other. There’s ample opportunity and he does not have a lot of points to defend. This swan song will sing. Set 5 Winner: Murray will reach top 25

Match to Murray: Expect to see Andy Murray back in the top 25 by year-end. Can’t wait!!

What do you think?