Why Monte Carlo Points To A Perfect Wimbledon
Locker Room
April 18, 2017
The return of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic to competitive action at Monte Carlo this week can only add to our anticipation of a thrilling Wimbledon 2017.
And two-time Wimbleon champion Petra Kvitova could also be ready to bid for fresh honours at the All England Club when the time comes.
Everything indicates that the world’s greatest players are going to be back on song just when it matters – making a ticket for Wimbledon the must-have seat this summer.
We have already been amazed by the success of Roger Federer so far this year. He added an exhibition match victory over Murray last week to his titles at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami before very sensibly taking a well-deserved break.
That decision will leave Federer energised to go for Wimbledon 2017, his biggest target of all in a year that has already surpassed his wildest dreams.
Meanwhile Rafael Nadal has also made a comeback full of vigour and courage in recent months. The Spaniard must fancy his chances of making a big impact in the next few weeks on his favoured clay surface.
And there is no reason why Rafa shouldn’t return as a force to be reckoned with on grass too, at Wimbledon 2017.
So what has been missing so far this year? Only the very best form of the world’s top two, Murray and Djokovic.
But now it looks as though their injury problems are finally behind them. It may take Andy and Novak a few weeks to get back in the groove, of course.
Yet it seems highly likely we can look forward to the Big Four hitting peak form again, just in time for Wimbledon 2017 – the big one.
Murray said recently: ‘My elbow has reacted well, so I feel good about it. I’ll be able to serve at the right speed again, so I think I’ll feel fine.’
Meanwhile Novak says he ‘feels great’ and mentally resilient after his ‘injury ups and downs’ and is hoping for a ‘new start’ to his season.
However patient they need to be before they are back at their maximum level, the timing looks perfect for Wimbledon.
Murray and Djokovic certainly won’t be jaded coming into the big one in London. Neither will Federer, after his lengthy break during the clay court season. Nadal will be as dangerous and as unpredictable as ever.
As for Kvitova, it is one of the bravest comebacks of all, and indications suggest that she should be back for Wimbledon 2017.
She was stabbed by an intruder at her home in Prostejov in December and suffered damage to tendons and nerves in her left hand.
Kvitova has submitted an entry for Roland Garros this year, although she has wisely sounded a note of caution.
Petra explained: ‘This unfortunately does not mean necessarily that I will be ready to play in Paris, but that I’m doing everything possible to give myself the chance to keep a positive mindset.’
Wimbledon may well be a more realistic target – and she is sure to get an extraordinarily warm reception at the venue where she has already tasted so much glory.
Indeed, the atmosphere at Wimbledon 2017 could be more incredible than ever before, with all the big stars ready to attend at the height of their powers.
Be sure not to miss it.