Two big quarter-finals are up for fans first up as we look to ascertain who will make the semi-finals of Wimbledon 2017 in the men’s singles! Here’s a look:
Andy Murray vs Sam Querrey
Top seed and defending champion Andy Murray takes on #23 seed Sam Querrey in the first of the men’s singles quarter-finals at Wimbledon. The two-time Wimbledon champion, who comes into the match with overwhelming fan support, is also up 7-1 against the American in the pair’s head-to-head rivalry.
Murray does very well against big servers, which Querrey is. The Scot proved that last month when he demolished Russia’s Karen Khachanov at the quarter-finals of the French Open, with the young NextGen ace known in part for his big serves.
The only two times the pair have met on grass, Murray has won in straight sets. We can’t imagine that this will trouble the Scot too much; despite his recent injury and illness issues, Murray appears to have regained his fighting spirit significantly.
But Querrey is no small fry; he was responsible for the early exit of then-defending chamion Novak Djokovic in the third round last year, and is no stranger to big fights – coming off one against Kevin Anderson recently.
Querrey revealed he “wants to keep the points short” to benefit his big serving – and that should be an effective strategy if he is to beat the World No. 1 tomorrow.
For now, however, that seems unlikely.
Prediction: Andy Murray to win in straight sets
Milos Raonic vs Roger Federer
In a repeat of the 2016 semi-final, sixth seed Milos Raonic – who finished as the runner-up last year, will take on tournament – and fan – favourite Roger Federer in the quarter-finals. Third seed Federer, in the form of his life, is looking to surpass his shared record (with Pete Sampras) of seven Wimbledon titles, and there is no reason at this point that he cannot do it.
The last time the two played each other was at Wimbledon in 2016, and even then, despite struggling with pain, injuries and burnout, Federer managed to take Raonic to a hard-fought five sets before losing. That five setter came right after another against Marin Cilic in the quarter-finals, putting double the strain on an injured body.
That is the only time Raonic has defeated Federer at Wimbledon as well, of 3 meetings at SW19.
The Canadian has also not really found his footing here either, pushing hard for each win he has taken so far; he has been taken to tiebreaks in every match he has played so far barring his Round of 16 against Alexander Zverev, who took him to five sets.
Their head-to-head record stands at an overwhelming 9-3 in favour of Federer – and we’re giving this one to the Swiss ace even if Raonic puts up a fight.
Prediction: Roger Federer to win in four sets
Gilles Muller vs Marin Cilic
The two have only played against each other twice before - Cilic winning both times, but their most recent meeting – at the Queen’s Club championships this year – saw the Luxembourgish player put up quite a fight before Cilic’s eventual win.
Muller comes into this match a battle-worn man, going on an epic fight against Rafael Nadal in the 4th Round. This marks his best ever finish at Wimbledon – and at a Grand Slam (he made the quarters at the US Open in 2008).
Both serve quick powerful games and boast huge serves, and both are equally fond of coming to the net.
That said, Cilic – who is the sixth seed here, is an experienced Slam campaigner – and winner. This is his fourth quarter-final at Wimbledon, and his second Major quarter-final this year – so it seems unlikely that Muller, although both experienced and having quite the breakthrough – will go past this.
Prediction: Marin Cilic to win in four sets
