Tomorrow marks that annual time of the year when I will go into a state of angst about Britain's number one tennis player, Andy Murray for (hopefully) the next fortnight. Yes, Wimbledon begins in earnest in less than 24 hours and once again there is a huge air of expectation surrounding Murray's chances of winning the tournament for the first time.
The weight of pressure on his shoulders has undoubtedly become even heavier since he reached the final last year, which he lost to Roger Federer. He then recovered to beat the Swiss great in the Olympic final at the same venue less than a month later, before beating World No 1 Novak Djokovic to win a thrilling US Open in September to finally secure his first Grand Slam.
There is a very acceptable train of thought from many people who believe that winning Wimbledon for the first time is a natural next step in Murray's career.
Here's a look at the route Murray will have to overcome if he is to lift the title on Sunday July 7th at SW19.
Round One: Benjamin Becker (Germany)- World Ranking: 95
Murray begins his quest for glory tomorrow on Centre Court against a much more unheralded German named Becker. Benjamin isn't any relation to 3-time Wimbledon champ of the 80's Boris and whilst he has a big serve, this match should be fairly comfortable for Murray.
He recently beat him in straight sets at Queens before going on to win the tournament and whilst Becker will be keen for revenge he has never progressed beyond the second round of a slam.
Round Two: James Ward (GBR- 216)/ Lu Yen Hsun (Taiwan- 74)
There is a potential for an all British tie for Murray to negotiate in round two if his Davis Cup colleague Ward can come through his first round match. Lu is no mug though and famously upset three time Wimbledon runner-up Andy Roddick in the fourth round in 2010. An all British match-up would make for nice viewing, but ultimately Murray would have too much class for Ward, and indeed that matter the World Number 74 from Taiwan.
Round Three: Tommy Robredo (Spain - 29)/ Nicolas Mahut (France -240)
Most previews I have read so far about Murray's chances seem to have it nailed on that he will play Robredo in Round 3. However, I can see Mahut beating him in Round 2 due to his good current form and for the fact the Spaniard is much more comfortable on clay. Mahut defeated Swiss star Stan Wawrinka yesterday in Holland to win his first ATP title at the age of 31 and he has a decent record on Grass having reached the final of Queens in 2007 whilst also beating Murray there last year.
Robredo has a respectable record against the Scot winning two out of their four matches, but the last of those was six years ago. Whoever makes it to this stage should be comfortably seen off by Murray to ensure his passage into the second week.
Round Four: Janko Tipsarevic (Serbia- 14)
This wouldn't be the easiest start to the second week for Murray, but it is far from the toughest either. The Serbian has been as high as number eight in the world and did beat Murray in Dubai last year, but I see this taking a similar path to how Murray beat Marin Cilic at the same stage in 2012. On that occasion, Murray sensed it could be his year and took care of the Croatian in three sets and I think he will do the same to Tipsarevic.
Quarter Final: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (France - 7)
The first 'real' danger man for Murray who happens to be my outside tip to win the tournament. With his big serve and huge forehand, Tsonga is capable of beating anyone on his day as he has proven on numerous occasions against Federer in recent years. However, Tsonga has only once tasted victory against Murray and that was over five years ago. He is also inconsistent and struggles to deal with Murray's superb returns. I'd fancy Murray in four sets if this match takes place.
Semi- Final: Rafael Nadal (Spain - 5)/Roger Federer (Switzerland -3)
The fact that Nadal and Federer could meet in the quarter finals at Wimbledon shows the farce of the seedings to me, but it could also greatly benefit Murray's chances of winning the tournament. Despite losing to Federer in last years final, I think Murray would prefer to play him. Federer is approaching 32 now and whilst Wimbledon gives him the best chance of an 18th slam, he now struggles to keep pace with the more athletic pace of the game played by Murray, Djokovic, Nadal and even Tsonga.
Murray has also got an 11-9 winning record against the seven time champion whilst he has lost 13 times out of 18 against Nadal. The Spaniard will be hugely keen to reclaim his Wimbledon crown, especially after the shock of losing in the second round last year. However, a more aggressive Murray with a home crowd backing him certainly can take out Nadal these days but I'd be more confident of him beating Federer.
Final: Novak Djokovic (Serbia - 1)
The final would be rather easy for Murray. All he would have to do is beat the World Number One having beat either Nadal or Federer two days before. Despite his triumph in 2011 at Wimbledon, I still have doubts about Djokovic on grass and I'd go along with 1987 champion Pat Cash's assessment that he's the weakest of the top four on grass. Murray showed at the US Open that he can go five hours against Djokovic and if there is an Olympic style atmosphere at Centre Court, then Murray could finally end 77 years of British hurt at Wimbledon.
I don't want to be bold and admit Murray will win Wimbledon but he has prepared himself superbly and his win at Queens Club last week has buoyed him in terms of fitness and how his grass court play is currently doing.
A second Grand Slam and a first Wimbledon for Murray is very possible, but he'll have to climb some very big mountains to get there. Bring on the nail-biting and hiding behind the sofa over the next two weeks.
