Roger Federer stated his opinion on Andy Murray's struggles in 2017 not long ago. The Swiss Maestro, quoted in an article at The Guardian, stated that Murray had been "struggling with injuries" this season (Kevin Mitchell, June 22nd 2017). Those statements appear to be true as Murray, who was recently named as Wimbledon's top seed, is having a terrible time preparing for action at the All England Club.
Firstly, Murray went out early at London's Queen's Club last week, an event that he won outright last season. Now Murray's exhibition-match preparations ahead of Wimbledon 2017 are being called off.
Matt Majendie, writing at Evening Standard, wrote today that "The world No1 had been scheduled to play at the Aspall Classic at The Hurlingham Club...against an unnamed opponent but withdrew today because of ongoing soreness in his hip" (June 29th). With Wimbledon scheduled to start on Monday, it certainly doesn't bode well for Murray's chances that he has an injury so close to the start date. However, "soreness" doesn't sound severe so perhaps the few days that there are left ahead of his first-round match will help the Scot.
Murray remains 2nd favorite for Wimbledon
Despite the scares regarding the health of his body at this precise moment in time, Murray is holding as the 2nd favorite to win Wimbledon 2017.
For instance, bet365 has the Scot at +350 (7 to 2) to win the title this season. Murray has twice before won the Wimbledon championship, the first time in 2013 and the 2nd time just last season when he defeated Milos Raonic in the final. Wimbledon remains his most successful Grand Slam in terms of titles, however, he has appeared in more finals at the Australian Open despite not winning that event.
Nadal should be targeting No. 1 again
If Murray's problems cost him a deep run at Wimbledon this season, then it would certainly open the door for a changing of the guard as the World No. 1 player. Rafael Nadal is the player most likely to supplant Murray on top of the rankings. The Spaniard has had a dazzling season, one that has so far seen him make the Australian Open final and win the French Open.
With his other results factored in, he stands a good change of replacing Murray as the top-ranked player. That has a lot to do with the fact that Nadal did not play Wimbledon last season and therefore has a lot to gain this season. Meanwhile, Murray, as the defending champion, has a ton to lose with a poor result.
