“Out of sight, out of mind”: It’s an expression that applies to tennis as much as “Game, set, match.” In this what-have-you-done-for-me-lately sport, Murray hasn’t done much since winning Miami, which seems like an eternity ago with the crowded calendar. But although the Scot was a nonfactor on clay, mainly owing to injury, that likely won’t matter at the Grand Slam of grass. Murray came closer than ever to capturing a Wimbledon title last year, falling in the final, and then reaching the finals of the next two majors. He just won a tune-up at Queen’s Club, and no member of the Big Four has a greater home-court advantage at a Slam than Murray does at SW19. So while it’s been the Rafa and Nole show of late, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that Murray has the game, motivation, and—after last year’s Olympic triumph at the All England Club—the experience to go very deep again this year.
Why He’ll Win:
Murray has embraced the British challenge of winning Wimbledon—and has become a better player. He’s ready to take the next logical step after his breakthrough 2012 season.
Why He Won’t:
He’s not entering the tournament at 100 percent health, but the bigger concern is Rafael Nadal, who like Novak Djokovic, is playing like a No. 1. Murray is still clearly behind those two.
Bottom Line:
Murray may be in the best position of his career to do what no Briton has done since 1936, but he’ll still likely have to beat two of the Big Four, which itself is a near-historic achievement.
Click on each player's photo to see our thoughts on their Wimbledon prospects.