I'm not 'chippy', I'm realistic. He has talent, and it would be good to see him win. However, he acts like a petulant 8 year old when on the ropes, and his demeanour is awful generally, particularly with the press. Not being spiteful as you say, but having a opinion that's different to yours. Imagine him being a Tosnga, a rafa etc. Win the crowd, stop scowling and embrace the fact you are a multi millionaire playing a sport he loves.....or does he ?.

This thread has clearly morphed into (as popular threads often do when the original subject is easily exhaustible a general tennis thread. It's kept very much on the original topic however by following Andy's efforts to capture his first slam and his results throughout each season. Ribbing, won/lost wagers and differing of opinions make for a great thread I think.

Nobody need agree with my convictions about Andy, but I believe he has everything it takes to get the job of winning a slam done. He has made three slam finals on top of numerous slam semi-finals, for me it's just a matter of time, this he has plenty of. His improvements each season have been very impressive and anyone who knows the game will tell you that consistently putting yourself in contention each time is the best way to win it. He will win it by focusing on and staying with the game plan during the last two matches, it's that simple. If one of the other 3 guys slips up at any, they are gone. Andy has slipped up mentally in a couple and paid the price, the margin for error painfully small in these matches and it often comes down to a few points here and there.

As for 2012 Wimbledon, Andy has a rough draw. The only good thing that can come of his path to the semis is that he will be very sharp having dealt with the biggest servers and strongest match players on tour. Making early exits in these pre-Wimbledon grass events may actually benefit him and give him a bit of rest. He's obviously going to be on the practice court in the meantime getting match play so nothing major to worry about.

Unless you are on the WTA Tour, there is no such thing as an easy draw in a grand slam. You might have a less difficult draw compared to another player but with ex-champions and top players returning from injury greeting you in the early rounds and the general standard of men's tennis being so high anyone can be beaten. Andy has one of those draws where you need to be on the ball from R1. Not a great deal to worry about as he can take care of anyone when he puts and keeps his mind to it. Still, a friendlier draw would have been nice Looking at the list below, it's often funny that a man's entire career is defined by winning 7 matches in a row. He's managed 6 in a row three times but that last hurdle is the one that makes the difference in the history books.

Likely matches on a run to the finals
R1: Nikolay Davydenko
R2: Ivo Karlovic
R3: Kevin Anderson
R4: Richard Gasquet
Q/F: David Ferrer
S/F: Rafael Nadal
Final: Novak Djokovic

Listed below is Andy's Wimbledon record. Every year he has done equal or better so here's hoping he can take at least one more step forward this year and put himself into position to win the title.

Andy's Wimbledon Record
2005: Third round
2006: Fourth round
2007: Did not play - injured
2008: Quarter-final
2009: Semi-final
2010: Semi-final
2011: Semi-final

I would put Ferer and Tsonga above him, possibly Del Potro too, in addition to the top 3. I would also put his 'mental ability' in their too, which I believe is his major opponent.

Literally playing two opponents in matches he really needs to be 100% focused with no slip-ups. Ferrer looking VERY good right now, maturing perfectly and loving life.

Someone send a message to SW19 for Federer. Roger needs to remember that, tennis players have feelings too. Poor old Ramos on the receiving end there yesterday, poor bugger.. Infamy for a sadistic thrashing on Youtube awaits..

Destroying Davydenko right now...

Tricky opponent. Fail to hold serve and weight is suddenly on your shoulders. Don't break break and you are playing a tiebreak, which you really want to avoid. Another job well done by Andy at SW19.

Yeah - he almost always makes week 2.

Not this time..! The Nadal match was stunning to watch!

Looks like. Unless.... *choke*

You're not coming across as very positive yourself Fella! Bigoted even.....

Murray takes his tennis very seriously but also shows the pressure he's feeling more than the top 3. Aside from the childish 'anyone but England' comment from a few years back he's been a pretty good ambassador for the sport and really is a genuinely friendly bloke when not under the glare. He's not a fan of the press either but who can blame him?

Cheer Up!