The gentlemen’s singles field at Wimbledon has steadily been whittled down to the four semi-finalists. Usually, by this stage, there is one clear Serbian favorite. But the unexpected has happened. Such is sport. Suddenly, for four men, here’s an opportunity that may not come again in a hurry. Any of these four men can win the title on Sunday. One of them certainly will. The question is, who wants it most?

Andy Murray


The last time he won a Grand Slam title was right here in his backyard, three years ago. Since then, however, he’s failed to add to his two majors. This year, he reached the final at both the Australian Open and the French Open, where he faced The Great Serbian Wall. In his career so far, Murray has played in 10 Grand Slam finals and managed to win only two. Trailing Djokovic in the ATP rankings by more than 8,000 points at present, Murray has at times seemed destined to always be a bridesmaid, so near and yet so far.

Now, with his archrival gone, he finds himself in the unlikely position of being the bookmakers’ favourite. He may never get a chance like this again. With Ivan Lendl back in his corner, watching (glaring, really) from the players’ box, and the imprint of the Queens Club trophy still warm in his hands, Murray has the most to lose. He desperately needs another major, not least for the British fans who are still reeling from the shock of Brexit both from the European Union and from Uefa Euro 2016. He needs it even more for his own sanity. If not now, then when?

Tomas Berdych

At age 30, the Czech is running out of time to claim his rightful spot in the line up of Grand Slam champions. For years, he has been touted as a dark horse in majors. Six years ago, Berdych defeated then defending champion Roger Federer in the quarter-finals and Djokovic in the semis at Wimbledon, before finally losing to Rafael Nadal in the final.

Berdych’s talent has never been in question, only his mental fortitude. Of late, he has been less consistent and regarded as being past his prime. And yet, suddenly, he finds himself two matches away from a Wimbledon title. Does he have the game to beat the remaining three? Absolutely. Does he believe he can do it? Who knows.

A few months ago, when he asked fellow Czech Lendl if he would coach him, he was turned down. Perhaps seeing Lendl cheering for his opponent today will give Berdych the added motivation he needs. Then again, maybe he doesn’t need that. After all, he knows that this might be his best shot at grabbing a major title and answering all those critics who have offered him therapy over the years. If not now, then when?

Milos Raonic

Just a few years ago, the tall Canadian, along with Grigor Dimitrov, was hailed as the next great player in men’s tennis. Unlike the Bulgarian, Raonic has actually lived up to much of his promise, albeit a bit late. His results in 2016 have been excellent, making him one of the hottest players on the tour right now. He seems poised to take the leap to the next level.

The Missile was supposed to meet Djokovic in the quarters, but with him gone, the path to the final has looked a lot easier. He is stronger and fitter than Federer, has bigger weapons than Murray, and can boast of John McEnroe whispering in his ear about his opponents (and Ivan Lendl.)

If Raonic beats Federer on Friday, he will become the first man representing Canada to ever reach a Grand Slam final. The first six months of this year, with a win over Federer, a semi-final appearance at the Australian Open, a runner-up finish at Queens Club, a new star coach, and a new self-confidence seem to have all been building up to this match right here.

The moment is ripe for the new generation to announce its arrival on Centre Court. In the absence of the king, will the prince step up? He’s 25. If not now, then when?

Roger Federer

Even the Brits will probably not mind terribly if this man were to win the title instead of Murray. What a fairy tale that would be for the soon to be 35-year-old father of four, who has had a really mediocre season so far. Having been forced out of events including the French Open due to a knee surgery and bad back, Federer found himself in uncharted territory at the start of this year’s Wimbledon – less than 100 per cent and unsure about his chances. But with the shocking early defeat of Djokovic, the man who beat him in the last two Wimbledon finals, suddenly Federer and his global contingent of fans can dare to hope again.

It’s reminiscent of the 2009 French Open, when his nemesis at the time, Nadal, lost early to an unlikely opponent. Then, Federer had no trouble capitalising on the gift to complete the career slam. Now, 13 years after his first Grand Slam title, number 18 is just two matches away. Djokovic is not going to lose early in too many slams. No other surface favours Federer’s game as much. No other win would be as improbable and therefore as sweet. If not now, then when?

Oindrila Mukherjee tweets here.