Wimbledon 2015: Rating your Favourite PlayersJune 25, 2015

The 2015 Wimbledon Championships is a few days away. Four warm-up tournaments didn't predict the players who will make a deep run at the All England Club.

Rafael Nadal was the winner of the Stuttgart Open, which marked the first time the event was played on grass. It was Nadal's first title on grass court since winning his second Wimbledon title, but the Spaniard lost to Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine in Queens a few days later. On the other hand, Nicolas Mahut lifted his second Den Bosch trophy. The Frenchman won all his three singles titles on grass. He was a qualifier in the event, but the victory assured him of direct entry into Wimbledon's main draw. (The All England Club granted a wild card to the Frenchman.) Mahut has yet to reach the second week at the All England Club. It may happen this year.

Let's look at the favourites:

Novak Djokovic. It will be silly to suggest that Boris Becker's memoir will affect his ward's chances at the All England Club. (The six-time major winner promotes his book, telling Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer dislike each other during one interview. The Swiss refutes his claim.) The Serb may have missed another chance of achieving a career Grand Slam at Roland Garros, but he's still the top pick in Wimbledon.

Stan Wawrinka. The newly-crowned French Open champion doesn't see himself as a serious threat to the Big Four. Some see his bright pink shorts as his lucky charm. (Alas, the All England Club only allows white clothing.) His one-handed backhand won him two Grand Slam singles titles. Mats Wilander called Magnus Norman the greatest coach. Perhaps the rain delay will help him. Again.

Roger Federer. The All England Club may be Federer's last chance to win his 18th major crown. And he needs all the luck he can get. He enjoyed a favourable draw in past major tournaments, only to lose before the finals. Those who dismiss his chances might have forget Andre Agassi. (The American was 35 years of age when he reached the finals of the 2005 US Open. Federer beat him in four sets.) The Swiss player's legacy is assured, win or lose, but he is the sentimental favourite at the All England Club.

Andy Murray. Can the inclusion of Jonas Bjorkman in his (coaching) team help him win the singles title again? Marriage seemed to have a good effect on Murray, as he had a great clay court season. The home crowd need to cheer him more.

Nick Kyrgios. He had an erratic performance in his opening-round match (against Wawrinka) in Queens, but the rising Aussie star has an impressive Grand Slam record. A favourable draw might see him reach the final four for the first time.

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