Written in the StarsJune 12, 2015

Many believed that the red and white checked shorts were Stan Wawrinka's lucky charm.

The winner of the Coupe des Mousquetaires wasn't one of the favourites in Roland Garros. It was supposed to be Novak Djokovic, after winning the Monte-Carlo Masters and Italian Open. Roger Federer beat Wawrinka in Rome. The native of Lausanne prevailed over them in the French Open. Not a few thought the rain delay favoured him.

One year ago, Wawrinka defeated Federer in the finals in Monte Carlo. He was the third seed in Roland Garros, his highest ranking. He was one of the players to watch, but Guillermo GarcÃa-LÃ³pez sent him packing in the first round. It wasn't written in the stars. Warwinka's one-handed backhand, which John McEnroe called one of the most powerful backhands ever, could helped him go far in the All England Club. (He reached the quarterfinals in Wimbledon last year, losing to Federer in four sets.) The Wimbledon Championships is not the most unpredictable major tennis tournament, but it can happen if it's meant to be.

Breakthrough year

The 2014 Wimbledon Championships was a breakthrough for many young players. Grigor Dimitrov, winner of the Aegon Championships, reached the semifinals. Milos Raonic was in the final four too. Nick Kyrgios made his first quarterfinal appearance at the expense of Rafael Nadal. They will be seeded in this year's championships, and it's anyone's guess if they'll do better.

This year's tournament may mark Nadal's lowest seeding. It remains to be seen if the committee will consider his previous performance, where he won the silver gilt cup twice. As for Wawrinka, the current number four in the ATP ranking, he might be seeded lower. The Swiss wouldn't mind, as history would be on his side.

In 2001, Goran Ivanisevic entered the tournament as a wildcard. The Croat was a three-time finalist. He was ranked outside the Top 100, his best years seemed to be behind him. But eyes were on Ivanisevic after prevailing over Greg Rusedski and Marat Safin in the fourth round and quarterfinals respectively. The rain delay influenced the outcome of the semifinals and finals. Ivanisevic won his first major crown in spectacular fashion, his five-set victory over Patrick Rafter was filled with dramatic moments.

Wawrinka would be a long shot in winning the gentleman's singles title, but fans wouldn't want it any other way. Djokovic, the defending champion, is the favourite once more. Federer, the seven-time singles winner, is not far away. Andy Murray, who won two years ago, may or may not do it. Wawrinka can beat anyone if he plays his A-game.

Read all articles→