The grass has never been greenerMay 03, 2017

Andy Murray made a lifelong commitment to the organisers of the Aegon Championships, as he would play in this warm-up grass tennis tournament until his retirement. Murray, who would turn 30 on May 15, won his fifth title at Queen's Club last year. He was the first to achieve this milestone, surpassing John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Lleyton Hewitt, and Andy Roddick (who won four titles). The 114th edition of the Queen's Club Championships will probably be one of the most anticipated tournaments in recent years, as Rafael Nadal, Milos Raonic, Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov, and Nick Kyrgios have committed to play in one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world.

"I don't think British people have seen the best of me yet," said Kyrgios.

Kyrgios may have reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon three years ago, but he has yet to win a match at Queen's Club. Wawrinka and Raonic showed him the door (in 2015 and 2016), but his third appearance might see him around during the weekend. He had back-to-back wins over Novak Djokovic, which most players couldn't boast at the moment. It should be interesting to note that the aforementioned names will be the top contenders in Wimbledon, not opting to participate in the warm-up events in Germany. It will be unfair to say that they want to steer clear of Roger Federer, who would commit to the Halle Open until his final year in the men's tour. He's a winner of a record eighth singles titles, and expect double figures if he keeps his impressive form during the first quarter of the year.

When the Aegon Championships was elevated to the ATP World Tour 500 status, many fans knew that this was a beginning of an enhanced grass court season. They only waited two years, as Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) announced the WTA event in Nottingham amalgamating with the ATP Challengers Tour event (on the same place) during the second week (of the grass court season). The third (and final) week will see both men and women competing in Eastbourne. It will be a combined event, which last happened in 2014. LTA also announced a doubling of prize money, which should be hard to pass up.

What can fans expect this season? Here are five fearless predictions:

Roger Federer's recent results would be a sign. Federer has a chance to surpass William Renshaw and Peter Sampras for the most singles titles in the tournament's history. He might skip the French Open, which won't matter at all. Otherwise, the other big names in the ATP Tour will sign up in Halle.

The All England Club will help Nick Kyrgios to go the distance. Don't be surprised if Kyrgios will meet Djokovic in the fourth round - and the Aussie prevailing once more. Can the Canberran native make his first semifinal appearance in Centre Court? He can handle the pressure that comes from the high expectations on him three years ago.

Andy Murray will be dumped out during the first week. Staying on top will be huge pressure, but the Scot won't lose his number one spot after the end of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic will be out of the Top 5 after Wimbledon. Former coach Boris Becker believes that the Serb's current mindset is affecting his form. It will likely continue until the end of the year.

Jordan Thompson will surprise everyone. Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain beat Thompson in straight sets in the first round last year, but it may turn out different this year. If he becomes the beneficiary of the luck of the draw, the Sydneysider will likely be around during the tournament's Manic Monday.

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