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Meet the TOP 5 men's contenders at Wimbledon

Last updated on: June 30, 2018 12:30 IST

Roger Federer

Roger Federer's trademark serve-and-volley game makes him the bookmakers' favourite for a ninth Wimbledon title this year.

But don't write off men's second seed Rafael Nadal, champion in 2008 and 2010, and three-time champion Novak Djokovic.

 

Check out the top five contenders for the men's singles crown at the Championships, which starts Monday, July 2.

1-Roger Federer (Switzerland)

World ranking: 2

Born: August 8, 1981 (Age 36)

Height: 1.85 metres


Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam titles: 20 (Australian Open 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2018; French Open 2009; Wimbledon 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2017; US Open 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008)

2018 ATP match record: 25-3

2018 ATP titles: 3

Biggest weapon: Federer's trademark serve-and-volley game makes him the bookmakers' favourite to seal his ninth Wimbledon title this year. His amazing movement and shotmaking skills combined with his experience on the surface makes him a complete package.

Biggest weakness: Fatigue may hinder the 36-year-old's progress during the latter stages of the tournament, and he must avoid five-setters to sustain a title bid.

2-Rafael Nadal (Spain)

Rafael Nadal

World ranking: 1

Born: June 3, 1986 (Age 32)

Height: 1.85 metres

Plays: Left-handed

Grand Slam titles: 17 (Australian Open 2009; French Open 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018; Wimbledon 2008, 2010; U.S. Open 2010, 2013, 2017)

2018 ATP match record: 30-2

2018 ATP titles: 4

Biggest weapon: Nadal's whipped forehand and left-handed serve allow him to control rallies from the baseline. His ability to stretch points makes him an awkward opponent on any surface.

Biggest weakness: The Spaniard has often struggled against big-serving opponents on grass, and it was his undoing in a five-set defeat by Gilles Muller in the fourth round last year.

12-Novak Djokovic (Serbia)

Novak Djokovic

World ranking: 17

Born: May 22, 1987 (Age 31)

Height: 1.88 metres

Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam titles: 12 (Australian Open 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016; French Open 2016; Wimbledon 2011, 2014, 2015; U.S. Open 2011, 2015)

2018 ATP match record: 18-9

2018 ATP titles: 0

Biggest weapon: His court coverage and groundstrokes accuracy allow him to grind out matches even when he is not at his best.

Biggest weakness: Djokovic's serve has been a mixed bag since his elbow surgery earlier this year.

4-Alexander Zverev (Germany)

Alexander Zverev

World ranking: 3

Born: April 20, 1997 (Age 21)

Height: 1.98 metres

Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam titles: 0

2018 ATP match record: 34-10

2018 ATP titles: 2

Biggest weapon: The talented youngster has every shot in his locker, with his double-handed backhanded ranked as one of the most powerful shots in test.

Biggest weakness: Lack of big-game experience at the All England Club and burden of expectations have proved too much for the German during his last three appearances.

3-Marin Cilic (Croatia)

Marin Cilic

World ranking: 5

Born: September 28, 1988 (Age 29)

Height: 1.98 metres

Plays: Right-handed

Grand Slam titles: 1 (US Open 2014)

2018 ATP match record: 27-9

2018 ATP titles: 1

Biggest weapon: The Croat boasts a booming serve that comes handy during crucial stages of the match.

Biggest weakness: While good for a big man, Cilic is not the most graceful mover on court.

Photographs: Getty Images

Source: REUTERS
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