Can anyone topple Big 4 at Wimbledon?
LONDON — Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray have ruled Wimbledon for the past 14 years, combining to win the tournament every time in that span.
No real surprise, given the way that Big 4 dominates tennis.
"Because they've been so good compared to every other player the last 10, 15 years," fifth-seeded Stan Wawrinka said Saturday at the All England Club, two days before play begins, "they've been winning here every year."
Somewhere, of course, there is a man who one day will win Wimbledon — and other Grand Slam titles, too.
Asked about the quartet's reign at the grass-court major, Federer said: "It's like that, but (things) can change tomorrow, very quickly."
John McEnroe recalls knowing early on in the careers of players such as Nadal or Djokovic that they would break through. Lately, though, the seven-time major champion said, "I don't see that person right now that's got it all, where you're like, 'OK.'"
McEnroe's brother, Patrick, agreed the most likely winner will again be a member of the usual group. And he went a step further.
"We're going to be likely talking about two of those four guys on 'championship Sunday,'" said Patrick, who joins John as an ESPN analyst during the fortnight.
If someone else is going to take home the title, here is a look at some candidates:
Why he could do it: He's won each of the other three major tournaments, so knows how to grind through seven best-of-five-set matches. He also owns a superb one-handed backhand that can control a match.
Why he might not: He's never had much success at Wimbledon, going 18-12 with two quarterfinal appearances. His footwork on grass needs help; he could go to the net more.
What a championship would mean: Completing a career Grand Slam, something only eight other men have done (including Federer, Djokovic and Nadal).
Why he should be taken seriously: He is 6-foot-6 (1.98 meters), with big shots and tennis smarts. He recently beat Djokovic in the Italian Open final to become the youngest champion at a Masters event since — wait for it — Djokovic.
Why it's too soon to take him seriously: He's only 20, and never been past the third round at a major. Here is how John McEnroe put it: "I'm pretty sure he's going to win multiple majors. He's about as close to (that) guy as I get. But ... he's a little frail."
What a championship would mean: The true arrival of a member of the next generation.
Why last year should not be considered a fluke: His first run to a Grand Slam final, before losing to Murray, was not his only success at a major. He also reached the 2014 Wimbledon semifinals, and the 2016 Australian Open semifinals, and his serve is among the game's best.
Why last year might have been a fluke: His semifinal victory over Federer lost a little luster because of Federer's surgically repaired left knee. More cause for concern is that Raonic has shown little inclination to take another step forward over the past year.
What a championship would mean: It would be a first for Canada, but more importantly, it could signal that Raonic is ready to really flourish and unveil the promise he's long shown.