Queen’s Preview

After a rather disappointing French Open campaign for Andy, he can finally hang up his clay boots and put on the grass ones. This time last year marked the start of a wonderful few months for the young American and he is chomping at the bit to repeat that success which saw him capture the US open title and the year end world number one spot.

The Stella Artois Championships at Queens Club starts today in preparation for Wimbledon. Andy received a bye in the first round due to being one of the top eight seeds, and so will not play until either Tuesday or Wednesday. In the second round he will face either Van Lottum or Kucera, a match which takes place today. Andy has been practising hard for a few days now and was looking in good form at the weekend. He is capable of beating either opponent.

The draw is very enticing for Andy to reach the semi finals. They are all winnable matches in his quarter and Andy will be looking to defend as many points as possible from last year’s success.

Should he reach the semis there are two possible mouth watering clashes with either Agassi or Hewitt should they both reach that far. Both are former Wimbledon champions and would make life very difficult for Andy on a grass court. Andy himself appreciates Hewitt’s retrieving abilities as he pointed out to Lleyton before the practice court changeover yesterday, after he had just chased down a lob to hit a forehand winner down the line.

There is no doubt that Andy certainly knows what he would be up against. But he also knows that he can beat Agassi as he did in last year’s semi final. It was his first win over Agassi and really broke in his remarkable season. It would certainly be inspiration for Andy to draw on should he meet his compatriot in the semis.

As we approach the Championships at SW19, Andy will primarily be looking for the grass court practice at Queen’s, but after last year’s success he will also be hoping to defend points and win the tournament for the second year in a row. And in all honesty, who would bet against him?