Can Murray boost Wimbledon hopes with Queen’s win? We’re about to find out
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Nobody loves the Aegon Championships in West London more, but how Andy Murray could use a winning performance this week.
The world number one has endured a testing 2017, with the Dubai Duty Free his only tournament win of the year.
But a run to the semi-finals of the French Open indicated a timely return to form.
And if Murray is to win a third Wimbledon title this year, then a good run at Queen’s Club is required.
Handily, history suggests he’ll do just that.
The Scot is a five-time winner of the Barons Court event, and is looking for his third-successive victory.
His chances were boosted before he even arrived, with Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin del Potro withdrawing last week.
Nevertheless, quality opponents remain, with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga a potential quarter-final test.
Marin Cilic could await in the semis, before French Open foe Stan Wawrinka in the showpiece next weekend.
So if Murray is to win this week – and claim crucial form and momentum – he’ll certainly be tested.
For now he will begin as 1/14 favourite to see off compatriot Aljaz Bedene.
This is the crunch point of Murray’s entire season.
Pull off the Queen’s and Wimbledon double – as he did in 2013 and 2015 – and he’ll be able to call 2017 a success.
Fail to do so, and suddenly the world number one will be under plenty of pressure to salvage anything from the campaign – and he could lose his top spot in the rankings too.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
