Wimbledon 2016 Men?s Q?final: Preview

10 days into The Wimbledon Championships and we are already set to witness the men?s quarterfinals. With only 8 players left in the draw, we at Essentially Sports preview the quarterfinal matches.

? 1. S. Querrey (USA) vs M. Raonic (CAN)

In a Battle of the big servers, American Sam Querrey faces Milos Raonic of Canada.

Raonic battled past David Goffin of Belgium in the 4 round, having come down from 2 sets to love. With three-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe included in his coaching staff, Raonic has learnt and successfully employed serve and volley tactics, something the former was well known for. While McEnroe?s influence seems to be a positive one, there are aspects such as the return of serve and gameplay that he has to improve on, if he is to win a maiden Grand Slam.

Querrey, on the back of a stunning 3 Round victory against World No.1 Novak Djokovic, made short work of French player Nicolas Mahut in the 4th round. Equalling a career-best quarter-final showing, Querrey has produced serving masterclasses right through the tournament and looks absolutely indestructible. He?s also improved on his return games and is consistent with his rallies.

A threat to Raonic, Querrey will look to continue causing upsets. An exciting matchup because it involves both players of equal calibre, this quarter-final showing is going to be a delight to watch.

? 2. R. Federer (SUI) vs M. Cilic (CRO)

Federer fans will always find the 2014 US Open semi-final a hard memory to erase. Going into the match with a positive 5-0 record against Cilic, Federer could?ve never imagined what had hit him. Cilic was in the form of his life and gave the Maestro a brutal thrashing in three straight sets. He went on to win the final.

Cilic has shown glimpses of the same form this Wimbledon. With a coaching staff that includes 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, Cilic has certainly transformed his game and is certainly a dark horse touted to win the tournament.

Federer, however, ?chose to miss the French Open due to his back injury and also to improve his preparations for Wimbledon. Despite having an average tennis season, Federer has answered all questions about his form, getting better and better during every round, as the tournament has progressed. But he faces his real test when he plays Cilic, the first seeded player he will meet in the past two weeks.

All set to avenge the painful loss to Cilic, Federer will look to add a record 8 Wimbledon crown to his Grand Slam haul and an 18 overall. The match will see some spectacular tennis and is one that must not be missed.

? 3. T. Berdych (CZE) vs L. Pouille (FRA)

French player Lucas Pouille will look to continue his dream run when he faces Czech 10 seed and 2010 Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych.

Berdych, a big hitting and big serving player, is one of the most consistent players on tour and has caused numerous upsets on tour. Despite all this, he has battled his way into this year?s quarterfinal, especially during his 4 round tussle with fellow Czech Jiri Vesely. Berdych managed to get past Vesely in a thrilling five-setter.

Pouille on the other hand, playing his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal, has had a fairytale run. He beat 2009 US Open Champion Juan Martin Del Potro in the third round and fought past 19 seed Bernard Tomic in another crazy five setter.

In a Wimbledon that has seen upsets galore, Pouille will seek to continue the trend. Berdych meanwhile will be trying to emulate or better his run to the finals at Wimbledon 2010. Having never faced each other earlier, one cannot predict what to expect out of this match, which makes it all the more interesting to watch.

? 4. J-W. Tsonga (FRA) ?vs A. Murray (GBR)

Their head to head is rather one sided with Murray having won 12 of their 14 ties. Yet a rejuvenated Tsonga will look to cause an upset.

Heading into the match as an underdog Tsonga has already played an absolute epic in the 3 round against John Isner. One of the few players who employ the Serve and Volley play, Tsonga must be wary of Andy Murray, for the latter possesses one of the best return games in the world. With a booming serve and powerful shots, Tsonga will have to work hard and be more consistent, to beat Murray. A player with immense potential, Tsonga is capable of causing the upset, provided he plays the best tennis he possibly can.

Meanwhile, Andy Murray, without a doubt, has had a splendid year. With 2 Grand Slam Finals, 1 Masters 1000 title and just 6 losses this year, Murray looks unstoppable. His hunt for a second Wimbledon crown remains and he is certainly the favourite to win the title. Having strolled through all the previous rounds, Murray has not yet lost a set, and will have the momentum entering the match.

With crowd support behind Murray, Tsonga has a mammoth task ahead of him if he has to beat Murray. An exciting match on the cards, both the players will have to give it their all to come out on top.