Federer, Murray & Nadal Win Grass Tourneys While Djokovic Opts to Rest Prior to Wimbledon

PETE ZIEBRON

Earlier today, Roger Federer won his 8th title on the grass in Halle, Germany while a few hours later, Andy Murray won his 4th title at Queen's Club in London.  Last Sunday, Rafael Nadal won an ATP 250 grass court event in Stuttgart, Germany.

Although 2015 marks the first year that 3 weeks separate the conclusion of Roland Garros and the beginning of Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic elected not to play either of the ATP 500 events in Halle or London.  Djokovic, who went the distance in Paris, losing to Stan Wawrinka, decided instead to use the extra time between majors to rest.  Djokovic will seek to defend his title at Wimbledon with no match play on grass under his belt while the majority of the ATP field played at least one tournament.

Roger Federer ended up playing 6 tiebreak sets en route to his title in Halle.  Federer won all 6 of the breakers but his fans are concerned about the fact that it is taking a tiebreak to ultimately win a set on grass.  However, Federer produced a sparkling 20 aces with no double faults throughout the semis and final.  In today's final he defeated Italian Andreas Seppi 76(1) 64 and yesterday took out Croat Ivo Karlovic 76(3) 76(4).

Due to weather yesterday, Andy Murray was forced to complete his semifinal today against Viktor Troicki from 3 all in the 1st set.  Murray would prevail in the semi 63 76(4) and then continue his fine form, defeating Kevin Anderson 63 64 in the final.  The last time Murray won Queen's, he went on to win Wimbledon in 2013.

Finally, Rafael Nadal found his way back to the trophy presentation as he defeated Viktor Troicki to win in Stuttgart last Sunday.  Nadal had been just 5-5 in his last 10 grass court matches prior to winning 4 consecutive times to lift the trophy.  Nadal's momentum would end two days later in London though, as Alexandr Dolgopolov rallied to win the last 4 games of the match to stun Nadal 63 67(6) 64.

We are now into the 3rd week of the grass court season as a lone ATP 250 is being contested in Nottingham.  The field of 48 does not feature any member of the Big Four.  Concurrent to Nottingham, the Wimbledon qualifying draw will get underway tomorrow.

Each of the Big Four has won Wimbledon: Federer 7 times, Nadal and Djokovic twice and Murray once.  The Big Four have won every Wimbledon since 2003.