Murray/Dimitrov Drawn In Same Quarter
13th June 2015
The last two winners of the Aegon Championships could clash in the quarterfinals of the 2015 event after top seed Andy Murray and defending champion Grigor Dimitrov were both placed in the upper section of the draw.
At least they won’t play each other immediately. The same can’t be said for the French Open champion Stan Wawrinka and the explosive 20-year-old Nick Kyrgios, who will clash in a round one blockbuster at the bottom of the draw. The winner could meet four-time champion Lleyton Hewitt in round two.
With the upgrade of the tournament to ATP-500 status, increased points and prize money, and a reduction of draw size meaning that first round byes are no more, there are no easy draws. The 2008 champion Rafael Nadal, returning for the first time since 2011, will meet Alex Dolgopolov, who knocked him out of Indian Wells last year. Dimitrov himself will have to find his way past another former champion, Sam Querrey, if he is to progress past the opening round.
Third seed Milos Raonic, now fit again after a foot problem, takes on British wild card James Ward, while the US Open champion Marin Cilic meets Adrian Mannarino.
Dimitrov said: ‘It was always my dream to win at Queen’s so I’m very proud of my achievement last year, but I haven’t come here just hoping to win a few matches. I want to defend my title.
Murray said: ‘This is a tournament with unbelievable history and it gets fantastic crowds. There is an incredible field here and it’s one of the leading events on tour. Last year was very difficult for me, especially the first six months. This year, since the beginning, I felt ready to win major competitions again. I’ve made huge progress and have played exceptionally well.’
In doubles, Murray (Inglot), Wawrinka and Dimitrov, Nadal (Marc Lopez), Raonic (Roger Vasselin) and Hewitt (Kokkinakis) will all compete.
The upgrading of the Aegon Championships to ATP-500 in 2015 means that there will be an additional $1 million of prize money. With The Championships, Wimbledon moving back a week in the calendar to expand the grass court season, there is also an extra week between the French Open and the start of the Aegon Championships. The singles draw has been reduced from 56 to 32 to ensure that the top seeds will all play singles on either Monday or Tuesday.