Dave Craven: McEnroe is again the main man to get us tuned in to Wimbledon

It is perhaps a little unfair to diminish the Queen’s Club final to nothing more than a mere prelude to SW19.

But, for most people in this country, in all truthfulness, it is its only relevance.

The British public are not massive tennis fans until it comes to this time of year and events in South West London which take hold for an intoxicating fortnight.

For most it involves a predictable and tiresome obsession with Andy Murray and the ‘will he or won’t he win it?’ debate. Henmania reprised.

The charismatic influence of a certain John McEnroe, though, is surely one of the main reasons television viewers are attracted back on an annual basis.

There can be few better pundits, if that is the right word, across the world of sport than the American tennis legend.

Always insightful, humorous, constantly engaging and with a magnetic personality, it is no wonder the Beeb always have to share him with CBS or whichever US broadcasters can lay claim to his vocal chords.

For the uninitiated – and there are plenty of us, let’s face it – McEnroe always manages to explain and describe the reasoning for different shots, tactics and game styles in a simplistic manner which hits the baseline perfectly.

Alongside the straight and particularly dull Tim Henman or Boris Becker, who always looks like he’s had his holiday interrupted to utter some bland analysis, he commands the airwaves and screen.

Perhaps I have a slight man-crush on him, but who cares? The entranced Sue Barker cannot be the only one who is besotted.

As well as his clutch of grand slam titles and those legendary on-court outbursts, the man can rock out as a pretty decent guitar player, was once voted dad of the year in America and also is a bit of a hit in the art world.

McEnroe will, no doubt, have his thoughts on who will win this year’s title and it will be enlightening to hear his views.

However, although Queen’s saw some notable names discarded early in the competition, not least Murray and Andy Roddick, it is hard to imagine any bolters emerging through at Wimbledon.

That is because of the monopoly the ‘Big Three’ of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal currently have on men’s tennis.

Before anyone starts getting uppity, I’ve not included Murray there because, until he does win a grand slam major, he cannot be included in the same class.

Murray has been No 4 in the world for so long because he cannot quite reach the dizzying heights of this illustrious trio.

There is no disgrace in that and, in any other era, the Scotsman would be a legend of the game.

He has just, unfortunately, arrived at the same time as three of the best players the sport has seen.

However, I digress. The enormity of that afforementioned triumvirate’s achievements is illustrated when you realise, between them they have lifted all but one of the last 29 major tournaments.

It is a staggering statistic and simply illustrates what all the rest must do to catch up.

The only player to break their grip was Juan Martin del Potro, the big-hitting Argentine who secured the 2009 US Open. Before that, it was Russia’s Marat Safin way back in January, 2005.

There was slight signs in the last couple of years that Nadal’s powers were on the wane but, like Federer before him, he has shrugged off the doubters and bounced back to remind everyone of his true greatness. His enduring class and return to prominence were confirmed with his record-breaking achievement at Roland Garros, overcoming Djokovic on his beloved clay to win a seventh French Open title, and he will be hoping to repeat that feat on the grass.

Just two Wimbledon titles will never be enough for the Majorcan and he will be desperate to add a third next month.

Federer is 30 but still has that effortless swagger of his to take control of any opponent while, in becoming world No1 and showing his class in winning Wimbledon last year, Djokovic is perhaps the most dangerous of all.

Effectively, it looks like none of that lofty trio is likely to go anywhere soon. Unless one of them has a Bjorn Bjorg moment and decides to bow out in their pomp, Murray and the rest are faced with these unyielding warriors for the forseeable future.

But what of the rest? Who, if anyone, is likely to make some sort of challenge?

Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga has a bold and exciting game and can deliver some truly magical shots but he has never possessed the consistency to prosper over five sets which is the basic requirement when it comes to grand slam tournaments. He needs more staying power.

Spain’s David Ferrer reached the semi-finals of the French Open but does not have all the skills required to master grass.

One of the principal weapons on that surface, although not as much in recent years, is a powerful serve and so that is why Roddick, despite his increasing years, can never be ruled out.

Likewise, Ivo Karlovic and del Potro but they would all need a tremendous amount of fortune to steer their way beyond probably at least two of those elite players.

Clearly, on his day, Murray has all the attributes to trouble them and he has savoured victories against them all.

But there are still so many questions about his temperament and concentration levels which have to be spot on when it comes to securing any of the major titles.

Ivan Lendl has done wonders with Murray’s forehand, making it an even more destructive weapon, but it will perhaps be what goes on in the 25 year-old’s head that will determine if he can make that crucial next step.

I wonder what McEnroe would get out of him if he was in charge?

As much as it might aid Murray’s game, I do not want to contemplate the main man being dragged away from the commentary box – the first British grand slam win in more than 70 years notwithstanding.

and another thing...

MOST entertaining aspect of Euro 2012 so far... Roy Keane’s rant.

The football’s been excellent. Rarely has such a tournament had so many absorbing games. But, the Irishman’s wonderfully blunt assessment of his country’s 4-0 drubbing by Spain was sheer class.

ITV host Adrian Chiles must always fear Keane’s famous temper exploding live on air and the pundit went close. The look of disdain grew with every response, especially when discussing Keith Andrews’s post-match interview, in which he saluted the amazing Irish fans.

They had performed an admittedly spine-tingling rendition of Fields of Athenry for the last minutes of the debacle but disgusted Keane was having none of it. “I think the players and even the supporters, they all have to change their mentality.

“It’s just nonsense from players speaking after the games about how great the supporters are. We’re a small country, we’re up against it, but let’s not just go along for the sing-song every now and again. A lot think they’re top players but that’s shocking.”

He shuffled awkwardly, that vein beginning to bulge. All it needed was Patrick Vieira to smirk and say “Just smile” and another Highbury 2006 would have erupted.