Andy Murray will have his work cut out to regain the title at the Queen's Club this year. The event organisers have confirmed that as many as eight of the world's top ranked male Tennis players have agreed to participate in the tournament. The Scot would currently be the top ranked player, but that could change if current number four seed Rafael Nadal regains his usual clay court form in time.
With both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer not among those players set to feature at the Aegon Championships in June, Murray is the next highest seed at number three.
Most of the top thirteen players other than the big two have committed to play though. Those confirmed are:
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Andy Murray (world ranked 3)
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Rafael Nadal (4)
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Milos Raonic (6)
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Stan Wawrinka (9)
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Marin Cilic (10)
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Grigor Dimitrov (11)
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Feliciano Lopez (12)
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Gilles Simon (13)
The 'supporting cast' could also supply a few shocks during the event, especially as it is on a grass court. The big serving American John Isner (ranked 18th) always represents a major threat on the surface. Debutant Nick Kyrgios from Australia would also be one to avoid given his ability and tenacity, and is one tipped by many to break into the top ten sooner rather than later.
His defeat of Nadal at Wimbledon last year ably demonstrated the potential he possesses.
It could also be a last opportunity to see Lleyton Hewitt in action at Queen's. The four-time winner of the event is believed to be making this his swansong, after his 16th appearance at the popular London venue. He and 19-year-old Kyrgios are sure to attract their share of colourful pro-Australian fans both at Queen's and Wimbledon.
With their cricketers also touring Britain in the summer, green and gold could be very much in evidence at several sporting arenas this year.
Queen's is commonly a good barometer for those looking to do well at Wimbledon shortly afterwards. Another first-timer at the event, Canada's Raonic is clearly hoping to use it to better his semi-final achievement at Wimbledon last year.
He suggested that it "could make a big difference for me" when asked about his reasoning for making his debut this year.
The field features several players who have previously lifted the title. Besides Hewitt and three-time winner Murray, Nadal, Cilic and reigning champion Dimitrov all know what it takes to succeed at the London club.
Murray will be hoping to reach the latter stages at Queen's in what will hopefully be a hugely successful period of the season for him. After the tournament has been completed, he will turn his attention to attempting to prise the Wimbledon crown back off Novak Djokovic. Then the Scot will return to the Queen's Club to do battle for Team GB in the Davis Cup against France. Fitness and form permitting, "Cmn, Andy" could be a familiar chant by the end of the summer.