On Tuesday, Andy Murray took on wild card and lucky loser Jordan Thompson of Australia and lost in straight sets, opening the draw for several players. We began Thursday with the sweet sixteen pack and end with eight survivors including former Aegon champions, Grigor Dimitrov (2014), Sam Querrey (2010) and Marin Cilic (2012) are very much alive for another title.

Singles Title Contenders-Quarterfinal Match-ups

World no. 7 Marin Cilic vs. No. 55 Donald Young

Cilic-Croatia

Cilic began his bid for the title in London squaring off against American and world no. 21 John Isner.  The 1st set was quite competitive with Isner delivering 10 aces and Cilic winning 100% of his 1st serve points. He took the opening set at 7-5. In the 2nd set, you could see the mental slide in the American as Cilic broke him immediately. The score was quickly 3-1. After 24 minutes, Cilic was the winner, 7-5 6-3. He advanced to play another American, Stefan Kozlov [Q].

While Cilic had the apparent edge over Kozlov, he was clear in stating he prepared for this match like any other knowing not to underestimate anyone. In fact, he cruised thru the 1st set in 25 minutes 6-0. But in set 2, the world no.149 raised his level. Cilic did eventually break Kozlov in game-7 but it was the veteran winning 6-0 6-4.

Young-United States

Fresh off a finalist Roland Garros doubles performance with partner Santiago Gonzalez of Mexico, Young is showing an elevated composure that he had sometimes lacked in the past. While he was paired against a somewhat hobbled Nick Kyrgios, Young still had to produce in order to take the 1st set, 7-6. After a concerning fall, Kyrgios would retire at the start of the 2nd set opening the path for Young to advance. Next up, the American faced Viktor Troicki of Serbia backing up his performance, 6-3 6-4.

World No. 11 Grigor Dimitrov vs. No. 60 Daniil Medvedev

Dimitrov-Bulgaria

This former Aegon champion has shown determination coming back after being in the hole a few times in his quest to raise the trophy once again. First, he took on American and French Open doubles champion Ryan Harrison. It was Dimitrov’s day ending with a straightforward win, 6-3 6-1. Next up was Frenchman Julian Benneteau which would prove a bigger challenge. Grigor began with a series of double faults giving Benneteau the first break and later the set. Dimitrov set aside set 1 and went back to work capturing the 1st break in the 2nd set to go up 3-1. The third set was familiar with the Bulgarian breaking to go up 3-2 and back on serve, holding to 4-2. He advanced, 4-6 6-3 6-4.

Medvedev-Russia

After a solid half of the season, the Russian is on track to reach a career high ranking over his best to date of 57. In the first round, he took out a very experienced Nicolas Mahut in 3 well-fought sets to set up a match with a renewed Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia. While Kokkinakis handled the pace of Medvedev well, he could not compete with the mental balance displayed by Medvedev. In press, the Russian revealed he was nervous but it did not show on court. This is something he has been working on as he revealed he missed quite a bit of competition due to violations related to a lack of temperament and self-control. It appears that skill has improved. He advanced winning 6-2 6-2

World No. 14 Tomas Berdych vs. No. 32 Feliciano Lopez

Berdych-Czech Republic

On the way to the quarters, Berdych beat Belgian, Steve Darcis 7-5 6-3 and Canada’s Denis Shapovalov 7-6 6-7 7-5. I’d like to focus on the second match because it remains on my list of favorites of the week. The Czech came out the clear favorite in experience and ranking. But the 18-year old showed no signs of nerves or deference to the seniority of Berdych. The match quality of both opponents was exceptional prompting some fans to say, “this is special.” The match was a joy to watch. Although Berdych came out on top, he certainly realized that Shapovalov was a dangerous player who is a passionate talent with determination on his side. Berdych remained calm and focused throughout the match and played his game and came out on top, 7-6 6-7 7-5.

Lopez-Spain

Feli came out of the gates with a very difficult 1st round match against Switzerland’s Stan “The Man” Wawrinka. However, Lopez was high on confidence after a finalist performance in Stuttgart despite losing to young gun Lucas Pouille, 6-4 6-7 6-4. Lopez won a tight battle, 7-6(4) 7-5 to advance over the world No. 3. On Thursday, the 35-year-old Spaniard made quick work in the 1st set over opponent Jeremy Chardy 6-1. The second set proved more challenging and Feli was pressed to keep his service game sharp and that he did. Despite a push from Chardy, Lopez closed well in the tie-break 7-6(4).

World No. 67 Sam Querrey vs. Gilles Muller, No. 26

Muller-Luxembourg

Muller came through the draw with wins over Nikoloz Basilashvili in a tight 3-set match, 6-4 6-7(17) 6-4 and yes, 17 is not a typo. Next was a more familiar opponent, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France. In set 1, Muller broke Tsonga in the all-important 7th game. In the 2nd set Muller lead off with a service break. While Muller’s services games were longer, in general, he held defending 100% of break points faced and took the match 6-4 6-4.

Querrey-United States

The American has had an interesting path to the quarters. His 1st round match was against British wildcard, Cameron Norrie. While the 1st set went completely Sam’s way, Norrie fought back in the 2nd and raised his level. Querrey kept a strong hold to finish 6-1 6-4. His next opponent would mount a serious challenge as lucky loser, Jordan Thompson of Australia, went toe-to-toe with Querrey. The 1st set was very high-quality finishing with a tie-break to Querrey’s favor. Undeterred, Thompson would take the second set. Querrey found an extra gear in the third and captured the first break but the Australian fought back only to be broken again 3-1. From that point, Querrey held steady and closed with aces, 7-6 3-6 6-3.

Looking at this list of contenders and their recent achievements, and no Andy Murray in the draw, there is reason to believe that any one of these guys has a shot. Based on the press conference commentary, I believe they all know that as well.