By Ryan Borucki

Wimbledon is arguably the most exciting tennis event of the 2009 season, and the Gentlemen's side of the draw is full of possibility now that Rafael Nadal announced he won't be defending his title. Here are my picks for top suspense-builders:

• Roger Federer starts off this year’s Wimbledon taking on Yen-Hsun Lu in the first round on Centre Court. Federer is the most plausible pick this year with his rival gone. The Swiss Sensation is only one Grand Slam win away from passing Pete Sampras for the most career Grand Slam wins (currently 14).
• Fan favorite Andy Murray will try to be the first Englishman to win Wimbledon in over 70 years. Last year the Scot advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Nadal. The last time Britons witnessed one of their own holding up the men's trophy was 1936, when Fred Perry won his third consecutive Wimbledon. This may seem like a tall order for the boisterous native, but on the heels of a personal best quarterfinal finish at the French Open, the stage may be set for the 22-year-old.
• With the remaining field of 126 players, there are upset alerts in each bracket section.
  - Marat Safin made his presence known at last year’s Wimbledon losing in straight sets to Federer in the semifinals. Juan Martin Del Potro and Robin Soderling are also players to keep an eye on after playing some of their best tennis a couple of weeks ago at the French Open.
  - Don't forget players like Novak Djokovic, Andy Roddick, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Fernando Verdasco, who are always hanging around through the later rounds.

Prediction: Andy Murray defeats Roger Federer.
Although Murray’s game isn’t the best fit for grass, he has been playing well on all surfaces this year and comes into this week’s tournament with more experience. The draw places him on the opposite side of Verdasco, Djokovic and Federer, so whoever is left standing may meet Murray in the final.