Germany's Alexander Zverev has acknowledged he never previously believed he could win Wimbledon but the world number four thinks this year could finally be his year.
The Olympic champion has yet to win a grand slam title, losing the French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz in five sets in June while also going the distance in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem.
Now the 27-year-old says he is in top shape ahead of Monday's start and thinks the absence of Rafa Nadal, as well as Novak Djokovic not being fully fit, opens the door for a new champion at the grass grand slam.
"The last few months have been quite positive for me, winning in Rome and obviously a bit of a disappointing loss in the final of the French open, but all-in-all a good tournament and hopefully I can show that here," he told a news conference on Saturday.
"It is the first time I really feel like I am here to be a competitor and maybe win the tournament. I didn't feel like that in the previous years I came year, I didn't feel like I was capable, I didn't believe I was capable."
Most open Wimbledon in 20 years
Former twice winner Andy Murray is in the draw along with Djokovic but the 37-year-old is long past his best after a series of injuries. The Briton may still pull out of what is set to be his last Wimbledon after back surgery.
It means if record 24-times grand slam winner Djokovic and defending champion Alcaraz can be a conquered, a new men's name will be engraved on the famous trophy.
"I also do think this is the most open Wimbledon championships that we maybe had in 20 years, in terms of favourites and in terms of potential winners. There is multiple guys who have a very decent chance of going deep...and winning the tournament," Zverev said.
"I don't think it has been like that since...before Roger (Federer) started playing. It was always a very limited amount of guys who were actually able to compete and win the tournament."
Zverev knows grass does not totally suit his game, but rejected the idea that five-set matches should be scrapped after he appeared to tire more than other players in Paris and in other long contests.
"Is it a tournament where I maybe need a bit more luck and a few things to go my way and to happen? Yes, maybe a bit more than other grand slams," he said.
"The difference of winning a grand slam are the five-set matches. There is no way we should ever get rid of that."
Olympic dream
Retaining his Olympic singles title is also a big target this season, but he ruled out playing mixed doubles with Angelique Kerber in Paris July 26-August 11 due to rankings issues.
"We have that tournament once every four years, if you aren't performing during that week you have to wait another four years," Zverev added.
"In terms of pressure and expectation and playing for your country, it is for me one of the biggest trophies and for me one of the biggest things in sports."