The Queen’s Club Championship begins on Monday and it heralds the start of the British sporting summer.

The annual prelude to Wimbledon, the Aegon Championship is one of the oldest and most prestigious on the Tennis calendar.

Andy Murray heads up the field and has already recorded a record five titles and he goes in search of number six, and he is firm favourite to do so.

Murray, who will open up his defence against fellow Brit Aljaz Bedene, and is only too happy to be back at Queen’s ahead of Wimbledon.

“It’s helped me prepare for Wimbledon every year in my career,” said Murray.

“I’ve played some of my best tennis over the years here..

“It’s a tough, tough field and if you can get through this tournament then it does give you a big boost going into Wimbledon.”

Rafa Nadal, Juan Martin Del Potro and Dan Evans have all be ruled out with injury, but there is still a high quality field taking part.

Good morning from @TheQueensClub.

Today is day one of the 2017 #AegonChampionships.

Play starts 12 noon on Centre Court. 12.30pm Court 1. pic.twitter.com/KGyyLGZdC1

— Aegon Championships (@QueensTennis) June 19, 2017

Second favourite is Canadian Milos Raonic, who showed his liking for grass last season when making the Wimbledon final, only to lose to Murray – but he is hopeful of coming out on top this summer and he feel he is ready to become a force on grass.

“I think there’s definitely an opening. The two stand-out players this year were not really at that level last year. Rafa’s playing better than maybe ever in his career,” said Raonic.

“Andy the last few weeks has been playing much better, but he hasn’t had a start of the season up to his standard and it’s obviously something new to have the pressure of being number one and staying number one. And obviously Novak hasn’t been where he was.

“The person that’s going to win it is going to be the one who steps up and takes it.”