Wimbledon 2014 - Of new champions, new talent and old traditions!
The 128th edition of Wimbledon concluded on a glorious note yesteday with a men’s final that many are calling a sequel to the “Greatest Match Ever Played (2008 Wimbledon Final)”. In a funny twist of fate, Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova, this year’s men’s and women’s singles winners respectively, were both crowned champions in 2011 as well! This year also saw some new faces making their mark in the tournament on both the men’s and women’s side.
It was a fortnight of glorious tennis, and here are some of the key takeaways from this year’s championship:
A tale of two finals
Djokovic finally broke his dismal run in Grand Slam finals by beating 7-time Wimbledom champion Roger Federer in five closely fought sets that had everyone gasping and at the edge of their seats. While he could have sealed the deal in the fourth set where he was leading 5-2 and had championship point at 5-4, a sudden burst of strong play from the Swiss maestro pushed the game into a decider. It is to the Serb’s credit that he held his nerve and persisted with his play.
Djokovic is a gifted athlete and has been part of some of the most memorable matches of this era. With this victory, he now has seven Grand Slam titles and is back to the No. 1 ranking in the world. More importantly, he has regained his confidence to win Majors again, considering he had lost five of his previous six finals prior to this match. His serve, return of serve and ability to change direction on court are among the best on tour and it was a thoroughly deserved win.
In contrast to the men, the women’s final ended way before one could say game, set and match. Expectations were high, considering both Kvitova and Bouchard were in good form coming into the final and playing aggressively from the baseline. Though the final scoreline of 6-3, 6-0 in Kvitova’s favour does not do her opponent, 20-year-old Eugenie Bouchard from Canada much justice, it is important to note that the latter did not play badly.
Genie, as the Canadian is fondly called, made just four unforced errors but was unable to hit her stride with the Czech serving well and hitting clear winners. Kvitova is a huge talent and many, including tennis legend Martina Navratilova, believed that she would win more Grand Slams after her breakthrough in 2011. Injuries and inconsistencies have plagued her career but this win should put her back on course for more success; she is way too skilled to not make a bigger splash in women’s tennis.
What next for Roger Federer?
Only Roger Federer can answer this question. At almost 33 and with a growing family in tow, it is only going to get tougher for the Swiss legend considering the athletic demands of the sport. For most fans, the desire to see Roger lift another Grand Slam seems to have become a binding factor. For the player himself, the desire to continue playing the sport that he loves so much and that has in turn loved him back over the past decade supersedes everything else.
Not many thought Federer had it in him to push Djokovic to five sets, and neither player was playing at his best. Yet, the mental fortitude shown during the fightback in the 4th set proves that Federer still wants to play at the highest level. His best chance to add to his tally of 17 Slams is at Wimbledon - his second home. But if he continues making adjustments and stays healthy, a surprise on hardcourts (US Open or Australian Open) is also possible. Federer’s ultimately unsuccessful effort yesterday, however, just goes to show how difficult it is to win a Grand Slam in this era.
Rise of new talent
At every Slam a few players cause upsets, make a mark and then fade into oblivion. This year’s Wimbledon was different in that it propelled into limelight players who have been consistent throughout the season and possess talent that is capable of causing more than just a flash in the pan.
From being dubbed ‘Baby Federer’ to Maria Sharapova’s arm candy, Grigor Dimitrov has had a tough time fulfilling the potential everyone believed he had. This year he lived up to the promise by reaching his first Grand Slam semifinal and in the process defeated Brit hope Andy Murray comprehensively in straight sets. From the single-handed backhand to the variety in his groundstrokes, it is obvious why the Bulgarian is compared to Federer, and here’s hoping he becomes a future champion instead of going the Richard Gasquet way.
23-year-old rising star and now World No. 6 Milos Raonic was a success story too. The big-serving Canadian also made it to his maiden Slam semifinal, giving a good account of himself in tough matches against Kei Nishikori and Nick Kyrgios. Speaking of Kyrgios, the 19-year-old wild card from Australia caused the mother of all upsets when he defeated 14-time Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. With a booming serve and an attitude that reflects how the younger generation is fearless, he could well be the next big thing in tennis.
The women's side of the draw cemented the status of Simona Halep and Eugenie Bouchard as rising stars of the WTA. Bouchard has the best Slam record among all players this year, having reached the semis at Melbourne and Paris and the finals here at Wimbledon. She now moves into the top 10 for the first time in her career and seems on course for further greatness. A minor concern - with advertisers and brands falling over themselves to sign on the Canadian, it remains to be seen whether 'Brand Eugenie' ends up overshadowing the tennis player.
22-year-old Romanian and World No. 3 Simona Halep has had the best 12 months of her career, having also made it to the French Open final where she lost to Maria Sharapova in a fantastic contest. Many, including Boris Becker, have compared her movement to that of Djokovic, crediting her defensive skills. With Radwanszka, Kerber and the ilk unable to break through the final barriers at Slams, here's hoping that these two bright stars change the trend.