Wimbledon 2021

First topic message reminder :

The draw is out for Wimbledon, with defending champ Djoko opening against GB's Jack Draper.

Djoko is, of course, clear favourite and won't have to play Rafa or Thiem who have had to drop out along with, among others, Raonic and Stan the Man.

Federer opens against Mannarino and could play Gasquet in round two and Cameron Norrie in the third round. More importantly, Roger is in the bottom half of the draw and away from Djoko.

Andy Murray, who could have been drawn against any of the top seeds, has got 24th seed Basilashvili which won't be easy but could have been even tougher.

Dan Evans, seeded 22nd, could be up against it. He plays grass-court specialist Feliciano Lopez in the opening round. An intriguing round one match is Kyrgios v Humbert who won in Halle.

No one can be sure how Federer will play. He does not have too difficult a start and may be able to run into some form for the later, harder matches. Berrettini, seeded 7, could be a handful if his Queen's form carries on. Difficult to look beyond Djoko, although Novak could face Anderson in round two.

As mentioned in the previous topic 2019 champ Halep is not fit enough to start. Practically impossible to predict a woman's winner. Gauff could go deep. Kvitova and Kerber, two previous SW19 champs, seem to have run into some grass-court form as does 2017 French champion Ostapenko, who has reached a Wimbledon semi before.

Needless to say the BBC commentators described Barty's win today as "brilliant" and "devastating". If a match is of poor quality they should say so. It does the sport no favours if parts of the media become mere cheerleaders.

Emma Raducanu: Post-Championship Interview Courtesy of Wimbledon.com. Glad to see that she is doing well.

Emma R played wonderfully well and I'm sorry she had to retire in her match.

Yes, she's only 18 and yes it was a tough situation. But she should have given a proper press conference and not a sanitised interview with a gushing Sue Barker.

The key question journalists - rather than ex-players intent on promoting the sport - would have asked was: "Did you have a panic attack?"

Yes, this is a tough question. But if Emma is to progress in the sport it would be good to know if she has the mental strength to succeed. Looks like she already has the ability.

Following the Osaka saga at the French, we surely don't want to see players picking and choosing their media moments to reflect them in the best light.

You can lose a tennis match. Some people you've never met will question your physical and mental state. Sometimes it ain't nice.

But hey. This is not life or death. We've had enough of that lately anyway. You want the fame and the adulation, then put up with the bad days as well as the good.

@ sfp - I have a different perspective on this and feel you might be reading too much into Raducanu’s decision to speak to Sue Barker (and in saying that, I have absolutely no wish to defend Sue …. quite the opposite, have always regarded her as a very poor presenter)

Sue did at least ask what caused the problem. The answers given by Emma (which, to me, seemed totally honest) would very likely have been the same even if your specific question (Did you have a panic attack ?) had been asked by some hard-nosed journo at a conventional presser. Just asking a ‘tough’ question is no guarantee of some deep revelation from the player concerned. Plus …. when you say “it would be good to know if she has the mental strength to succeed” …. Well, yes, it would. BUT future performance on the court and match results are the only meaningful way to establish this - not press interviews.

On the matter of the ‘Osaka saga’ : I don’t see this as a realistic analogy with Raducanu’s retirement last night. The rookie 18-year old came to Wimbledon on a wholly unexpected WC ; a totally different situation from a multi-Slam winner who is ranked Number 2 in the sport and as such will be (rightly) judged on an entirely different set of metrics.

Lags72. Good points made by you.

As for today, Djoko will win easily and Berrettini should be too much for F AA. I'd make Denis S slight favourite against Khachanov.

Federer's had some bad second Wednesdays against big servers at Wimbledon (Berdych, Tsonga, Anderson). Two years ago, though, some predicted real trouble for him against Berrettini. But the Italian was smashed.

I don't think we'll see Hurkacz getting as few games as Berrettini did in 2019, but I'm tipping Rog to win. I'm not sure I'd have been optimistic about Fed's chances against Medvedev who might have worn out the near-40 year old.

Shapo takes the first set 6-4 after fighting back from three BPs down at 2-3.

The Canadian had trouble with his serve before taking seven straight points at the end of the set.

Courts have been a danger this year, lots of slipping over, a wonder no player has done themselves a serious injury (yet). Djokovic just slipped over, in a rather odd first set, but escaped actual harm.

Khachanov went 4-0 up in the second set before snuffing out a fightback from Shapo to take the set 6-3 and level the match.

Some good play amid some bad errors. I must say that the standard of matches this year has not been as high as would be liked.

Could this be down to the different circumstances due to Covid or the lack of grass court play for many competitors? Just seems to be a lot of UEs and poor play this year. The Barty match yesterday was particularly dire.

Khachanov takes a two sets to one lead, winning the third set 7-5.

Some terrific shots from Denis S but too many UEs. Not sure his game's really suited to grass. Khach less spectacular but steadier. It's hard fought, but I still think it's rather average fare for a quarter final.

Gosh, you’re a hard one to please sfp !

Finding it a really good watch myself, high quality shotmaking, and more than ‘average fare’ I’d say. Have seen many Finals over the years far below the standard of this QF. Another promising match-up to come on No. 1 after this.

Spent at the day at The Championship last Tuesday and was fortunate to see Dan Evans, Cam Norrie & Coco Gauff …… ‘up close & personal’ on No. 2 Court. All good stuff …… but below the quality of this Shapovalov / Khachanov encounter.

Much-improved play by Denis S as he takes the fourth 6-1 to level the match.

It seems to be on Denis's racquet. If he can serve well and cut down the UEs he should win.

I'm actually with SFP on the quality of Khachanov v Shapovalov, sure it's unpredictable who's going to win but there's a lot of unforced errors. I disagree about Shapovalov on grass - he can do well on the surface though I find his game can be brittle and he seems to have a few flaws which haven't been properly ironed out since he burst onto the scene.

If he wins this match can see him taking a set off Djokovic but no more. Really don't see anyone stopping Djokovic and it does feel little bit anticlimactic. BBC still trying to big up Federer's standard despite his poor form.

Khachanov's fifth set vs Korda was very poor. Shapovalov may be a better opponent for Djokovic, IMO.

MrInvisible wrote: ………………

If he wins this match can see him taking a set off Djokovic but no more. Really don't see anyone stopping Djokovic and it does feel little bit anticlimactic. BBC still trying to big up Federer's standard despite his poor form.

Good summary.

The BBC overall have been guilty for many years of ‘bigging up’ the true level of all sorts of players, regardless of their current form. They work themselves into a frenzy over Wimbledon, in much the same way that once-a-year tennis ‘fans’ do. Fortunately, they make use of good pundits such as Johnny Mac & Peter Fleming who (for the most part) help to impart a much-needed sense of reality, balance, & perspective - something totally lacking in dear old Sue B.

Shapo to serve for the match at 5-4 final set.

Djokovic himself hasn't been playing that great, his performance against Kudla was a shocker. The overall standard at the moment is so poor that the faded greats can still compete for and win almost every grand slam going, we really should have got to a point by now where the young guns take over. Federer should by rights have stopped being a consideration 6/7 years ago now but here is in the quarter finals of Wimbledon again having played next to no tennis for 18 months.

Shapovalov thru in five.

I was saying that it was poor quality earlier. But Denis played really well in the last two sets and overall was the better player.

What Shapo won't be able to do against a better player is to start so slowly. He should really have lost the first set and then DID lose the next two.

I still think that with his strokemaking style, Denis is not really suited to grass. But he must be learning all the time and a Wimbledon semi aint bad.

Djoko up next for him. Asked about his prospect against Novak, Denis said: "Anything is possible."

Glad to see Shapovalov through, whilst he has been inconsistent I've been impressed by his mental strength in closing out matches this tournament. To have any chance against Djokovic he really needs his serve to be firing on all cylinders and to improve on net play.

The U/E’s are flowing freely from Federer’s racquet …… just as they were in all previous rounds.

The difference this time is that he’s facing a guy playing really well, and hence in prime position to take advantage.

Hurkacz very much with the more comfortable start in these early stages.

Federer consolidates the break to go 3-0 in second … but boy it was a struggle for him. Could be wrong, but he somehow already looks mentally drained to me.

Hurkacz showing a lot of confidence, and up for the fight.

Just not happening for Federer today - right back to his R1 level.

Loses his break advantage - and with it, very possibly (if the U/E’s continue at current rate) the chance to level the match.

Hurkacz very composed right now.

Federer horror show versus Hurkacz serve-fest !!

The man from Basel goes two sets down ……..

No way back methinks

Great tiebreak, very solid. Maybe this guy is better than I gave him credit for. I thought Federer would win this comfortably.

A few shocking points from Federer there in the middle part of that TB though.

His facial expression to me suggests a lack of confidence, like he somehow knows he won't be able to bring his A game today.

Lags I know there's no bad intent behind it but you are relentlessly negative about Fed!

He gifted that tiebreak to Hurkacz though. The number of points he was in control of, he should have won it, but missed the final shot.

I wouldn't completely rule Fed out here but I'm not really sure if I'm that bothered anyway as he isn't nearly at the level needed to challenge Djokovic.

Federer now two sets down, and 3-0 down in the third. Start the car….

@ theslosty - I’m happy to accept your comment there’s no bad intent (on either side !) ….. we all have our views, the Forum exists for us to express them freely - and it would sure be a dull place if everyone agreed with each other.

You’re not the first to imply that I’m negative re Federer’s chances but please allow me to clarify : I have watched each of his matches during the fortnight and it is abundantly clear to me that he is way way below anything approaching what one might expect of him …. even notwithstanding his advanced years.

In short …. my comments on Fed here at Wimbledon have been based entirely on his performances and abysmal U/E tally. Nothing more …. nothing less.

Fed looks on his way out. I've been taping Fed and watching the Berrettini match.

All was going swimmingly for the Italian until he got broken at 5-2, 40-love. Yes, he did get that set but the mini fightback by F AA put him right back in the match.

AA now leads in the second and is exposing Berrettini's lack of a decent BH. Honestly, how did someone with such a poor BH get so highly ranked?

A sorry way for Federer to exit the tourney, though not exactly unexpected.

Full credit to Hurkacz for a composed, highly professional performance.

Hopefully not Federer's last match at Wimbledon, would be a terrible way for him to depart.

Very possibly his farewell appearance at SW19 …… ??

lags72 wrote:Very possibly his farewell appearance at SW19 …… ??

I think Federer will come back next year.

laverfan wrote:

lags72 wrote:Very possibly his farewell appearance at SW19 …… ??

I think Federer will come back next year.

But even if so, with what standard of play ….. ?

Would he really, really, wish to risk the possibility of another sad performance like the one just witnessed ……

Oh dear. A bagel set and very probably the last he'll ever play at Wimbledon.

A performance like this suggests that this will be his last year. A farewell at Basel in the autumn and off into the sunset.

On the other hand, he won four matches here, albeit with tennis not of the top drawer. Three certain things in life - death, taxes and having to eventually retire from a tennis career.

I can't see Federer wanting to bow out of SW19 on that kind of performance. Yes, he's over the hill and hasn't played much since his operations, but I think there must have been a mitigating factor for him to be THAT bad today. I think with a solid year behind him (not that he'll maintain the busiest schedule) and without his body betraying him during a match, he'll probably believe he can make a better fist of it in 2022.

But boy, that was a sobering watch. It's a shame these legends have to age, I guess.

Was Fed injured or just out of gas once he went two sets down? He’s hardly played this year so making the QF at 39 is an incredible achievement. With some extra practice, if he is injury free, he might still be able to go deep at the US as well. Hopefully he has one more Wimbledon in him.

Federer looked like he was carrying injury in that 3rd set the way he was moving and hitting sliced forehands. I think he will come back next year and play bit better (but not necessarily get any further). Felix A A putting pressure on Berrettini, I sense the 2nd set will go down to a crucial tiebreak.

sirfredperry wrote:Oh dear. A bagel set and very probably the last he'll ever play at Wimbledon.

Federer has been bagelled before, circa 2008 @RG. It may not matter in the larger context.

To be fair it was a phenomenal performance by Hurkasz! He hardly missed a ball the whole match and gave Federer nothing. I thought he might be overawed by the occasion but he didnt seem phased in the slightest. Fed didnt play great but I thought he played some decent tennis but he was just wiped off the court

Let's wait for the press conference re any possible injury or not.

I think he will likely be back next year, unless he had said something that indicated otherwise. He won't want to go out like that.

Tend to agree with those saying Fed will give it one last crack next year. Think this year it came around too quickly, didn't get himself enough matches in time for the tournament. That said, by next year the ranking system might be back to what it was and he may therefore be relatively low ranked and get a tough draw.

Berrettini and AA split a set each. Best of three sets now.

And agree Slasher, Hurcasz was superb. Probably the favourite to reach the final. Who would have predicted that pre-tourney?!

laverfan wrote:

sirfredperry wrote:Oh dear. A bagel set and very probably the last he'll ever play at Wimbledon.

Federer has been bagelled before, circa 2008 @RG. It may not matter in the larger context.

As huge a surprise as today’s bagel was, all the  top guys have suffered a few over the years - and even on their most favoured surface.

That said, it must have been incredibly depressing for him to wind up his Wimbledon challenge this year in such grim fashion - even if he had been extremely guarded (in pre-tourney interviews)  as to how far he could actually go.

Good to see a fascinating, high-quality QF to round off the day.

While we wait to hear what Fed says about his defeat, Berrettini takes the third set for a two sets to one lead over F AA.

Berrettini is 3-0 in fourth set.

Looks all over for F AA. He's two sets to one down and now 3-0 down in the 4th.

Berrettini after sailing thru Queen's and, up til now, Wimbledon, has looked a little more vulnerable today. AA has made a lot of returns and has peppered the Italian's suspect BH.

You can envisage a Djoko-Berrettini final. But, in reality, you can't think of anyone capable of really giving Novak much of a match at the moment.

Federer says afterwards that he doesn't know if this is going to be his last Wimbledon.

He said he was happy he was able to play and to get as far as he did. He would have liked to have gone further. He will now sit down with his team and he see how things are going.

This is a historic moment for Italian tennis. Berrettini is the first man in the open era to reach Wimbledon semi finals - the only other Italian to do so was the great Nicola Pietrangeli, some 61 years ago! Berrettini becomes first Italian to reach multiple slam semi finals outside of Roland Garros. Whether he can win Wimbledon is unknown but he’s lifting the bar. Bravo Matteo!

In the semis Hurkacz will want to play on Berrettini's BH if he can as the Italian can fall down at times on that side.

F AA also showed today that the Berrettini serve, admittedly a formidable weapon, can be returned and pressure can be put on the Italian.

Shapo could end up playing better than he did today and still lose to Djoko. I was, though, very impressed with Denis in the last two sets today and this has been a good Wimbledon for him whatever happens on Friday.

Still think this, so far, has not been a great Wimbledon although it's been terrific to see the crowds back and enjoying it and really getting behind pretty much everyone they've watched.

We've had good play in patches while some of the matches have been riddled with UEs, DFs and downright poor play and poor decision-making.

sirfredperry wrote: He will now sit down with his team and he see how things are going.

Roger Federer: Quarter-Final Press Conference