Wimbledon 2021 Recap: Novak Djokovic’s dominance to Roger and Serena’s decline
Follow Us
Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
The 2021 Wimbledon Championships have concluded with World No.1’s Ash Barty and Novak Djokovic as the eventual champions. Both top-ranked were billed as the favourites to win the title and after what they displayed during the fortnight in London, not many would agree with the final outcome. Like always, Wimbledon had its share of upsets and agony. While it introduced a bunch of new generation players to us, the tournament also exposed and revealed the glaring decline of legends. As we engage in a swift 2021 Wimbledon round-up, we look back on a few significant moments from this year’s Championships.
Djokovic reigns supreme
Novak Djokovic winning the 2021 Wimbledon title hasn’t come as a surprise at all. The Serb came into the Championships as overwhelming favourite to win the title for the sixth time and lived up to his billing by dropping just two sets to the title. Djokovic warded off the threat of Matteo Berrettini who was unbeaten on the grass this season in four sets to keep his Calendar Slam dreams intact. After having won the first three Grand Slams of the year, the World No.1 is now looking to repeat the heroics of Rod Laver at the upcoming US Open in August-September. After winning his 20th Grand Slam on July 11, Djokovic has not only equaled rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in terms of most Grand Slams won, but the Serb has also sealed the ‘GOAT’ debate firmly in his favour.
Will Federer return to Wimbledon again?
The eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer entered the Championships after a shocking opening round exit in Halle at the hands of Felix Auger-Aliasimme. While a large section of the tennis fraternity expected the Swiss maestro to falter at the All England Club, some remained optimistic. From the first round, Federer looked anything but confident. While the 39-year-old did manage to scrape through the first four rounds, he was shown the exit door by Polish player Hubert Hurkacz in the quarterfinals. The 20-time Grand Slam champion was even served a bagel in the final set by Hurkacz, which left many wondering if they have seen the last of Federer at Wimbledon. While he might still return in 2021, it is tough to see a rusty, wobbly and ageing Federer to add anything more to his Grand Slam tally in the future.
Serena’s dream of 24-Slams slipping away?
The American has not won a Grand Slam since the Australian Open in 2017. Despite coming close to equaling the all-time record of Margaret Court (24) Slams, on a few occasions, Serena has agonizing fallen short of her goal. After making a comeback to the WTA tour post motherhood, the 23-time Grand Slam winner has found going tough. After getting dumped early in Roland Garros a month ago, seven-time champion Serena entered Wimbledon positive and confident of getting the 24th Slam. However, the 39-year-old was unfairly denied her moment after she slipped on the Centre Court in her opening round, which led to her withdrawal from the tournament in unceremonious fashion. With age time catching up on Serena, one wonders if her she will ever equal Court going ahead.
What next for Andy Murray
While Andy Murray thrilled and enthralled fans on the Centre Court at 2021 Wimbledon by making the third round in typical Murray fashion, the future still remains unclear for the Scot, who has dealt with a series of injuries and surgeries. Given his grass court skills, the two-time Wimbledon showed glimpses of brilliance before Canada’s Denis Shapovalov stopped him in the third round. While the former top-ranked Murray has indicated about his intentions to continue playing the sport on the tour, it is tough to see him get back to his best tennis and winning big titles again.
Also read: Wimbledon 2021 Men’s Singles Prize Money: How much money Champion Novak Djokovic will take home?
Stay Updated!
Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)