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Wimbledon returns but for two champs, is this goodbye?
After last year’s cancellation Wimbledon is back and there are storylines everywhere.
Topping the list of interest is how different it will look and feel. But the two biggest questions surround the two biggest champions.
The tournament is part of the government’s “Event Research Programme” meaning it will operate at 50 per cent capacity across the grounds, and build to full capacity crowds of 15 thousand on Centre Court for the finals weekend.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 03: Serena Williams of USA looks on in her match against Pauline Parmentier of France on day two of the ASB Classic on January 3, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)
All players are in bio secure bubbles with strong protocols and will stay in central London hotels with entourages limited to 3 people.
Britain’s number one female player Johanna Konta is already out after a member of her team tested positive for Covid-19.
WILL ROGER AND SERENA GO AROUND ONE MORE TIME?
So much of the fortnight will focus on the man who’s won the tournament eight times – 39-year old Roger Federer. Will this be his last? Don’t forget he turns 40 this August.
The world number eight warmed up with another cool story. After years of injury, and last year’s cancellation, Andy Murray plays his home slam for the first time since 2017.
On the other side of the event is another 39-year old, who’s lifted the trophy seven times.
Serena Williams. Could this be the swan-song?
The world number eight has already announced she won’t be at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Tight restrictions mean she won’t be able to take her daughter with her and that’s a step too far.
THE HOTTEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD WANTS MORE.
Meanwhile the hottest player in the world Novak Djokovic is aiming to stay on course for a calendar-year grand slam. But that’s not the prize he wants most. If the 34-year old Serbian wins his sixth Wimbledon title he will draw level on 20 majors with Federer and Rafael Nadal, who is missing in London.
The Spaniard has announced he will sit out both this tournament and the Olympics before returning for the US Open in September.
As is tradition, Djokovic, the world number one, will open Centre court action in his first match. His counterpart Australian Ash Barty will hit the grass on day two.
One thing is for sure, both Djokovic and Barty will be back again next year.
But will Federer and Williams join them?
