From Monday today, the Wimbledon gets going with the start of its first round of matches. In today's matches, two leading tennis star figure out: World no.1 and the defending champion Novak Djokovic and world no.3 Swiss Roger Federer.
Djokovic, after losing a life time opportunity at Roland Garros at the hands of Spaniard Rafael Nadal to hold all four Grand Slam titles and equally a record last set 43 years ago by Australian Rod Laver in 1969, will be looking forward to at least defend his title at Wimbledon and start over afresh.
But there is Roger Federer, who feels he has been sidelined by both Djokovic and Nadal and has been denied of winning any Grand Slam in this year. He also failed to win over the Halle title for the record sixth time and was beaten by 50th ranked German Tommy Haas.
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| The seven times Wimbledon winners: William Renshaw [left] and Pete Sempras [right] |
Now the Swiss is eyeing the Wimbledon title this year for a record seventh time. So far only two players have had this honour: William Renshaw and Pete Sampras. Federer who has already won the Wimbledon title six times, is now eyeing to equal the record of Renshaw and Sempras this year. But the big question is: Can he do it?
Well for aging Federer it may not be possible. This August, the Swiss will be 31 - three years elder to Sempras when he won his seventh and last Wimbledon title. His two opponents who can threaten his dreams are none other than Serbian Djokovic who is still 25, and Nadal who is 26. Playing against payers 5-6 years younger is no joke. It would require mustering all his strength to do so - something which he has not been able to do so at leas this year. Failing at Halle against a much lower ranking player, and that too on grass which is favourite of Federer, speaks volumes of Federer's fitness.
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| A happy Federer at 2009 Wimbledon |
Federer last won Wimbledon in 2009, that was three years ago. Now three years after, facing much younger players like Djokovic and Nadal who are beaming with energies and carrying one Grand Slam each this year, besides many other smaller titles, Federer will have to think twice matching their abilities and fitness, before embarking upon a strenuous journey ahead.
Only a miracle and great setbacks for Djokovic and Nadal may take Federer to the Centre Court on the final day - but that day is too far away as Wimbledon gets going Monday today. Won't you say so?
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