- Views 0
- Likes 0
There are simply no words. Roger Federer, defending Wimbledon champion, holder of 7 Wimbledon titles, 17 Grand Slams, and so on and on, was sent packing today in the second round by the 116th ranked player in the world, Sergiy Stakhovsky, 6 – 7, 7- 6, 5 – 7, 6 – 7. SHOCKING! Also heartbreaking for Federer fans, probably more painful for Fed fanatics than even for Roger himself. Of all the tournaments, the hallowed grounds of the All England Club, it’s history and tradition and all that it represents in tennis are particularly meaningful to Federer. This match came on a day when the carnage was unlike any other day in tennis history. All in all, seven former number one players in the world went out today, either due to injury or defeat. Earlier, Maria Sharapova lost to L. De Brito (ranked #131 in the world) in straight sets, 6 – 3, 6- 4. Is Serena Williams smiling somewhere in London? Also, #2 seed Victoria Azarenka was forced to withdraw due to the injury she suffered in the nasty fall she took in her opening match. Azarenka has never given a walkover in her career until today. American John Isner retired in his match due to a left knee injury. J. Tsonga retired in the third set of his match against Gulbis, reason given was knee injury. M. Cilic also withdrew on the men’s side of the draw due to injury. Both Caroline Wozniacki and Ana Ivanovic were ousted in straight sets and L. Hewitt also fell on the men’s side. Just an incredible day of upsets and shocking withdrawals at Wimbledon today.
The biggest story if of course Roger Federer. This comes on the heels of Rafael Nadal’s early exit to a guy named Steve, (Steve Darcis, ranked #135 in the world) Mr. Darcis ironically had to withdraw today as well, speculatively due to a shoulder injury sustained on a fall in the victory over Nadal. For Federer, the 36 consecutive quarterfinal appearances in Grand Slam tournaments has ended. It was his earliest loss in a major since 2002. It was the first time he has lost to a player outside the top 100 since 2005. And finally, it was the earliest exit from Wimbledon by a defending champion since 2003 (Leyton Hewitt). Sigh…yes, I am sad. But do not listen to all the chatter that this is the end. Has an era ended? Well, the era of Federer dominating tennis ended several years back. But this is not the end for Federer. His press conference was painful to watch as was the look on his face as he approached to net to shake the hand of the victorious and overjoyed Stakhovsky. Federer did not play badly, he was not Federer at his best, but he had his chances, especially in the fourth set. Alas, Stakhovsky played the match of his life and deserved the victory today. Roger was gracious as always, but the pain was there, not doubt about it. So we will now watch to see who will get to join the party with Djokovic and Murray (who advanced in straight sets today) as the tournament continues without the great Swiss. Will be watching to see how both Federer and Nadal plan out their summer season as the hardcourt tournaments leading up to the US Open get underway. Perhaps Federer will tweak some things and surprise us. Nadal, it remains to be seen what the true status of his fragile knee(s) spells for his hardcourt campaign. This is not the end (even though the media would like us to think it is) for Fed. Yes, father time is a factor that cannot be denied, not for him, not for any great athlete (not for anyone for that matter). But is isn’t over. Roger Federer will play another day and Roger Federer will win another day. Remember I said this when it happens!
