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Wimbledon day one shocker, Rafael Nadal (after all the controversy over him being seeded so low at #5) goes out in the first round to a guy named Steve, Steve Darcis from Belgium (ranked 135th in the world), 6 – 7, 6- 7, 4 – 6. WOW? Take nothing away from Mr. Darcy, excuse me, Mr. Darcis, he played a beautiful match. But Nadal has now lost at Wimbledon in the earliest of rounds for the second year in a row. Last year it was to a guy named Lucas (Rasol) in round 2, this year, one and done. He did not look like he was fully healthy, yet it has only been fifteen days since he won his amazing and record setting 8th French Open title. So…an early exit for Rafa at Wimbledon and good news for both Roger Federer and Andy Murray, two guys seeded in that same side of the draw. No longer will we dream of a Rafa-Roger quarterfinal, but perhaps we can look forward to a Roger-Andy semifinal, a rematch of last year’s final? Federer looked tres Federer like in dismantling Victor Hanescu in 69 minutes, 6 – 3, 6 – 2, 6 – 0. He celebrates the ten year anniversary of his first Wimbledon win in 2003, He started play today in the first match on Centre Court as last year’s men’s champion (#7 Wimbledon title), and much to my relief, he did wear his trademark headband, even with the new shorter do. Federer took care of business today with 32 winners, 7 aces, and only 6 unforced errors. Andy Murray looked to be in great form as well, taking care of B. Becker of Germany, 6 – 4, 6 – 3, 6 – 2. Other winners on the men’s side today include John Isner, Leyton Hewitt over Stan Wawrinka, J. Tsonga, M. Cilic, M. Youzhny and V. Troicki. Current number one Novak Djokovic and yes, the #1 seed, will take the court tomorrow as will #1 seed and world number one Serena Williams.
On the women’s side, Maria Sharapova advanced in straight sets as did Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka took a scary fall in the second set (the grass courts are very slippery on the early days of play) and grimaced in pain as trainers and her opponent rushed to her aid. She eventually returned after being treated by a doctor and with her right leg wrapped, finished the match. Still, one has to wonder how serious her injury is and how it will impact her play for the rest of the tournament. #5 seed Sara Errani was upset by young M. Puig. Wozniacki, Ivanovic and Kvitova also advanced on the women’s side today.
So now, I have to raise the issue…the GOAT. John McEnroe earlier today before play began was on the verge of abandoning his loyalty to Roger Federer as being the GOAT and ready to proclaim Rafael Nadal the GOAT. Um…wonder how he is feeling right now? Seriously, Rafa is the greatest clay court player ever. But, he has only won two Wimbledon titles, and eight of his 12 majors are on clay. He does have an Olympic gold medal (Federer only has a silver). Now, he clearly struggles with his knees due to his style of play. He is a clay court specialist and has had success on other surfaces. But, Federer has seven Wimbledon titles, five US Open titles, four Australian titles and one French Open title. Had he not played in the era of Nadal’s dominance on clay, how many French Open titles might Roger hold as well? He lost at least four finals at the French Open to Nadal. Also, Federer has won the ATP year end title a record five times. So, I have to say, in my completely Fed fanatic biased opinion, Federer is the GOAT! No disrespect to Rafa, but Fed is the greatest!
