A week into Wimbledon, and Roger Federer and Andy Murray have both looked like the genuine contenders most hoped they would be, and the safest bet is that we probably will see a repeat of the US Open final in SW19. Of the other protagonists, Lleyton Hewitt looks a very interesting prospect. At the age of 28, and with his last Grand Slam title coming back in 2002 (at Wimbledon), success here now would be a surprise. But unlike Federer and Murray, Hewitt has not yet dropped a set - not even in his victory over world number five Juan Martin Del Potro. So watch out for the Australian known as 'Rusty', who could well shed the implications of that nickname next week. As for the women, it is very hard to see past the Williams sisters. They have of course dominated Wimbledon in the 21st century, and who else is really going to challenge? It's nice to see Ana Ivanovic finding some form again, but Venus or Serena would brush her aside on the evidence so far.
The latest edition of Summer Scores brought up those old anti-Murray sentiments again, and I continue to fight his corner. I sense those critics of his alleged anti-Englishness are slowly coming around! The problem facing British tennis may be a more pertinent issue, but it is very much a case of 'wait and see'. The Lawn Tennis Association have increased the number of youngsters playing the sport, but will one or more of them be a future star? Certainly we need to lower our expectations at Grand Slams for now, and allow the likes of Anne Keothavong to build some confidence. She may have a few surprises left in her, and of course the likes of Laura Robson offer huge hope for women's tennis in this country. But a very interesting point that was raised several times is that tennis is just too elitist, and until that changes the talent pool is being unnecessarily restricted.
The problem of grunting (or make that screaming) in tennis has come to the fore this week. It seems almost comical to discuss the sounds players make when they hit the ball, but is it not time to end this gamesmanship and make tennis a little easier on the ear? I went along to Wimbledon on Thursday, and by and large had a great time. But when you have the misfortune of watching a match during which every forehand, backhand and serve is accompanied by an outcry, it is off-putting! So imagine what it is like for the opponents who don't subscribe to such tactics? Some suggest it is a way of channeling the energy of a shot. That argument is dubious to say the least, as some of the world's best players are silent assasins, particularly on the men's side. Dock points for making too much noise, and the screaming will soon drop. I doubt the quality of the tennis will.
Until next time,
Alex.