Wimbledon so far is getting less attention that usual. This is partly because it is coinciding with other events such as the Cricket World Cup, the Women’s Football World Cup and Sky Sports’ substitute for action on the field, its feverish coverage of football’s transfer market. It’s also because, without Andy Murray in the Singles, we are reduced again to the old speculation: will any British player reach the second week of the Men’s Singles?
There’s also a certain weariness about the Men’s game. Federer, Nadal and Djokovic are marvellous players all of them – yes, of course, undeniable. But isn’t it time for a Changing of the Guard? Add in Murray with his two titles and nobody else has won the title since Lleyton Hewitt in 2002. (Hewitt, now Australia’s Davis Cup captain, is still playing in the Doubles, and, partnered by Jordan Thompson, won his first round match on Wednesday.) Of course, predictions are rash, and it may be that, between this column being written and read, Nadal will have lost to the talented but tiresome Nick Kyrgios.
