MIKE DICKSON’S

WIMBLEDON AWARDS

BIGGEST FAIL

the top 10 women’s seeds performed abysmally, only one of them making the fourth round. We are in a strange situation in women’s tennis — the depth down to around No 80 looks to have strengthened in recent years, but the quality at the very top end is historically weak.

BEST TALKER, WORST TALKER

A family affair split between the Williams sisters. Serena’s interviews were continually fascinating: open, honest, articulate, often amusing and inspirational. What a contrast to her 38-year-old sister, whose monosyllabic responses still compare unfavourably to those of an awkward teenager.

PUT A LID ON IT

With a roof coming on Court No 1 next year, it’s high time Wimbledon properly sorts out its usage policy, rather than relying on a vague protocol and the fall-back of the referee’s discretion. For example, how is it logical that a match can start in the open and finish under a roof, but not start under a roof and finish in the open?

MOST DISRUPTIVE

Gareth Southgate. Guiding England to the last four of the World Cup was always going to mean this tournament living in a large shadow. No Royal Box invite for you, Gareth.

UNDESERVING LOSER

Rafael Nadal single-handedly lifted the tournament by being one half of two brilliant matches in the second week. through no fault of his own he was consigned to playing in his least favourite conditions — indoors — and went back to Mallorca fuming.

MONEY TALKS

Chapeau to administrators for bringing in the smart new rule offering half the first-round prize-money to those making late withdrawals with injury. As a result only one player pulled out mid-match with an ailment, compared to eight last year.

WISE AFTER THE EVENT

Following the Kevin Anderson-John Isner marathon a lot of people talked about fifth-set tiebreaks as if they had been campaigning for them for years. they hadn’t, but this should focus minds on their overdue introduction — six chances to break serve is quite enough.

ABSENT FRIENDS

A hearteningly large array of doubles players and juniors did their best to make up for the lack of a British singles challenger in the second week. Whatever the Wimbledon hierarchy may think, the lack of a home player in the second week hurts the tournament. Don’t get too good at that commentary gig, Andy.

HEARTIEST SEND-OFF

American Jack Sock got himself a $5,000 (£3,800) fine for his blunt comment to opponent Matteo Berrettini as they shook hands at the net after he lost to the Italian in a stormy first-round match. Rather than offering the usual pleasantries, he said: ‘Your coach is a piece of s***, by the way.’