Wimbledon talking points

1. Age is just a number Federer will turn 36 next month but having won his second grand slam title in six months, he shows no sign of slowing down. The Swiss has rested his body after taking the second half of last year off and then sitting out the clay-court season just gone to hit the summer fresh. Both moves have paid off and with two of his key rivals in Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray floundering, he may well have a few more majors in him yet. 2. Serena’s successors are coming Serena Williams’ absence was always going to open the door to the chasing pack. Muguruza, at 23, has won her second grand slam title and now looks primed finally to establish herself among the elite. The 20-year-old Jelena Ostapenko backed up her French Open triumph with a run to the quarterfinals and who could forget Johanna Konta, the new world No 4, who looks all the way a major champion of the future? It is clear a new crop of challengers is ready to emerge.

3. Give women equal billing on show courts

Midway through this tournament the age-old debate about scheduling resurfaced and maybe the time has come for Wimbledon to react. In the first seven days, when the men and women’s draw ran concurrently, 14 men’s matches were put on Centre Court, with only eight coming from the women’s draw. Wimbledon insists these are the marquee matches crowds pay to see, but none of the other grand slams show such gender bias.

4. Murray and Djokovic need a holiday

It is no coincidence that the two outstanding figures in the men’s game in the last two years are both crocked. Murray’s hip problem did for him against Sam Querrey and becomes the latest in a long line of ailments this year. Djokovic retired against Tomas Berdych with an elbow injury, which he said he has been suffering from for more than a year and a half. The US Open is only six weeks away, but for Murray and Djokovic there might be long-term gains to be taken from a short hiatus.

5. Konta really can win Wimbledon

Regular observers of Konta’s progress over the last two years have seen her become a genuine grand slam contender, but one big question remained unanswered: her form at Wimbledon. Konta had won only one match in five maindraw appearances prior to this year. Any doubts, however, have vanished. Konta has the serve, power and support to win Wimbledon. Next year she might get over the line