Anderson-Isner semi showed it’s now time for a fifth-set tie break
The Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final should be the pinnacle of the sport. But sadly I believe today’s tournament climax has been compromised by what happened on Friday.
The incredible six-and-a-half hour semi-final between Kevin Anderson and John Isner can only have a knock-on effect. That match was amazing, but it merely confirmed my long-held belief that there should be a fifth-set tie break at Wimbledon.
The traditionalists hate the idea, but there has to be a realistic approach. Wimbledon and the other Grand Slams should follow the example of the US Open.
I don’t believe the excitement for spectators would be lessened – in fact, I think the opposite. Knowing a tie-break is looming would only ramp up the atmosphere.
It was totally unfair on Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to be hanging around until mid-evening before taking to the court. How could they prepare properly for their semi-final, not knowing what time they might get on court?
I have campaigned for a fifth set tie-break ever since John Isner’s previous, absurd marathon against Nicolas Mahut, which lasted more than 11 hours. Who wants to sit watching the same two players for that long?
Wimbledon have to remember that it is television that finances the sport. TV schedules around the world were completely screwed up on Friday.
Everybody loves to see closelyfought matches, but some sort of limit has to be set. I feel a final set tie-break at eight games all would satisfy everybody.
You have to feel for Kevin Anderson. It would be astonishing if he is not a physical wreck after his last two matches.
Even if Anderson had cruised through his semi-final in straight sets, and was in peak condition, I would have to make him second favourite for the title today.
Anderson has done brilliantly, but I don’t put him in the same class as Novak Djokovic.
The Serb looks back to his best form, and more importantly looks really hungry to win a Major again.
That is what has been lacking for the last two years. Djokovic lost his ‘mojo’.
Now he has it back in spades, and I make him clear favourite for win a fourth Wimbledon title.
Djokovic’s semi-final victory over Nadal ranks up there with the best of their 52 career battles. It was a magnificent match.
I don’t think the physical exertion will have done any damage to Novak’s chances – but the mental and emotional stress of such a tight five-setter might leave him short of nervous energy.
I look back to1980 when I was married to Chris Evert. She won a massive semi-final against Martina Navratilova, the only time she beat Martina at Wimbledon. Chrissie was on such a high after that win, she used up all her nervous energy re-living the moment. Next day, she was mentally as flat as a pancake, and lost the Final to Yvonne Cawley.
The danger for Novak is that he will do the same. Before Wimbledon began, I don’t think Djokovic epected to be at this level so soon in his resurgence.
He has to be careful not to get ahead of himself. The Serb appeared very emotional after beating Rafa.
Djokovic needs to be fully grounded before he takes to the court today. However, if his adrenaline levels are back to normal, I make Djokovic clear favourite to lift his first Grand Slam trophy for two years.