Djokovic edges out Rafa for my pick as Big Three have a final hurrah
Predicting the Men’s champion at Wimbledon this year is not straightforward. The event is more wide open than it has been for years.
I narrowly favour Novak Djokovic to defend his title, but I say that without too much confidence at this stage. I want to see how the Serb reacts to his set-back in the French Open.
I am told that Djokovic was so distressed by his Paris semi-final defeat, by Dominic Thiem, that he ‘disappeared’ for three days. Nobody knew where he was.
It was obviously a shock to the system, and I’m keen to discover if Novak can bounce back.
Djokovic went into the French Open as holder of three of the Grand Slam titles, so there is no question of his ability. He stamped his authority on the Wimbledon grass last year.
It’s the mental approach that is the key. Djokovic has gone walkabout before, and it took quite a while then for him to regain his focus. He dropped out of the top ten in the world rankings, and came into Wimbledon last year as the 12th seed.
I’m told Novak has been hitting the ball really well in practice, but the test will come when he is put under some pressure in the later rounds.
I am even more interested in watching Rafa Nadal this year. The Spaniard was simply incredible in winning his 12th French title.
Although he has won the title twice, Nadal’s Wimbledon results have been very unpredictable. He has lost to some very average opponents.
However, last year he only narrowly lost a fabulous
semi-final to Djokovic, and I feel Rafa might even go all the way this year. The improvement in Nadal’s play under the influence of coach Carlos Moya is impressive.
The stats are remarkable. Rafa is averaging 9mph more on his serve, while his returns are 3mph faster. That all means he can shorten the points. Also, the extra week between the French and Wimbledon makes a huge difference to Nadal.
The Spaniard is upset at the seedings. I don’t blame him. He is placed at No. 3, when he is No. 2 in the world rankings.
At least the way the draw has worked out, Rafa can still meet Djokovic in the final.
Of course, you can’t rule out Roger Federer. The eight-time winner is still in great shape, and it goes without saying that he knows how to win on grass.
Roger will be 38 in August. By coincidence, on the same day Felix Auger-Aliassime will be 19. The young Canadian has trained with Federer at his base in Dubai, and before too long may be the player to take on the mantle of the world’s best.
This year may be too soon. But I have no doubt that Auger-Aliassime will soon be winning Major titles. His game seems to have all the equipment needed, and the Canadian youngster has the temperament to match the skills.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, the young Greek, will win Grand Slam titles, I’m confident of that. But this year may be too early. He is a great prospect, but lacks experience on grass.
This may be the last year when the three legends at the top of the game hold off the younger challengers, but I’m backing them to hang on to power at this Wimbledon.