Top stars don’t care about ranking points

HAVING attended a fair few Wimbledon finals, men’s and women’s, here is a question you never hear asked on Centre Court, in the seconds after the winning point: how many ranking points do you get for that? Never heard it discussed in the press conference, either; or later, back in the press room. So while the absence of ranking points at Wimbledon this year may be an inconvenience to those down the pecking order, anyone with a genuine chance of winning will probably attend. And not just for the prize money, which is enormous. Because it is Wimbledon. Because it is a Grand Slam tournament. Because, if you prevail, your life changes. Endorsements become more valuable, yes, new sponsors begin forming a queue. But, more than that, you are now a champion, a Grand Slam winner, with a new status, previously the stuff of fantasy. This year’s Wimbledon winners will still fall to their knees in tear-streaked abandon, as always. They will jump for joy, as usual. They will take their prize and give their speech, all smiles, as before. Winning Wimbledon is like securing an Olympic gold medal. For some reason, there is a focus on the incidentals, like wealth and fame. But nobody ever got good at track cycling or modern pentathlon for the money. And nobody with a medal around their neck gets asked about their new kitchen. Cameron Norrie (below), the British No 1, fears Wimbledon will be like an exhibition tournament now the rankings points have gone and top players will skip it. With respect, it may feel that way to him. Norrie may be ranked 11 in the world, but he has never advanced beyond round three of any Grand Slam. So ranking points are a big deal. They are his prize. A player with a genuine chance of winning Wimbledon is playing for something a lot bigger. Prestige, glory. That hasn’t changed. The players that boycott won’t be missed. Naomi Osaka said she might not play because ranking points inspire her. Then again, she was knocked out in the first round at the French Open yesterday, where ranking points are on offer, so make of that what you will.