TIMEOUTCAN BENEFITANDY

TENNIS

NOVAK DJOKOVIC will be the “big loser” from the Wimbledon’s cancellation says Mats Wilander.

But injured stars such as Andy Murray will benefit from the shutdown because “everyone will start from zero”.

World No.1 Djokovic has won all 18 matches this year while lifting ATP Cup, the Australian Open and the Dubai Open.

The Serb, who has won 17 Grand Slam titles, was a contender to take the calendar Grand Slam and equal Roger Federer’s male record of 20 Major titles this year.

But now Wimbledon is off and the US Open is also in serious doubt.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Wilander told L’Equipe: “The big loser is Djokovic. The virus has stopped his momentum.

“It’s also a loss of time for all the guys pushing behind the Big Three. Guys like Denis Shapovalov, Stefanos Tsitsipas or Felix Auger-Aliassime will grow up really playing matches.

“When you are young, training doesn’t really

BY NEIL McLEMAN interest you. You don’t want to spend four hours doing backhands. You want to play matches.

“The only players who can take positives out of the situation are those who came back injured from Australia. When play begins again everyone will start from zero.”

Murray, 33 next month, has not played since the Davis Cup in November and missed a return to the Australian Open because of a pelvic strain. Like Federer he stated he planned to return to the Championships in 2021.

Martina Navratilova claimed the lay-off will particularly affect players at the start and end of their careers.

The nine-time Wimbledon singles champion said: “Young players will miss the chance to really improve by facing higher-ranked players. For the older ones, like Federer or Serena Williams, time is not their friend – they lose a year.”