The Scotsman

FIVE TALKING POINTS AT THE ALL ENGLAND CLUB

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Changing of the guard overdue Since Lleyton Hewitt’s win in 2002, the subsequent 16 men’s singles titles have been won by Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray, and it is not a strangleho­ld likely to end this year. Murray may be missing but the “big three” remain the ones to beat. The younger generation of Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Denis Shapovalov, Karen Khachanov, and Daniil Medvedev need to raise their game or watch a familiar face lift the trophy on 14 July. Murray’s back, but not as we know him When Murray broke down in tears at the Australian Open, fearing his career was close to being ended through injury, the chances of seeing the two-time Wimbledon champion back at the All England Club looked remote to say the least. But five months and one hip operation later, Murray will be competing in the doubles alongside Pierre-hugues Herbert, pictured. The spotlight will be on the men’s doubles like never before, especially if he meets brother Jamie along the way. Andy needs a female partner to play mixed doubles with, but has yet to find one. World No 1 Ashleigh Barty turned him down, although he has since been inundated with offers and Serena Williams has hinted she would be keen. Watch this space! Raising the bar Since the turn of the century only Williams (twice) has doubled up by winning the French Open women’s singles title and then triumphing at Wimbledon. Barty was a surprise winner at Roland Garros, claiming her first grand-slam crown, yet the Australian is widely considered to have a game more suited to grass than the clay of Paris. The 23-year-old, who quit tennis to play cricket in 2014, will be a major threat.

 ??  ?? 2 Johanna Konta serves during a practice session yesterday. Left, she hugs opponent Marketa Vondrousov­a after her French Open semi-final defeat in Paris last month.
2 Johanna Konta serves during a practice session yesterday. Left, she hugs opponent Marketa Vondrousov­a after her French Open semi-final defeat in Paris last month.
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