Americans brought modern history and drama to Wimbledon 2016 …Come and witness their heroics in 2018!
USA
August 9, 2016
Wimbledon has always been even more special when the Americans are on song. They add some extra fizz to the action – and you never know quite what’s coming.
American tennis players were at the centre of the biggest moments of modern history and drama during Wimbledon 2016 – and a certain American legend-turned-coach did OK too!
An American woman, Serena Williams came up with the biggest achievement possible – while an American man, Sam Querrey conjured with the biggest upset. An American coach, John McEnroe helped his player all the way to the men’s final. And an American youngster, Taylor Fritz showed what the future might hold.
Let’s start with Serena. She equalled the great Steffi Graf on 22 Grand Slams by beating Angelique Kerber in a pulsating final. Seven Wimbledon singles final victories are simply sensational – but she hadn’t finished there. Teaming up with her sister Venus, she took the women’s doubles title as well. How lucky we are to have witnessed the sparkle of the Williams sisters for so long.
Meanwhile another battling American, Sam Querrey, had already turned Wimbledon on its head by defeating the seemingly unbeatable Novak Djokovic in the third round. It may have taken Querrey two days after rain delays, but the achievement was immense and he went on to reach his first major quarter-final.
That’s where another American came into the story. John McEnroe had been teaching Milos Raonic a trick or two on grass since joining his coaching team. With Supermac adding fresh inspiration behind the scenes, Raonic took down not only Querrey but also the great Roger Federer in their semi-final.
The Canadian didn’t have enough left in the tank to threaten Britain’s Andy Murray in the final. But McEnroe had still coached Raonic to his first Grand Slam showpiece.
No wonder we Brits love you Americans. Your guys helped clear the way for Murray’s second Wimbledon title! Even big John Isner played his part by exhausting Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in that epic fifth set on Wimbledon’s middle Sunday, eventually won 19-17 by the Frenchman!
Earlier in the fortnight, there was also a much younger American on show – a man who might just win Wimbledon himself one day. At the time of writing, 18-year-old Taylor Fritz is still at something of a disadvantage, because his gangly frame hasn’t matured to full physical strength yet. But he certainly gave Stan Wawrinka a run for his money at Wimbledon 2016 – and even took a set off the former French and Australian Open winner. Fritz is going places – there’s no doubt about it. He has all the shots. The future for American tennis is bright! And that will be to Wimbledon’s advantage.
In 2016, the All England Club benefited from the glittering American presence – as it always does. More of the same next year please! Are you coming to watch the Americans create more modern history and drama at Wimbledon 2018?