Why Can Wimbledon Thank Roland Garros?
Roland Garros
June 14, 2021
Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic had a fantastic Roland Garros and Jo Konta didn’t.
Both these indisputable facts have interesting implications as we turn to the best event on the tennis calendar.
Both will make Wimbledon 2021 unmissable.
The most fascinating consequence of Novak’s comeback victory against Stefanos Tsitsipas is the impact it has on the overall Grand Slam title count.
Regular readers of WDH blogs will know we saw this situation coming even before the marvellous Roland Garros final.
Now everybody is talking about it. Djokovic goes to Wimbledon boasting 19 Slams whilst Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal already have 20.
Wimbledon and history have always gone together. But Wimbledon 2021 will be special.
If Djokovic defends his title successfully, the action at the All England Club will create the most dramatic situation imaginable.
Novak will join Roger and Rafa on 20 Slams. The three greatest players the tennis world has ever seen, neck-and-neck as history beckons.
Of course, Federer and Nadal will go all out to prevent that happening and take instead an outright lead.
The most enduring sports race of all time could peak for drama at Wimbledon 2021.
Then it could be over for Federer. It’s now or never. For Roger and those who love to watch his grace and artistry.
Meanwhile Konta’s disappointing Roland Garros turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
She was knocked out in the first round and switched early to the grass.
What happened next in Nottingham was extraordinary.
Suddenly we saw the old Jo Konta beating all before her.
She won the Nottingham final in style by beating Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-1.
A resounding victory from a British favourite rediscovering her talent.
Konta is very much a confidence player who thrives on crowd support.
She’ll get plenty of that on Centre Court and No1 Court too.
The 2017 Wimbledon semi-finalist could easily go deep in this unique year for the Championships.
Remember no big names thrived among the women at Roland Garros. That opens the door for Jo in London.
The energy between crowd and players will have a special intimacy.
British supporters will also be cheering the great Andy Murray to the rafters. His probable farewell will be emotional and unforgettable.
Murray may feel he can’t play beyond this year. Serena Williams could be in the same boat.
Who wouldn’t want to see them before it is too late?
At least Serena will feel fresh after her relatively early Roland Garros exit.
Meanwhile this French Open gave Wimbledon fans two more treasures to contemplate.
Unsung British hero Joe Salisbury won the mixed doubles. So why shouldn’t he win Wimbledon too?
And of course the Parisian clay saw the further emergence of Stefanos Tsitsipas.
He was two sets up in the Roland Garros final against Djokovic before he succumbed 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, 3-6, 2-6, 4-6.
‘I learned that you have to win three sets, that winning two is nothing,’ said a sombre Stefanos afterwards.
Obvious, but something you don’t truly grasp until you lose a five-setter like that – which he had never done before.
Tsitsipas now has the stature of a massive tennis superstar thanks to Roland Garros.
He will have fans going wild around him at Wimbledon 2021. The tournament will be richer for his rise.
So Wimbledon has plenty of reasons to thank Roland Garros.
Now everything is poised perfectly and the most glamorous tournament is barely a fortnight away..
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