Another day gone and another legend of the sport sits in their post match interview and for all the world to see has to admit that there is no guarantee of their return to SW19, however much they, the fans and the sport may need them to. After Serena on Tuesday it was Andy Murray yesterday who laid down the brutal reality. The Brit’s four set defeat showcased his fighting spirit and sublime defensive game, but the rare sight of an on-song John Isner will be enough to prevail, and so it proved.
Murray’s exit was preceded by that of US Open champion Emma Raducanu who continues to play a more tentative version of the game that won her that major. Self-doubt? a constant changing gameplan thanks to a merry-go-round of coaches? a resulting fear of losing after the predictable and relentless British media spotlight? an established opponent [for those actually in the know] who was just better on the day?
All of the above.
The headlines covered, there were plenty more stories to be had, not least the exits of women’s 2nd seed Kontaveit [as I predicted] and men’s 3rd seed and French Open finalist Ruud. Neither established on grass and prime examples of an inflated seeding – neither surprised me too much. More so the exits of former champ Muguruza and Vekic who thrive on the lawns.
Plain sailing elsewhere as Djokovic dismissed the on-paper threat of Kokkinakis, plus wins for Jabeur, Norrie, Pliskova, Kerber, Alcaraz, Ostapenko, Sakkari and Sinner.
Day 4 match picks
Boulter vs Pliskova [upset?]
Thompson vs Tsitsipas [upset?]
Krajinovic vs Kyrgios [fireworks]
Flipkens vs Halep [quality]
Bogdan vs Kvitova [fireworks]
Andreescu vs Rybakina [quality]
Cressy vs Sock [clash of styles]
McDonald vs Gasquet [backhand!]
All Things Tennis 