The realm of tennis has had to pause and reevaluate its standing due to some shocking developments in recent times. The era, which was slowly inching towards its conclusion, has suddenly sped up to face an imminent end, planting a seed of doubt about the presence of three giant figures of the sport in the forthcoming Wimbledon. For the past two decades, the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafa Nadal have predominantly lorded over the tournament.
Federer brought down the curtains on his illustrious career in 2022 at the ripe age of 41, having grappled with a knee issue for a long two years. Nadal, on the other hand, withdrew from the French Open last year citing a persistent hip problem and went on record saying that he envisions 2024 as his swansong year.
Nadal tasted defeat in his concluding match at Roland Garros recently. He succumbed in the initial round to fourth-seeded Alexander Zverev in a fierce matchup. His intention is to participate in the Olympics while his participation in Wimbledon seems improbable. Wimbledon, the tournament he clinched in 2008 and 2010, is set to kick off in early July. The Olympic tennis event commences on 27th July. Interestingly, Nadal has expressed doubts over the wisdom of playing on the London turf.
In further startling news, Djokovic was recently operated in Paris for a right meniscus injury, leading him to pull out of the French Open. The world’s top-ranked player, Djokovic has a magnetic aura that adds an aspect of glamour to any tournament and his absence at Wimbledon would certainly be felt.
One elusive trophy in Djokovic’s glittering career remains the Olympic gold medal. He has consistently expressed his desire of conquering the Paris Olympic Games as a priority this year.
No participation from Djokovic in Wimbledon seems plausible at the moment. If that is the case, it will be the first instance of a tournament since 1998 that hasn’t featured either of Federer, Nadal, or Djokovic in the main draw. Moreover, it will only be the second occasion in the last twenty years that none among the triumvirate have made it to the final or emerged victorious in Wimbledon. The only time such an incident occurred was back in 2003, when Federer clinched his first of five successive titles, and later in 2016 when Andy Murray triumphed over Milos Raonic in the ultimate showdown.
Competition in sports adds an exciting element of suspense and many argue that tennis has benefitted more from the trio of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic than from the epoch of Connors, Borg, and McEnroe. With 24 titles to Djokovic, 22 to Federer and 20 to Nadal, these three have dominated the Grand Slam tournaments for the past twenty years. In contrast, Borg, McEnroe and Connors, who only clinched 26 Grand Slam titles collectively, with Borg retiring at 26 and casually glossing over the Australian Open – which contribute ten victories to Djokovic’s tally.
Each contributing 66 Grand Slam titles, Djokovic, Federer and Nadal also brought their unique personalities to the competitions. With Nadal as the unpretentious warrior, Djokovic’s athleticism and calm, and Federer’s nonchalant and tranquil disposition, they have consistently dominated the game without deviating from their typical selves.
Grand Slam champion, Mats Willander, once stated that to comprehend Federer, it’s best to observe him in-between points. His way of reaching into the plastic to grip the new racket handle and offering it to one of the young spectators to remove the cover every nine games symbolised fresh beginnings. Nadal’s meticulous arrangement of his water bottles and Djokovic’s penchant for engaging with the crowd were also noteworthy.
The impact that these contemporary players had on the sport of tennis might not be the same as those of the 70s and 80s. The Connors and Evert pairing garnered ‘golden pair’ attention, Borg’s rockstar appeal and McEnroe’s rebellious spirit and chaos creating narrative, all drew considerable fascination beyond the tennis court.
Unlike the rebellious figures of the old era, Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, are noted for their profound respect towards the audience, the sport, and its age-old traditions.
Wimbledon this year presents an opportunity to introduce fresh faces to spectators, especially those who engage with the sport for only a fortnight annually. Remembering the names could pose a dilemma with Hubert Hurkacz positioned at number eight globally, followed by Casper Ruud at seven and Jannik Sinner at two. Names such as Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton and Ugo Humbert may be ranked within the top 20, but lack widespread recognition.
The men’s tournament is expected to undergo a transformation. Players like Alcaraz, currently ranked third, and Sinner are stepping up to the forefront from their secondary roles. It remains possible to establish a new ‘big three’, albeit without the extensive accomplishments boasted by the Swiss, Spaniard and Serb titans. Hence, the recent contemplative pause in the game and the need for a metaphorical bracing drink.