Djokovic aims to prove doubters wrong as Wimbledon gets under way

by Mick the Ram

The Wimbledon Championships, the oldest tennis tournament in the world and the only Grand Slam to be played on grass, has started in South West London.

After receiving surgery on an injured knee less than a month ago, it wasn’t expected that Novak Djokovic would be able to participate, but he has defied expectations and will begin his challenge to regain the title on his beloved Centre Court

The 24-time major champion has fought through many physical and mental issues to earn some of his biggest successes, but recovering enough to capture a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon crown at the age of 37, would arguably be his most impressive.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and recently named world number one Jannik Sinner are likely to be his biggest rivals in the men’s section, whilst in the women’s game it is hard to call, as proved by the fact that each of the past six singles champions won the title for the first time in their respective years.

One of Britain’s finest

There is no doubt that the Wimbledon fortnight, ranks alongside the Grand National, The Derby, the Cheltenham Festival, the FA Cup Final, and the British Grand Prix, as the most eagerly anticipated occasions on the UK’s sporting calendar.

The grass surface brings its own unique challenges, demanding different skills and strategies from players.

“Super-human” effort required

The remarkable Novak Djokovic knows just how special it is and possibly that is what acted as the extra motivation to get himself to a position where he is fit enough to play, just weeks after major knee surgery.

He will give it his best shot and even the defending champion Carlos Alcarez has called his rival “super-human” but it would take an astonishing display of fighting spirit and determination to even make it through to the final, but he certainly should not be discounted.

Defending champion fancied to retain crown

Most pundits are leaning towards Alcarez, who continues to impress greatly. It would be a major surprise if the immensely talented 21-year-old did not at least make the last two again and smart money has him retaining his title.

Anyone’s title in the women’s section

Choosing a winner in the ladies game is extremely tricky. Poland’s Iga Swiatek is excellent on most other surfaces, but simply cannot seem to adjust to grass.

American second seed Coco Gauff, lost in the first round last year and two other seeds: Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina can blow hot or cold.

British hope

That might open the door for Britain’s own Emma Raducanu who finally looks to have overcome her catalogue of injuries, which has included surgeries on both wrists and an ankle.

The 2021 US Open winner is playing with a smile on her face again and had remarked how “super special” this year is for her.