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| "What does victory taste like? Ummm, like chicken." |
The imminent arrival of the new generation has been a constant drum beat this year, and rightfully so. Eugenie Bouchard, Grigor Dimitrov, Milos Raonic, Simona Halep and Co. have taken big steps towards unseating their older, more experienced foes. But as we learned at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and now Wimbledon, try as they might the “olds” aren’t ready to be wheeled off into the great tennis afterlife. I mean, there's no Hawk-Eye, Kader Nouni, or ball kids. IT'S COMPLETELY SELF-SERVE.
I learned a few more things over the last two weeks. Twenty-one to be exact:
1. Novak Djokovic and Petra Kvitova believe in their games – and themselves - again.
2. “Mental” was the buzzword this fortnight. And in the good way.
3. Roger Federer wasn’t too far off from winning another major, but it may have been his best chance.
4. Bouchard's lack of a Plan B was exposed by someone who played first-strike tennis better.
5. Maria Sharapova in the baller box – more tense than intense.
6. Rafael Nadal played better on the grass this year, but still far away from his best.
7. Serena Williams’ game is officially in free fall.
8. Venus Williams’ game is officially on the rise.
9. Andy Murray seems to be confused about his game. His final matches at the French Open and Wimbledon were pretty dodgy to say the least.
10. Grigor Dimitrov isn’t quite ready to win a major. He impressed for five matches but then stumbled when he had a nervy Nole in his sights.
11. Nick Kyrgios loves the big stage and he owned the best shot of the tourney.
12. Sara Errani loves a grass court only when she has to cover half of it.
13. A shot clock is in order.
14. Li Na lost her coach and most likely what was left of her confidence.
15. ALIZE CORNET WINS VINE FOREVER.
16. The AELTC is determined to keep Wimbledon white. How white does it need to be?
17. Boris Becker needs an upgrade on his SPF. Stat.
18. Time and again, when a baller is dealing with a serious, life-threatening illness, the tennis community comes together quickly with an outpouring of support. So it was for Vicky Duval.
19. At Roland Garros, the women’s game offered more quality matches than the men’s. Ditto for Wimbledon.
20. The addition of Boris Becker to Team Djokovic and Stefan Edberg to Team Federer were smart ones. The jury’s still out on Amelie Mauresmo and Team Murray (they're expected to make a decision on whether to continue the partnership past the grass-court season).
21. There’s no dominant lady baller on the WTA tour at the moment. Any takers?
[Photo(s) credit: Getty Images]
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