5 Intense Questions that Wimbledon 2015 will Answer
By Shyam
Jun 7, 2015; Paris, France; Novak Djokovic (SRB) receives his finalist trophy from FFT president Jean Gachassin (R) after his match against Stan Wawrinka (SUI) on day 15 of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
1. Can Novak Djokovic stand-up from his Roland Garros disappointment?
Novak Djokovic comes into Wimbledon 2015 on the back of arguably his toughest loss in his career. Stan Wawrinka denied him a place in Tennis History as the Serb faded against the Swiss in the French Open Final 3 weeks back. Djokovic, who managed to shake the monkey of his back by demolishing Rafa in the QF (0-6 against Rafa prior to that match), was left standing as Wawrinka produced some ruthless power tennis to knock the World No.1 in 4 sets.
The Serb finds himself in a similar situation like 2011. He was denied by another Swiss Roger Federer at the 2011 Roland Garros (ending the Serb’s 43 match unbeaten run). But Novak came roaring back at SW 19 winning his 1st Wimbledon title and in the process becoming World No.1 for the 1st time in his career.
In 2015, the patterns are similar as Nole 2.0 was simply outstanding in the first half of the season as he won his 5th Aus Open title (Open-Era Record) and followed it up by becoming the 1st man to win the opening 3 masters titles (Indian Wells, Miami & Monte Carlo). He just seemed unstoppable prior to the French Open.
The question now is how will Nole comeback? Will the defeat to Stan haunt him or can he roar back into form? He has made the Wimbledon finals thrice in the last 4 years (winning in 2011 & 2014; losing to Andy in 2013). Novak is perched at the top of the ATP rankings and will look for redemption at this year’s championships. He will also try to become the 1st man since Federer in 2007 to retain the title. An annoyed Serbinator is expected to come out all guns blazing!
DRAWMETER – (14) Kevin Anderson (4R), (9) Marin Cilic / (5) Kei Nishikori (QF), (4) Stan Wawrinka / (7) Milos Raonic (SF), (2) Roger Federer / (3) Andy Murray / (10) Rafael Nadal (Finals)
PREDICTION – SEMIFINALS (Djokovic will fail to exorcise his demons as he loses to Wawrinka again).
STATSMETER – Novak Djokovic (SRB)
- Novak is 41-3 this season (winning the Aus Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo & Rome). He was on a 28 match streak prior to the French Open final loss.
- Novak’s career win-loss record on grass: 60-15 (80%). His record at Wimbledon: 45-8 (85%); champion in 2011 and 2014.
- Novak is on a 24 consecutive QF streak in majors (2nd best to Federer’s 36 in the Open-Era). He faces Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) in the 1R. Ironically, the German was the last man to beat Novak before the QF (2009 French Open; 3R).
- Djokovic is now 8-8 in slam finals (only 50%) after his loss to Wawrinka. Only Lendl has an inferior record than him (8-11). Also Novak is 3-6 in major finals since Aus Open 2012.
Next: Roger Federer