An ode to the last of the legendary tennis troika

WHEN Novak Djokovic came back from a set down to beat Alex de Minaur to reach the quarter final in Wimbledon on the Centre Court, he acknowledged the presence of Roger Federer in the Royal box.

- RAJESH HEGDE

He also broke the jinx of losing earlier when Roger was in the stands! Between the two of them, they have won 15 Wimbledon championships, with Federer leading, 8-7. Nadal completes the tennis troika, which has been dominating tennisfor nearly two decades, raising the bar of excellence every time they have competed against each other. After the iconic 5-set final that Borg won against McEnroe in 1980, it was the turn of Nadal to beat Federer in a pulsating five-setter in 2008. Djokovic had the last laugh against Roger in 2019 to beat him in a five-setter.

Now, with Federer and Nadal retired, Novak Djokovic stands alone-the last man standing from this iconic troika to have a possible semifinal against Sinner, who is currently ranked No. 1. Djokovic's resilience, adaptability, and relentless mental strength have allowed him to outlast his peers. While Federer mesmerized with grace and Nadal inspired with ferocity, Djokovic embodies endurance and tactical mastery. His survival marks not just a personal triumph but the closing chapter of one of tennis's most extraordinary epochs.

From Lightning Grass to Grinding Baselines

Wimbledon's grass courts, once famed for blistering speed and low bounce, have undergone a subtle but decisive transformation. Changes in grass density, soil compaction, and maintenance have slowed the courts and produced a higher, more consistent bounce. These adjustments extend the grass's durability but have fundamentally altered the style of play.

The All-England Club's decision aimed to prolong the courts' life during the fortnight, reduce unpredictable bounces, and accommodate the modern game's physical demands. The result favours baseline rallies over the lightning-fast courts that once rewarded serve-and-volley specialists. To grasp Wimbledon's transformation, consider these key statistics:

Tennis Evolution or Lost Flair?