WIMBLEDON: Roger Federer says he is ‘surprised’ by a trio of top 10 players crashing out in the first round of the Wimbledon Championships.
Within the first 48 hours of the tournament Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem all crashed out. Three young players who have been tipped to be the next big movement in the sport to take over from the Big Four. After their losses, all three players had different explanations. Zverev attributed his to a lack of confidence at present, Tsitsipas blamed his recent preparations and Thiem said his downfall was linked to a brutal clay-court season.
“I think any seed that loses, any top 10 seed that loses in the first week, with 32 seeds, is on the more surprising side, I don’t care almost who the opponent is. It’s almost always going to be a bit of a story.” Said Federer.
“For that many guys to lose early, it’s just too many. But I guess it happens. Margins are slim.”
Federer himself experienced a scare. Fighting back from a set down to defeat Lloyd Harris in his opening match at The All England Club. The second seed blamed his early performance on his movement before coming through. Reaching the second round of the tournament for the 17th year in a row.
“I think this first week at Wimbledon really tests your different skill set and your nerves a little bit to that extent.” He explained.
“Let’s be honest, maybe also especially Sascha and Dominic, it’s not their favorite surface. So that they can struggle maybe is a little bit normal. Dominic did have a tough draw. So it can happen.”
With seeds six to eight out of the draw, the 37-year-old has some words of wisdom for the trio. Drawing upon his own personal experience. Known for his at times fiery temper on the court, he didn’t win his first major trophy until the age of 21.
“I just feel like when you lose at a tournament like Wimbledon, it means the world to you, super important, you’re so, so down, so sad, take two hours (to go to press) if you have to, take four hours, I don’t care. Go back, come back. I don’t know what you do. Take a super shower. Leave all the tears in the locker room. Once you come here, you feel like you get it done.”
Gracing his presence at Wimbledon for the 21st year in a row, Federer now has 96 wins to his name. The highest among active players. He is bidding to match Martina Navratilova by winning the tournament for a record ninth time.
