“Even the flowers are perfect.” That’s the kind of comment I heard at Wimbledon this week. It’s hard to find fault with the most traditional tennis tournament in the world. Purple hydrangeas are stunning and color the complex. Strawberries with cream, a typical dessert, are delicious. Thousands of people travel daily to watch games on 18 courts, and the organization is practically impeccable.
When it rains (of course, it’s London) and a match has to be interrupted, everyone waits patiently. Volunteers, security and attendants are friendly and polite. Being at Wimbledon is such a unique experience that many sleep in line to try to buy leftover tickets the next day. Anyone who gets a ticket has the privilege of seeing the best tennis players on the planet up close.
Of course, in times of war and pandemic, not everything is 100% usual. This edition does not have Russians and Belarusians, banned because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The men’s world number one, Russian Daniil Medvedev, was unable to compete.
Marin Cilic and the 2021 runner-up, Matteo Berrettini, did not even debut because they tested positive for Covid-19. As Alexander Zverev recovers from surgery and Rafael Nadal, with a chronic foot injury, competes in the sacrifice, the way is open for Serbian Novak Djokovic to attempt his seventh career Wimbledon title.
Among Brazilians, Beatriz Haddad Maia arrived with prestige in the singles dispute. Last month, the 26-year-old from São Paulo won two preparatory grass tournaments, the WTA 250 in Nottingham and the one in Birmingham, and advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 500 in Eastbourne. But Bia ended up falling in the London debut for Slovenian Kaja Juvan.
Grand Slam stuff. The early elimination doesn’t erase the impressive campaign of the last few months that put her in the top 30 of the world rankings. Besides her, Bruno Soares, Marcelo Melo and Rafael Matos are still in the tournament with their respective teams. Bia and Bruno compete together in mixed doubles.
Some stars have already fallen by the wayside this first week. At almost 41 years of age and practically without playing since June last year due to injury, American Serena Williams could not resist more than three hours of match against French Harmony Tan and was eliminated in the first round.
On the same center court, Andy Murray gave a lesson in immense determination. The former world number one and two-time Wimbledon champion in 2013 and 2016 has suffered from physical limitations for years and lost in the second round to American John Isner. The 35-year-old Scotsman should play as long as his body allows, and as retirement always seems imminent, getting to see him on the court is a great fortune for anyone coming to competition.
The same can be said about Nadal, much to the sadness of tennis fans. The 36-year-old Spaniard walked out of Roland Garros on crutches determined to play Wimbledon no matter what. I saw him play this week in the main arena. By defeating Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis in a match that lasted more than three hours and was still interrupted by rain, he had the humility to say in the interview on the court that “every day is an opportunity to improve”.
It’s sad, but real, to see that we don’t know how long one of the all-time greats will remain on the circuit. Wimbledon ends on the 10th and it really is a tournament to be admired: from details, like flowers, to the achievements of the great champions.
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