#SmashTalk: The Wimbledon shakedown

Published by Paul Moore, Matt Trollope and Leigh Rogers

Day Thirteen: The Championships - Wimbledon 2016

Wimbledon saw Andy Murray reign as King, Milos Raonic make a major breakthrough and Serena Williams etch her name into the record books once again. What does it all mean? Our editorial panel discuss – do you agree? Let us know on Twitter and Facebook.

With Novak Djokovic’s surprise loss at Wimbledon, Roger Federer’s increasingly injury prone body and Rafael Nadal’s continued absence, is Andy Murray firming as the player set to dominate the men’s game in the coming months?
Vivienne Christie: It seems an obvious development that Murray will be the one to step up now to win multiple majors. Maybe too obvious? While taking absolutely nothing away from the emphatic way that the Scot withstood immense pressure (especially of his own creation) to claim his third Grand Slam, Murray is also measured by the eight major finals he lost. Those opportunities are torturously hard to create. Clearly, the world No.2 is a deserving champion. But one loss doesn’t diminish Novak, and we’re starting to welcome the next generation.

Paul Moore: In a word, no. While Novak Djokovic was far from his best at Wimbledon, it’s premature to write him off at this stage. Sam Querrey was always going to be a dangerous opponent, and an ‘off’ day coupled with a mountain to climb put paid to the World No.1s Golden Slam chances. Will he come back stronger? Undoubtedly. Will he win Olympic Gold and the US Open? Almost certainly.

Leigh Rogers: Murray is a deserving Wimbledon champion – but Novak Djokovic is still the world No.1 and the one to beat in men’s tennis. The Serb’s early loss at the All England Club certainly was a shock – but it might actually do him more good than harm in the long run. If his hunger was fading after finally clinching that elusive French Open crown, the Wimbledon disappointment might be just what he needed to reignite his focus and desire. That could be dangerous for the rest of the field, Murray included.

Matt Trollope: These certainly appear to be changing times in the men’s game. It’s hard to write Novak off after just one loss – uncharacteristic as it was – but there’s no doubt his bubble of invincibility was popped when he exited limply to Querrey at Wimbledon. Rafa’s body continues to fail him and that’s unlikely change as he ages, and after watching Federer this year I’m not convinced he’ll ever win another major. That leaves the door open for an increasingly consistent and potent Murray – now a perfect 12-from-12 match wins since reuniting with Ivan Lendl – to wrack up more Slam titles. With his brimming confidence and solidity under pressure, there’s no reason why he can’t do so in what is career-best form. Plus, he thrives on hard courts even more than grass. A US Open title is a distinct possibility.

After reaching his first major final at Wimbledon, Is Milos Raonic destined to become a Grand Slam champion?
PM: Yes. But I think there’s a difference between someone winning a Slam here or there, and someone scooping a bunch of them. Milos, I believe, will fall into the former category. Yes his game has come on leaps and bounds, but he’s not of the calibre of the likes of Djokovic and Murray, who will block his way for the next few years (at least). As such, he might pinch a Slam here or there, but it’s hard to see him notching up a quiver of them.

RELATED: The Wimbledon 2016 ‘Best’ awards

VC: That Milos Raonic has the ability to win a Grand Slam title is not in doubt. I sense that his two five-set Wimbledon wins (over David Goffin in the fourth round and Roger Federer in the semis) are career changing. And the Canadian has declared “he’ll leave no stone unturned” to raise his standard to the required level. My only query? Milos is not the only man with such growing potential. A lot may come down to luck, and who steps up to take their chances.

LR: Raonic has the game to become a Grand Slam champion and his improved consistency this season (he is currently No.3 on the ATP Race to London) makes him a legitimate challenger. He’s pulling out all stops to improve too, as his association with John McEnroe for the grasscourt season proved. In an era currently being dominated by Novak Djokovic, it’s not easy to win Grand Slams – just ask Andy Murray. Yet Raonic is still only 25, so I think his time will come. Let’s not forget Andy Murray was the same age when he won his first Grand Slam title.

MT: I find it hard to think not. Raonic has enjoyed such steady progress over the years – his gains have been consistent and unrelenting. In his first slam semi, he was dismissed easily. In his second, he nearly beat Murray before injury intervened. He won his third. If he continues to build and put himself in such advantageous positions – coupled with his steely focus, drive and determination – a major title seems the next logical step.

Now that Serena Williams has released herself of the burden of levelling Steffi Graf’s Open-era record of 22 slam titles, will this see her swing more freely and scoop even more major titles?
VC: Yes, it will. It was Old School Serena who made history with her seventh Wimbledon title. There was her renowned power, unwavering composure and a reminder of just how much she loves winning. At age 34, Serena dropped just a single set at the 2016 Championships and even combined with Venus to win her sixth doubles. Make no mistake: Ms Williams is back in her Grand Slam groove.

PM: Perhaps, but probably not. There seems to be a tendency with Serena to produce reasons when she loses – particularly in a Slam. And while overwhelming pressure certainly put paid to her US Open chances, she was simply beaten by a better player on the day at both the Australian and the French. Will she win more Slams? Almost certainly. Does this win free her up? I think that does a disservice to two or three other players who no longer view Serena as an unbeatable opponent.

LR: The world No.1 boasts five titles, two finals and a semifinal from her past eight majors, which has been the most consistent period of her long career, so it’s hard to imagine her not adding to her Grand Slam haul. Her form at Wimbledon – winning both singles and doubles titles – was super impressive and removing the pressure of equalling Steffi Graf’s title record will only help her play more freely. Reaching Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 titles is definitely achievable.

MT: The ageless Serena appears as fit and dialled-in as she’s ever been following her latest Wimbledon triumph. And we may see happen what she did when she levelled Navratilova and Evert on 18 major titles – she went on a tear and pushed her tally up to 21 pretty quickly. After getting stuck on that mark for a year before finally winning her 22nd, I wouldn’t be surprised if she went on a similar run. Soon to turn 35, she’s still unrivalled in the women’s game when she’s at her peak.

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