Wimbledon Smashtalk: Reflecting on highs and lows

A record-breaking eighth Wimbledon title for Roger Federer and a stunning performance from Garbine Muguruza to win her first – what a fortnight The Championships proved to be.

Our #Smashtalk team of Paul Moore, Vivienne Christie and Leigh Rogers share their highs and lows, and also look ahead to what might happen for the rest of the season in the hotly-contested battle for the No.1 rankings…

What was your Wimbledon highlight?

Paul Moore: While it’s hard to look past the feel-good factor of Roger’s 19th Grand Slam win, my personal highlight was Murray’s win over Fognini in the third round. It had every thing a good Wimbledon match needs: brilliant tennis, bucketfuls of drama, and a twilight finish. Magic!

READ MORE: Federer v Cilic match report

Vivienne Christie: The records. And one in particular as Roger Federer became the first man in history to win eight Wimbledon singles titles. A year ago, it was reasonable to question whether Roger Federer would be back at all. Now it’s more reasonable to question when – and not if – the history-making champion will be back to world No.1.

Leigh Rogers: Venus Williams’ run to the final. The 37-year-old did not get the fairy tale ending she craved but just to be back in the final was a momentous result. Overcoming emotional turmoil (remember she cried in press after her first round win when asked about the fatal car accident she was involved in the lead-up to the tournament) and her resilience under such pressure reiterated her champion qualities.

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What was your Wimbledon lowlight?

PM: Unfortunately, this one goes to Venus Williams. Her implosion in the second set of the final was as disappointing as it was surprising. After such an incredible first set – and amazing tournament – it was a disappointing way for the American to finish.

VC: Injuries. Seven health-related withdrawals first round  (six men, one woman) were followed by that horrific knee injury to Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the second round and the worrying news that Novak Djokovic’s elbow injury could lead to a longer-term absence.  And as Andy Murray, beset by a long-term hip complaint, limped out of a five-set semifinal, we were reminded of the huge physical toll that Grand Slam tennis can take.

LR: Aside from a high-quality opening set in the ladies’ singles, both the finals were underwhelming. Venus Williams’ fade out in the second set was baffling and difficult to watch, while the gentlemen’s singles final was anything but compelling (no offence to Federer’s brilliance).

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Three of the year’s four Grand Slams are now complete, so who do you think will finish as the year-end No.1s?

PM: If he plays a full schedule then it would be hard to argue against Roger Federer ending the year at the top. However, I think the reality is that Rafa will do it – he has the fitness, the momentum, and the proximity to the top spot.
On the women’s side, I think Pliskova is going to hold on to No.1 for the rest of the year now. Yes, she looked wobbly at Wimbledon, but she’s been the most consistent performer for months now.

VC: Given the form and injury challenges to Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, the year-end world No.1 ranking is almost certainly going to come down to Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Nadal has just 360 points to defend between now and the end of the season, while Federer has none at all. Hard to separate them, but I sense that Rafa will play more events.
It’s little more than an educated guess to surmise that Simona Halep – who has far fewer points that current No.1 Karolina Pliskova to defend in the coming months – will be the woman to emerge from a wildly turbulent season to claim the coveted top spot. But the ever-professional Halep responded to her French Open finals disappointment with a quarterfinal run at Wimbledon (albeit, where she surrendered No.1 with a loss to Jo Konta), pointing to some positive months ahead.

LR: It is now a question of when, not if, Andy Murray will lose his No.1 ranking. The Brit could be overtaken by Rafa as early as next month – and once the Spaniard gets there, I can’t see him being passed for the rest of the year. Grand Slam success means much more to Federer, and as we’ve seen this season, managing a light schedule is the best approach for him to take.
It has been an unpredictable year so far on the WTA Tour – but I think Karolina Pliskova can add a bit of stability at the top of the rankings. The Czech player is growing in confidence and a return to her favoured hard courts bodes well for her to establish her No.1 position.

Do you agree or disagree with our panel? Have your say on Facebook and Twitter using #SmashTalk.