Wimbledon 2013: Surprise, Shock and Awe

The preeminent tennis tournament in the world has always been known for its biggest surprises. A 77-year drought was ended and a new women's Grand Slam champion was crowned, not something you see every year in London. At the same time, enormous upsets marred the grass courts, where big names in the world of tennis literally ‘slipped’ their way out of the tournament. Altogether entertaining, awe-striking and bizarre were the proceedings this year and will continue to be remembered through Wimbledon’s history.  

Andy Murray: Champion 2013

The title by Andy Murray was the first Wimbledon won by a Brit since Fred Perry in 1936. After coming two sets short in 2012 against Roger Federer, this time the Scot was able to hoist the trophy after knocking off No. 1seed Novak Djokovic, beating him at straight sets, 6-4 7-5 6-4.

Astonishingly French veteran, Marion Bartoli, who missed out in 2007, when she lost to Venus Williams, however, her emphatic win at a mistake-filled final at the championships this year against Sabine Lisicki, allowed her to set her record straight (6-1 6-4). "I dreamed about this moment for so long," Bartoli said during her on-court interview.

The clash lived up to its ticket value as the two top seeds exchanged some excellent baseline rallies as the mercury hit 30 degrees. However, the home crowd support elevated temperatures to another level.

Marion Bartoli: Women's Champion

"That was one of the toughest moments. The final encounter was an unbelievably tough match," Murray said in a courtside interview after lifting the trophy. “I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon and I hope everyone enjoyed it,” were Murray’s comments for the thunderous support he had at the finals.

Surprisingly, the title being won by a man at tennis’s highest spectacle seemed to have given respite to Great Britain as media reports poured in after Murray’s Grand Slam victory. 

The question arises that have Britain forgotten that three women of British nationality had won the tournament after the infamous Fred Perry, with Virginia Wade winning the title last in 1977?

Six-time grand slam champion Djokovic, who will retain his world number one ranking despite the loss, was gracious in defeat when he said, “I know what it means to you guys in the whole country so well done. I gave it my all and it was an honour to be in this match, in this final. Congratulations to Andy you absolutely deserved it, you played incredibly.”

Some of the lows this year, however, blew fans out of proportion. 

Roger Federer, after his lost to the Ukranian

As many as seven former World No.1’s were bundled out of the event this year. Apart from the shock losses of defending champion Roger Federer (ranked 116th in the world, Ukrainian, Sergiy Stakhovsky pulled up the biggest upset in Wimbledon’s history by knocking the champion in a classic four setter), Rafael Nadal (first ever opening round loss to Steve Darcis in straight sets) and Lleyton Hewitt. The women’s side lost Russian diva Maria Sharapova, Serbian star Ana Ivanovic, the Dane Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic and double major victor Victoria Azarenka.

First ever opening round exit: Rafael Nadal

The shock of all shocks hit London when 16 times Grand Slam champ, Serena Williams was ousted by German newbie Sabine Lisicki, who displayed some stunning aggressive fore-hand tennis and a bazooka serve to silence the crowd and place her name in Wimbledon’s history by reaching the semi-finals and emerging runner-up at the competition.

At the close of the tournament, it is but clear that that is how the fortune cookie crumbles; to be a champion you need to play well every time or at least play well on important points.