Muhammed Mustaqim looks ahead to the summer…
Over the years, tennis fans have witnessed some extraordinary games at one of the most prestigious and anticipated tournaments in sports – Wimbledon.
Of course, every athlete will endeavour to progress as far as they can during the London competition, but only a certain few will enjoy SW19 success.
The minnows will be intent on causing an upset to the big guns whilst others will endeavour to impress and reach the final. Currently, fans are treated to immaculate displays by elite players such as Switzerland’s Roger Federer, Spain’s Rafael Nadal and, of course, our very own Andy Murray, who became the first British player to win WimbledoN since Fred Perry in 2013.
However, a lot of the attention will also be concentrated around a certain Serbian: Novak Djokovic, An individual who is considered to be among the greats, as well as being a fan favourite due to his likeability.
A Wimbledon winner in summer 2011, Djokovic won his second last year and there is no doubt that the Serb will hope to indulge in more success as he continues a fine season, having won the Australian Open in February along with victories in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, but what makes him more unique in contrast to other competitors? And what makes him the favourite to successfully defend his title?
For a start, he fights tooth and nail every game; there is a certain approach that Djokovic brings to his game, such as his positive attitude, the ability to strike the ball with plenty of momentum and his high levels of observance. Djokovic is an aggressive baseline player and whose backhand is widely considered to be the best in the modern game of tennis and possesses great agility enabling him to penetrate from offensive and defensive positions.
The Serb’s return of serve is another strong aspect of the defending Wimbledon champion’s game. He has fought and beaten the best, holding a respectable record against the multiple giants that have dominated Wimbledon in the last ten years, and will not let his Wimbledon title slip with ease; it will no doubt take something special to overcome the great Serb.