Highlights From Wimbledon

With the World Cup going on at the same time this year, it’s possible to forget about Wimbledon also taking place in Southwest London. But one of the most famous tennis tournaments is wrapping up play this weekend, and the drama that usually defines Wimbledon from other Grand Slams has stayed through the last two weeks. Here are some of the biggest stories from Wimbledon 2014.

Andy Murray Upset

Last year, the Glasgow native became the first Briton to win the Gentlemen’s Singles Championship in 77 years (Fun fact: Murray won the Final on 7/7; also, Virginia Wade, the last British female to win in singles, did so in 1977). In 2014, Murray cruised to the quarterfinals without losing a set. But Grigor Dimitrov proved too strong in the last eight, defeating Murray in straight sets to set up a semifinal meeting with Novak Djokovic. Will it take another 77 years for Britain to see a Wimbledon singles champion?

Grigor Dimitrov upset defending champion Andy Murray 6-1 7-6 6-2. Photo Credit: AFP
Grigor Dimitrov upset defending champion Andy Murray 6-1 7-6 6-2. Photo Credit: AFP

Serena Struggles

It wasn’t an easy fortnight for the five-time champion. In the singles draw, Williams made the third round before losing Alize Cornet of France. Then last Tuesday, Serena was forced to quit her doubles match with older sister Venus after picking up a virus. In that match, Williams served four consecutive double faults (a full game), before being checked by medics. Serena still has one more chance for a Grand Slam this year, if she can win a third straight U.S. Open.

Canadians Come Close

2014 at Wimbledon will a time to remember for two Canadian players: Eugenie Bouchard and Milos Raonic. Raonic, the first male player from Canada to reach a Slam semifinal in the Open era, lost to Roger Federer. But Bouchard, the first female, bested Simona Halep to reach the Ladies singles final. Bouchard’s joy would be short-lived, as she would lose the championship to Petra Kvitova, in a match that only lasted 55 minutes.

Milos Raonic is the first Canadian male to make the Wimbledon semifinals in the Open era. Photo Credit: Colorsport
Milos Raonic is the first Canadian male to make the Wimbledon semifinals in the Open era. Photo Credit: Colorsport

The Gentlemen’s Championship on Sunday will feature two household names: Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer. Will the Swiss legend be able to win yet another title at the All England Club?

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