Double Fault

Zoomer | June 30th, 2010

Tennis’ two brightest lights will not be making their familiar appearance in the Wimbledon finals this year.

On the men’s side, Roger Federer, who was shooting for his seventh Wimbledon title, lost a frustrating match to 12-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych, 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4.

And on the women’s side, five-time champ Venus Williams was ousted 82nd-ranked Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria, 6-2, 6-3. Venus added to the disappointment by failing to advance in doubles, a category she and sister Serena usually dominate.

Neither Federer nor Williams would make any excuses, other than pointing to their own poor play. But many tennis bloggers were quick to opine that age has finally caught up with the two tennis titans.

Greg Garber ESPN.COM
“Williams, who turned 30 less than two weeks ago, looked very much her age.

Bryan Toporek Bleacher Report
“Any time Federer loses, it sends shockwaves rippling through the tennis community. Seeing him fall so suddenly, so dejectedly, so un-Roger-like on Wednesday, you’re left to wonder if the 28-year-old Federer can ever fully regain his championship swagger.”

Bear in mind that Williams is only 30 and Federer 28 and both are still playing magnificent tennis. After all they’ve accomplished, these two deserve more than one bad day before being written off as old and washed-up. The betting here is that both will use the criticism to motivate them for the U.S. Open, which starts in late August. Tune in. Should be fun.