Expect the unexpected at Wimbledon this year

WIMBLEDON, the third installment of tennis’s grand-slam calendar, is known for its pristine grass courts, adherence to tradition and near-deification of past greats. Two of those past champions, Roger Federer and Petra Kvitova, enter this year’s tournament as the favourites in their respective draws. Just six months ago, neither player could have anticipated being in this position: Ms Kvitova was recovering from a career-threatening knife attack, and the Swiss maestro seemed to be embarking on a farewell tour. If Mr Federer and Ms Kvitova fulfill the prophecy of the betting markets and triumph this fortnight, that appearance of tradition will remain intact. But the smart money is still strongly against them, because both the men’s and women’s tennis tours are harder to predict today than they have been in years.

Mr Federer, the 35-year-old seven-time Wimbledon...Continue reading