5 Things We Learned From Wimbledon
1. Novak Is Back
Novak Djokovic is back. Back in the Grand Slam winners' circle, back playing with the same fire that saw him rule the tennis world from 2014-16 and back to again being one of the favourites for the North American hard-court swing.
The Serbian answered every question – and more – during his determined Wimbledon fortnight, winning his fourth Wimbledon title and 13th Grand Slam crown, putting him just one shy of Pete Sampras' former all-time record. Now Djokovic, who was the 12th seed at SW19, heads to North America as one of the men to beat.
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2. Anderson Is Wimbledon's Marathon Man
Forget 70-68 for a moment: What about 39-35, the combined score of Kevin Anderson's fifth sets against Roger Federer, in the quarter-finals, and John Isner, in the semi-finals? Anderson made his physio and his team proud as he fought through two epic fifth-setters to reach his maiden Wimbledon final and second Grand Slam title match (US Open 2017, l. to Nadal).
The South African fell short of celebrating his first Grand Slam title, but many great players, including Andy Murray and Ivan Lendl, to name only a couple, have stumbled in their first couple of Grand Slam finals only to triumph during later returns.
3. Rafa Rolling On All Surfaces
You might have taken it for granted, seeing Rafael Nadal deep into the second week of a Grand Slam, considering the Spaniard does it nearly every year at Roland Garros. But by reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals (l. to Djokovic), the Spaniard posted his best finish at SW19 in seven years (2011 final, l. to Djokovic) and showed he's again ready to contend for every title, no matter the surface.
The No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings guaranteed his stay at the top spot by reaching the fourth round, and he fought past some of the best to reach the semi-finals at the All England Club. In one of the matches of the fortnight, Nadal beat Juan Martin del Potro in the quarter-finals 7-5, 6-7(7), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Read More: Nadal Edges Delpo In Instant Classic
4. Big John Has Never Been Better
John Isner doesn't mind delayed gratification. The top American won the longest match in Wimbledon history in 2010, beating Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 70-68 in the fifth set. This year, in his 41st Grand Slam appearance, Isner turned in his best performance yet.
Read More: SW19 No Longer 'House of Horrors' For Isner
The 6'10” American reached his first Grand Slam semi-final and only his second Grand Slam quarter-final (2011 US Open, l. to Murray). Isner was only a few points away from playing in his maiden Grand Slam final but, after six hours and 36 minutes, he lost to Anderson 26-24 in the fifth in the second longest match in Wimbledon history.
5. Another Wimbledon, Another Bryan Hoisting A Title
Mike Bryan surely missed playing with his twin brother, Bob Bryan, for the first time at Wimbledon as Bob continues to rehab a hip injury. But Mike's play looked unbothered.
Read More: Bryans' Stretch of 76 Consecutive Grand Slams To End
Competing with countryman and 2014 Wimbledon doubles champion (with Vasek Pospisil) Jack Sock, Mike Bryan won his 17th Grand Slam doubles title, joining Aussie legend John Newcombe at the top of the list. Mike, 40, also returned to No. 1 in the ATP Doubles Rankings, becoming the oldest player to hold the top spot.
“Going to dedicate it to Bob,” Mike Bryan said. “He's back at home supporting us. Just got off the phone with him. He's super excited. He watched every point in the final.”
Read & Watch: Bryan/Sock Take Thrilling Doubles Final