The party of the century at Wimbledon: Federer wishes loudly against Djokovic and Nadal and the reason for Navratilova’s foul

Wimbledon is magical. There is no doubt about this. The lawn of the All England Club, a unique place in the world. Tennis players are always literally dressed up. Anecdotes that have evolved into stories and stories that have become legends. Sports heroes and heroines at every step. Unforgettable moments. All of this was summed up this Sunday in an image. It was 26 champions and 194 Grand Slam titles that put together a photo to remember in the centennial celebration of the Central Court, the famous Central Court, of the Cathedral.

All the lights, inevitably, focused on the three greatest in history: the Swiss Roger Federer, the Spaniard Rafael Nadal and the Serbian Novak Djokovic, who a few hours later jumped on the same field to beat the Dutch Tim Van Rijthoven and enter the quarterfinals. final of the current edition. What is striking is the absence of Martina Navratilova, who allegedly added, with her presence alone, more than 200 important titles in the same photo with her nine conquests in London. But the coronavirus took the American legend away from the celebrations.

The party was hosted by Sue Barker – the legendary BBC Wimbledon reporter who will retire at the end of the tournament – and John McEnroe, three-time winner of the All England Club, who after a series of allusive – and obviously exciting – videos and a performance by British musician Cliff Richard gave way to champions. Angela Mortimer, Ann Jones, Stan Smith, Jan Kodes, Pat Cash, Conchita Martínez, Martina Hingis, Goran Ivanisevic, Lleyton Hewitt, Marion Bartoli, Angelique Kerber, Simona Halep, Stefan Edberg, Petra Kvitova, Andy Murray, Margaret Court, John Newcombe , Chris Evert, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Venus Williams and Billie Jean King, who joined McEnroe, Nadal, Djokovic and Federer to compose the postcard that has traveled the world.

Federer was one of the players to take the microphone. And he was talking about the past. But also about the future At 40, he has assured that he hopes to play at Wimbledon “once again” despite being sidelined for a year due to a knee injury. “I missed this place,” said the eight-time champion of the course opened in 1922.

The Swiss, winner of 20 Grand Slam titles, has not played tennis since he was eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2021 edition. “When I left the field last year I knew the coming year was going to be difficult.” Federer said. The Swiss is expected to return to competition by the end of the year at the Laver Cup, staged in London in September. “I didn’t think it would take that long to get back on track. The knee didn’t do well with me, ”he added with a hint of anger.

And, in the nostalgic plan, the legend of Basel – where he will play again this season – continued with his story: “I was lucky enough to play many games on this field. It seems strange to me to be here in a different role. But it’s great to be here with so many other champions. This field has given me my biggest wins and my biggest losses. My best moment was when I joined Pete Sampras in 2001, ”assured Federer referring to the player he beat in five sets in the round of 16 of that historic British Grand Slam.

Six-time London champion Billie Jean King also had a microphone. “When I was 17, I played my first game here and as we started late, the game was split over two days. It was magical and wonderful. I knew that was where I had to be, ”said the 78-year-old American, winner of 39 Grand Slam tournaments.

Djokovic was another of those who spoke. “I am more nervous than when I play … It is a privilege to be next to legends who have paved the way for me and for many generations. My first image of tennis was when I was 4 or 5 and saw Pete Sampras win his fourth Wimbledon. Since then, he has dreamed of playing here. And the dream came true, ”said the Serb while he was still dreaming.