Farewells to Andy Murray and Manic Monday? – 5 talking points ahead of Wimbledon

After 2020’s cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wimbledon is back on the sporting calendar.

Many things will be different this year but the grass is still green and the competition to win the trophies in two weeks’ time will be as intense as ever.

Here, the PA news agency picks out five talking points ahead of this year’s tournament.

Back but not as we know it

There was no action at SW19 for the first time since World War Two last year so the main thing for tennis is that the Championships is back this year. However, there are differences as the new world of tournament bubbles and fan restrictions continues. One of the reasons why the players enjoy this grand slam so much is the social life as they rent houses in the chic Wimbledon village and surrounding areas. However, that is not going to be happening this year as all players must stay in a designated hotel and only travel to the tournament site. Players will be told not to sign autographs or take photos with fans, and everyone must wear masks while walking around the grounds. Spectator capacity starts at 50 per cent, building up to 100 per cent by the end of the fortnight

Murray’s last hurrah?

Big name absences

While Murray is back in the draw, this year’s tournament will be missing four of the biggest names in the sport, potentially making the draws more open. Two-time champion Rafael Nadal and world number two Naomi Osaka both decided to sit out the tournament while defending women’s champion Simona Halep was unable to recover from a calf injury in time and Dominic Thiem suffered an untimely wrist problem last week. Nadal, who last won at the All England Club 11 years ago, has struggled with the transition from clay to grass and said he had taken the decision to prolong his career. Osaka has been taking time away from the court since withdrawing from the French Open for mental health reasons amid a furore around her refusal to fulfil media duties.

Serena going for history

One more Manic Monday

This year will be the last time we see ‘Manic Monday’ as tournament organisers are scrapping a Wimbledon staple from 2022. Traditionally there is no play on the middle Sunday as everyone catches their breath after a busy first week, meaning that all men’s and women’s fourth-round singles matches are played on the second Monday. However, with the development of grass courts meaning they no longer need a rest, the All England Club has decided to move in line with the other three grand slams by scheduling play on all 14 days.