Roger Federer said he was disappointed by Rafael Nadal’s absence from Wimbledon due to a knee injury.
Conspicuously, the same hasn’t been heard from Andy Murray, and it’s a sentiment unlikely to be found anywhere in SW19, especially on the hillside formerly known as Henman Hill and more recently christened Murray Mount.
The 22-year-old Scot was blitzed by Nadal, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, in his first-ever appearance in the Wimbledon quarterfinals last year. But he has a winning record (6-2) against Federer, making him the biggest obstacle to Federer capturing a record-setting 15th major championship and sixth Wimbledon title.
The British press and public won’t care who’s left if one of their own could win it all for the first time since Fred Perry in 1936.
Nadal’s withdrawal also opens the door for Andy Roddick, who is expected to be a top challenger despite rolling his ankle at the Queen’s Club tournament last week. But let’s be honest, the streak of 21 straight majors without a win by an American since Roddick won the 2003 U.S. Open is sure to continue — he’s already lost to Federer twice in the Wimbledon final.
