Game. Set. Match… Darcis

The countdown is up. Wimbledon is on our screens and already Lollipop and I are shocked. Our favorite to win the title – Rafael Nadal is out in the opening round for the first time ever in his career.

The 27-year-old suffered another quick exit from Wimbledon as he lost to Belgium’s Steve Darcis in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (10-8) 6-4.

During his press conference Nadal was angered by comments that his knee injury and poor preparations for the tournament were to blame. Throughout the game he was seen limping as he dragged his leg to reach shots. The French open champ was also playing his first competitive grass court match since losing to Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon last year.

Nadal congratulated his opponent on a “fantastic match” and did not want to make any excuses for his poor show.

The world number 135 Steve Darcis played a remarkable game. He has never been past the first round of Wimbledon so whether he reaches the third round or not he’s still surpassed anyone’s expectations.

But when the King of clay goes out in the first round there has to be a reason.

It could have been down to his tendonitis Lollipop or his unevenly matched opponent. Or maybe it’s down to the fact that grass just isn’t Nadal’s surface anymore. The Spaniard hasn’t won Wimbledon since 2010 and has won 15 non-clay tournaments in his entire career but never successfully defended one.

In comparison to his French open performance his Wimbledon stats are woefully trailing. Although this is probably due to Roger Federer’s dominance on grass his two last defeats at Wimbledon are not down to the Suisse who won comfortably in his opening round today  6-3 6-2 6-0 win over Victor Hanescu.

In order to become a threat at Wimbledon again Rafa should concentrate on grass just as much as he’s concentrated on clay. This year eight out of the ten tournaments he has played in were on his best surface-clay. None was on grass so it was inevitable that he would not perform well today.

But after 222 days out injured Lollipop and I are just thankful we get to see the former world number one in action again.

When he returns we’re sure he will challenge Federer’s title. But until then Lollipop must find another favorite. Who will be crowned Wimbledon champ – we decide…

 

 

 

 

Lollipop vs Murray

Eight years ago Andy Murray enjoyed a dream senior Wimbledon debut as he secured a routine 6-4 6-2 6-2 win over George Bastl.

Now after winning his third Aegon Championship title, Murray could soon be enjoying his second grand slam title.

But does he have what it takes after coming so close last year asks Lollipop.

Looking ahead to next week the 26-year-old Scot said: “when Wimbledon comes round, it’s all about how you play. It’s very easy to say someone is in good form when they’re not.”

After winning a rain-delayed final against Marin Cilic 5-7 7-5 6-3 Murray certainly looked in good form.

However so did Rafael Nadal after battling past David Ferrer in the French Open 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 to win his eighth French Open title.

Murray says he is not fazed by the possibility of meeting Nadal in the quarter finals of Wimbledon but Lollipop and I can’t be so cool about this likely prospect.

Despite his second round exit last year at the all grass court you would still back Nadal to win over Murray.

His experience and his game both look superior in comparison to the Scot yet Murray’s confidence going into the tournament could give him the edge.

“I’d sign up to be in the quarter-finals against Rafa tomorrow if someone offered me that,” said the US open champion who seems more pumped and set for Wimbledon.

His words are clearly sending a message that he is ready to beat the best this time round.

On the other side of the court Nadal is not giving too much away – he hasn’t played a warm up tournament before Wimbledon.  This will only be his second outing away from the clay in 12 months.

When asked if there are still doubts on his performance after winning the French Open he said: “Doubts are part of this life,”

“People who don’t have doubts are arrogant.”

Both players will be coming off the back of some grueling victories. Every Scot will be supporting Murray but everyone else will be expecting Nadal to win if these two meet in the weeks to come.

Of course Lollipop knows this dream Wimbledon fixture is only a possibility. Any one could crash the party.