Wimbledon 2013: The grass is green, but not for all

Serena William looks dejected during her Ladies’ Singles fourth round match against Sabine Lisicki on day seven of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Club on July 1, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Serena Williams – the Empress, rather safe in the battle with no real peer marched on with triumph after triumph. It seemed routine – but not forever. There stood a woman with extraordinary prowess to fell champions from the neighbouring nation – Sabine Lisicki. And she did stop the progress of the former.

As the second week began, the competition intensified and an octet of men and similarly numbered women took to the stage, determined to lay their hands on that one thing, that one precious thing.

Serena’s conqueror and the woman from the land of Boris Becker and Steffi Graff proved that her momentum was not momentary. By equalling her best performance on grass, she presented herself with an opportunity to progress a step or even two further.

And she did progress, but just a step. On her way stood a hard-working Frenchwoman with oodles of support from a loving father, a great coach and many others. She journeyed on grass all the way to the final battle without dropping a set. She seemed to be on song.

Lisicki found herself carrying the smaller of the two trophies at the end of the day. The larger would adorn the shelves of Marion Bartoli.

This owner of double-fisted shots placed her hands on the trophy that she let slip six years ago. Stepping onto the court to wind up proceedings at Wimbledon for the second time, she has learnt what to do to return home happy and be crowned Champion.

When the male octet shrunk to a quartet, those remaining were Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Juan Martin del Potro and Jerzy Janowicz. The Pole benefited from a star-starved draw to reach his maiden semi-final, also the first for his country, at a Slam.

Evading upsets, the top two seeds proceeded to set up a very similar final encounter; one that could be repeated many more times in the future.

Ladies’ Singles Champion Marion Bartoli poses with Gentlemen’s Singles champion Andy Murray at the Wimbledon Championships 2013 Winners Ball on July 7, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Athirst Murray, riding on a wave of confidence and burdened with an entire nation’s hopes, geared up to face his nemesis from the Balkans. The British Isles were to be saved from drowning by this brave Scotsman.

On the big day, an inundated arena greeted the hero. Responding well to their cheers and resolving to end their despondence, Murray entered the court. It was the exuberant display of tennis from him that resulted in a straight sets win.

The crowd cheered, Murray fist-pumped in joy and an entire nation rose in celebration. Fred Perry has finally found a successor.

The Championships ended with two deserving players winning the Singles titles. But it was a nightmare for many.

The grass is not, after all, green for all!