At first glance, this year’s Wimbledon, returning after the coronavirus pandemic shut down the world’s most famed tennis tournament in 2020, looks to be a diminished affair.
No Rafael Nadal. After a bruising defeat to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the French Open, Nadal withdrew from Wimbledon, citing a need to heal.
No Naomi Osaka. She announced last week that she would continue her hiatus to care for her mental health.
Roger Federer will stride again on Centre Court, but he is nearly 40 and still shaking the rust from an injured knee.