Stars align for final Wimbledon ‘Manic Monday’

Scrolling back through the history books, rain has been the only reason to interrupt the tournament’s schedule in 1991, 1997, 2004 and 2016. The alteration means the fan favourite ‘Manic Monday’, when all men’s and women’s fourth-round encounters take place, won’t be required.

The line-up this Monday marks the final time with an absolute feast of tantalising matches, a fitting finale to the tradition. 

On the men’s side, it’s over to No.17 seed Cristian Garin to try and spring a seismic shock against defending champion Novak Djokovic. The world No.1 lost the first set in the opening round against British wild card Jack Draper, but has been in ominous form since.

The winner will meet either No.5 seed Andrey Rublev or Marton Fucsovics in the quarter-finals. It’s the fourth time they’ll duel this season, Rublev taking the honours in the previous three matches. 

Despite a scare against Adrian Mannarino, eight-time Roger Federer has assembled some glorious grass court tennis at the All England Club in week one.

The Swiss will take on the in-form Eastbourne finalist Lorenzo Sonego for a last eight spot. Should the 20-time Grand Slam champion prevail, it will be amiable Pole Hubert Hurkacz or No.2 seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarter-finals.

Medvedev managed to battle back from two sets down for the first time in his career to steal Marin Cilic’s place in the last 16.

Over to the women’s draw, the ‘Manic Monday’ selection is simply stunning, with a Roland-Garros theme at the top.

World No.1 Ash Barty, champion in Paris in 2019, has transitioned back to grass for the first time in two years impeccably. Now the 25-year-old has to take all her craft onto court to disrupt the rhythm of Roland-Garros champion Barbora Krejcikova, who has transferred her form over from Court Philippe-Chatrier to thrive on Wimbledon main draw debut.

The victor of that major battle will meet either British wild card sensation Emma Raducanu or Australia’s world No.75 Ajla Tomljanovic.

On the bottom half 2020 Roland-Garros winner Iga Swiatek is part of an intriguing match with trailblazing Tunisian Ons Jabeur. Swiatek has blazed through the draw, dropping just 13 games in three matches thus far, whilst World No.24 Jabeur thrilled the Centre Court crowd with her trickery and shot-making to edge Garbine Muguruza. 

Whoever participates in the winner’s interview will take on the firepower of No.2 seed Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina. 

Just another ‘Manic Monday.’