Day 11: Rafa's bombshell & the festival of Ons

Another shocking twist was written into the story of Wimbledon 2022 on Thursday, with Rafa Nadal announcing that he was not going to continue to compete for the title in Friday’s men’s semi finals. Jonathan Overend takes you through events as they unfolded at the All England Club, and reflects on what it all means with Wimbledon doubles champion Mark Woodforde. Ons Jabeur was the first women to book her place in the 2022 Wimbledon women’s singles final, and Overs gets some perspective on what this means for the people of Tunisia from Hichem Riani - a man who has known Ons since she was nine years old! Elena Rybakina will be joining Ons Jabeur in the final, after she drove 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep off the court in straight sets, and Overs caught up with her - understandably very happy - coach, Stefano Vukov. Former British players Annabel Croft and Naomi Cavaday also give their thoughts on both and offer their initial predictions on who will go on to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday! Multiple Grand Slam champion Alfie Hewett also made it through to the semi-finals in the men’s wheelchair singles, and speaks to Jonathan about his disappointment regarding what he calls a missed opportunity to promote the sport. And of course, Jonathan looks ahead to what is now the only match on offer tomorrow, Britain’s Cameron Norrie versus defending champion Novak Djokovic!

TOPICS:

1’15 - Rafa Nadal’s announcement

7’58 - Reaction to Ons Jabeur’s victory

13’20 - Elena Rybakina makes the final

19’14 - Alfie Hewett’s win & interview