On a day that is traditionally known as one of the busiest of the year, one would assume that the focus will solely be on the tennis at Wimbledon. But not in 2018.
Known as ‘Manic Monday’ all 16 fourth round matches are taking place today. Prompting tennis fans and journalists to frantically run around the grounds of The All England Club to keep up with the action. Yet this year, one eye is on the court and the other is roughly 18000 miles away in Russia. Host country of this year’s World Cup.
“I think it would be huge. We are a country of 4 million people. I saw a few pictures the size of Croatia compared to the size of Russia, and I think if we are already to be in the semifinals is unbelievable, but if we can make it further, it’s really good, as well.” Donna Vekic said of Croatia’s chances in the tournament.
The hype surrounding the football tournament has been intensified by England’s performance. Gareth Southgate’s team will play in the semifinals of the World Cup against Croatia for the first time since 1990. Throughout the All England Club and the country there has been loud outbursts of ‘it’s coming home.’ A phrase that was made famous with the help of The Lightning seeds and their 1996 hit Three Lions.
“Well, it’s not coming home to America.” Serena Williams joked following her fourth round win.
“It’s interesting because when I’m here in London, Wimbledon, it’s the atmosphere, seeing all the English fans just get so excited. You can’t help but root for the team.”
https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1015596509545582594
Should England reach the final, Wimbledon could face the ultimate test. The men’s final will get underway at 14:00 GMT. Two hours before the world Cup final. Placing both events on a likely collision course. Some are concerned that the tournament may divert interest away from Wimbledon. Almost 20M people watched England’s Game with Sweden in the UK. Taking a 87.7% share of the TV audience. A further 3.9 million watch online via BBC Sport or Iplayer in what was a record for the national broadcaster.
“It’s going to happen anyway, if I’m going in the final or not, the Wimbledon final will take place, and so will the World Cup final.I’m more concerned the World Cup final will have issues because the Wimbledon final is going on.” Top seed Roger Federer said with a smile.
“They’ll hear every point, Wow, Love-15, 15-30. The players are going to look up in the crowd and not understand what’s going on at Wimbledon.”
To curtail any potential downfall in visitors over the weekend, Wimbledon has said that visitors will be allowed to stream the World Cup final on their phones. Even if they are within Centre Court, venue of the men’s final.
“I feel like people can do whatever they want. I mean if they want to show up and watch soccer, too, that’s fine.” Said American world No.103 McKenzie McDonald.
“I’m all for it. It’s a pretty exciting time for sports with the World Cup going on, as well. It’s all good.”
The World Cup semi-finals will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
