After 15 Wimbledon main draw appearances over 18 years, a man deserves a certain respect. Especially when that man is former world No.2 Tommy Haas, the poster boy for persistence after his many comebacks from multiple physical ailments, including a right shoulder injury that’s twice required surgery.
The most recent of those surgeries, in June 2014, meant that Haas entered the 2015 Championships having contested just two events in over a year, the German reaching the second round in Stuttgart but losing in the first round in Halle.
I wish I had a serve like that just one time in a match just to see how that would feel
Still, the 37-year-old was a Wimbledon semi-finalist as recently as 2009 and his status as the “sentimental favourite” gained an undeniable boost as he defeated Dusan Lajovic in the first round to become the oldest man to win a match at Wimbledon since the 38-year-old Jimmy Connors in 1991.
None of that mattered, though, to Milos Raonic, who ended the German’s run with a 6-0, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-6(4) second-round victory that took two hours and 34 minutes to complete.
Thirteen years his opponent’s junior, the No.7 seed was just six years old and yet to take up tennis when Haas made his Wimbledon main draw debut in 1997. So it was perhaps understandable that Raonic would be merciless as he faced one of the most enduring – and popular – figures in the men’s game.
Although perhaps not quite that merciless. A respectful quiet that initially enveloped the the No.1 Court might have been stunned silence as the booming Canadian delivered thundering aces and stunning winners to take a 6-0 lead in just 17 minutes.
Haas, by contrast, had managed just six points in the set and while he at least made it on to the scoreboard by winning two games in the second, it was clear the German was outplayed.
Adding to the challenge was the deadly effectiveness of Raonic’s serve, one of his 29 aces registering at 145 mph, which is the third fastest recorded at Wimbledon.
“That serve is special, that's for sure. It's been a while since I faced a serve like that,” said Haas. “I mean, the last time really was when I played him in San Jose finals. I felt like even there I was playing actually some good tennis and didn't have a chance. I wish I had a serve like that just one time in a match just to see how that would feel.”
Part of Haas’ problem was later discovered to be some kinesio tape protecting his shoulder that was actually too effective, limiting his reach at certain points. That fixed, the German appeared freer throughout the third set, where both players held serve throughout before Haas secured the tie-break to push the match into a fourth set.
It wasn’t enough to win the match, with Raonic utilising the best of his big-hitting weapons – his many aces boosted by 61 winners – to secure the fourth set tie-break. But at least there was a validation of sorts for Haas, who appears determined to continue his comeback in the men’s game.
“I'm still thankful for the opportunities I give myself and still enjoy being out there and try to train hard and, you know, give myself chances like I did today. Playing on Court 1 in Wimbledon at my age, my career, was very special,” he said.
“I'm not going to forget it, that's for sure. Came pretty close to maybe going to a fifth set. You know, I'm heading in the right direction again. I'm definitely not there where I want to be, but, you know, more than working hard I can't do.”
It’s an attitude that Raonic appreciates, having experienced his own injury concerns of late. The Canadian sat out the recent French Open following foot surgery and needed four sets to defeat Daniel Gimeno-Traver in the opening round.
“I think it's incredible what he's doing,” Raonic said of Haas’ persistence. “It's not just playing at 37 but playing at 37 and constantly coming back from many different things. It's a testament to the passion he has for the game and the kind of work ethic and resilience he has that makes big problems not seem too big.”
As Raonic contemplates his next challenge – a tantalising third-round match against Nick Kyrgios, whom he defeated in the quarter-finals last year – Haas is also contemplating the next steps in his playing career.
Whether he’ll contest the main draw of Wimbledon for a 15th time remains to be seen, but if Haas returns as a player or in another capacity, he’ll at least do so with respect.
