Mektić calls Wimbledon serving 'unprecedented' amid season of close losses

Croatian doubles specialist Nikola Mektić described the serving he faced in the Wimbledon quarterfinals as unprecedented, stating he has never experienced such a high level of serving in his ten-year career. Mektić and his American partner Austin Krajicek were eliminated after a tight match against Aleksandar Kovačević and Thanasi Kokkinakis.

Mektić admitted that despite his reputation as a strong returner, he struggled to make contact with the ball against the opponents' relentless and precise serves. "I don't know what to say. I think I've never experienced serving like this in ten years," Mektić stated. He acknowledged that while the court might have been slightly faster, the sheer consistency and power of the serves made it nearly impossible to compete.

The match was decided in a tie-break, with Mektić noting that his opponents were slightly better, a recurring theme for them this season. "This time we had one chance in the tie-break. We had a set point on their serve, but then came three such serves that we weren't even close to," he explained, highlighting the frustration of being unable to capitalize on crucial points.

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I don't know what to say. I think I've never experienced serving like this in ten years.

Mektić likened their Wimbledon run to their entire turbulent season, which has been marked by many close losses. They survived a dramatic second-round match, saving six match points to win a tie-break 12-10. Despite this incredible comeback, their tournament ended in the quarterfinals.

Reflecting on the season, Mektić openly admitted it has not met expectations. He is now considering splitting with his partner Krajicek, citing the numerous matches that have been lost in super tie-breaks, often by narrow margins, which have consistently gone against them.

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This time we had one chance in the tie-break. We had a set point on their serve, but then came three such serves that we weren't even close to.