Wimbledon 2011: 5 Most Disappointing Performers

The 2011 Wimbledon had a cross section of fascinating story lines prior to the opening rounds. Since then, tennis fans have been treated to nothing but disappointment and boredom.

Thank you, Roger Federer and the host of others who have failed to live up to expectations on the grandest stage of them all.

Here’s a look at the five most disappointing players at Wimbledon 2011. 

5. Kim Clijsters

One of the better female players in the world couldn’t even find her way onto the court. Clijsters, who had been battling a foot injury for since the French Open, had to withdraw from competition.

This left a gaping hole in the Wimbledon schedule where a top contender was supposed to be. 

4. Andy Roddick

He makes the list because he makes every list. Maybe he was just cursed to be playing tennis in the age of Nadal and Federer, or maybe he was never that good.

Whatever the reason is he is still disappointing Americans and this year was no exception. When a guy named Mardy Fish is your best hope for an American to win Wimbledon, you’ve got problems.

Maybe next year we can coax Pete Sampras out of retirement. 

3. Li Na

This one really stung for Na. The reigning French Open champion got bounced in the second round by Sabine Lisicki who needed a while card jut to get into the main draw of Wimbledon.

It’s not as if she was on a hot streak either. She collapsed at the French Open because of cramps and had to be carried off.

So, Li Na got bounced by a woman on the worst streak of her career. Not exactly a good moment. And it spoiled what could have been a nice run for an up and comer on the women's side. 

2. Roger Federer

He’d be No. 1, but there were serious doubts he’d be Rafael Nadal if he got there.

The six-time Wimbledon champion lost in the quarterfinals (something that almost never happens). What makes this sting is Federer was coming off a very strong French Open where he knocked off the red-hot Novak Djokovic and played strong against Rafael Nadal.

It’s a shame he couldn’t have made it to the Finals and given tennis fans what they really wanted to see: Federer vs. Nadal. 

1. Serena Williams

Part of me wants to cut Serena slack for having had so many medical issues over the past year.

Not only did she have torn ligaments in her foot, but she also had a blood clot in both lungs that put her career, and her life, in serious jeopardy.

But with all the emotion of her comeback, and her strong performances early on, the last thing you expected was for her to leave so early, and to do so in straight sets. I could have put Venus on the list too, but there wasn't nearly the attention for her as there was for Serena. 

It was a disappointing comeback for the 2010 Wimbledon champion. This coupled with every other tough tournament run made this a Wimbledon to forget.