Today was the first day the roof has been used. Wimbledon, so famous for its rains, has been remarkably dry this fortnight.

After the traditional day off, everyone was on tap to play their round of 16.

While tennis is often perceived as a game for the young, especially, with players like Murray, Djokovic, Nadal, Cilic, and del Potro storming their way up the ranks, there are times when age and experience find a way.

Hewitt, now back in full force, since his recovery from hip surgery some nine months ago, looked to be on his way out. If there was one reason to favor Hewitt, it’s that he’s always such a dogged competitor. Intensity is his middle name. Even so, Radek Stepanek took a two sets to love lead and it looked like Hewitt might bow out. Suddenly a light clicked on, and Hewitt took the next three sets easily. Final score: 4-6, 2-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2.

Three other players from Hewitt’s generation had easier victories. Roddick beat Berdych in straight sets. Federer also beat Soderling in straight sets. Juan Carlos Ferrero beat Gilles Simon in straight sets. What do all four winners have in common? Each has won a Grand Slam major. Each has been number 1.

Haas, who barely squeaked to this round with late fifth set heroics over Cilic, had a comfortable straight set win over Russian, Igor Andreev, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4. At 31, Haas is the oldest of the winners today. He credits his injuries, ironically enough, for his longevity, since it forced him off the tour and therefore, he hasn’t had the wear and tear of other players his age.

And although you wouldn’t think it, Ivo Karlovic is 30 years old. He beat the resurgent Fernando Verdasco and shows that his serve hasn’t slowed down one bit as he hits his third decade around the Sun.

The other two matches (Wawrinka vs Murray, Sela vs Djokovic) involve players under 25.

Sometimes the old dog has a couple of tricks after all. This is a partial celebration of tennis champions from 6-7 years ago making their stand before the new generation takes over.