Raonic didn't play his best tennis, and if Andy had been less tight on break points, it could have been a rout. But the TBs were really impressive, when they could have been very tricky, and with Lendl all emotional, this time felt every bit as good as the 1st time, well at least it was far less stressful !!
Andy has been immense this fortnight and never looked remotely like he might lose any of his matches, even the one against Tsonga.
Even though I didn't get to see Andy play live this year (I tried the Ticketmaster lottery yesterday morning but the chances must have been 1 in many thousands), I've enjoyed this grass court season more than ever - a couple of great days at Surbiton, a couple of days at Wimbledon qualies (including seeing the first singles FQR win by a Brit 8 years), a day at Wimbledon seeing that same qualifier play Fed (and hit the 'official' shot of the tournament!) and finally catching up with Bob, and then so much GB success to cheer on TV.
Two people to thank for that most of all - Emma for offering me her spare ticket at the last minute for the day Marcus played Fed (what fun that was) - we spent so much time talking that day and especially on the last day of qualies that it now feels like she's already an old friend, in the "I can't believe I only met her for the first time a couple of weeks ago" sense ... and Katy for figuring out who I was, running up and asking me for a selfie and then tweeting it (after being nice enough to ask whether I'd mind) - I've since been identified by lots of coaches and the odd player too (not to mention Emma, who I thought was pretty brave to risk asking whether it was me! ) and had so many fascinating conversations that I'd never have had otherwise.
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GB on a shirt, Davis Cup still gleaming, 79 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming ... 29/11/2015 that dream came true!
Brilliant job by Andy today :D
Lendl back on board getting massive instant rewards; really pleased for Jamie Delgado too.
Fingers crossed Andy can get an equally impressive points swing against Nole at Flushing Meadow: world #1 spot no longer looking an impossible pipedream :)
Brilliant job by Andy today :D Lendl back on board getting massive instant rewards; really pleased for Jamie Delgado too. Fingers crossed Andy can get an equally impressive points swing against Nole at Flushing Meadow: world #1 spot no longer looking an impossible pipedream :)
I really hope Jamie isn't put in Ivan's shadow. It's an impressive team. so proud
Andy has been immense this fortnight and never looked remotely like he might lose any of his matches, even the one against Tsonga.
Even though I didn't get to see Andy play live this year (I tried the Ticketmaster lottery yesterday morning but the chances must have been 1 in many thousands), I've enjoyed this grass court season more than ever - a couple of great days at Surbiton, a couple of days at Wimbledon qualies (including seeing the first singles FQR win by a Brit 8 years), a day at Wimbledon seeing that same qualifier play Fed (and hit the 'official' shot of the tournament!) and finally catching up with Bob, and then so much GB success to cheer on TV.
Two people to thank for that most of all - Emma for offering me her spare ticket at the last minute for the day Marcus played Fed (what fun that was) - we spent so much time talking that day and especially on the last day of qualies that it now feels like she's already an old friend, in the "I can't believe I only met her for the first time a couple of weeks ago" sense ... and Katy for figuring out who I was, running up and asking me for a selfie and then tweeting it (after being nice enough to ask whether I'd mind) - I've since been identified by lots of coaches and the odd player too (not to mention Emma, who I thought was pretty brave to risk asking whether it was me! ) and had so many fascinating conversations that I'd never have had otherwise.
That's quite sweet of Katy.
Anyone know where I can see said shot from Willis? I saw it got voted as the shot of the tournament in the BBC poll, but for some reason they seem to have taken the down the video of the contending shots. Disappointing.
Brilliant job by Andy today :D Lendl back on board getting massive instant rewards; really pleased for Jamie Delgado too. Fingers crossed Andy can get an equally impressive points swing against Nole at Flushing Meadow: world #1 spot no longer looking an impossible pipedream :)
I really hope Jamie isn't put in Ivan's shadow. It's an impressive team. so proud
I love the way Andy always mentions Jamie too when being asked about Ivan.
Andy has been immense this fortnight and never looked remotely like he might lose any of his matches, even the one against Tsonga.
Even though I didn't get to see Andy play live this year (I tried the Ticketmaster lottery yesterday morning but the chances must have been 1 in many thousands), I've enjoyed this grass court season more than ever - a couple of great days at Surbiton, a couple of days at Wimbledon qualies (including seeing the first singles FQR win by a Brit 8 years), a day at Wimbledon seeing that same qualifier play Fed (and hit the 'official' shot of the tournament!) and finally catching up with Bob, and then so much GB success to cheer on TV.
Two people to thank for that most of all - Emma for offering me her spare ticket at the last minute for the day Marcus played Fed (what fun that was) - we spent so much time talking that day and especially on the last day of qualies that it now feels like she's already an old friend, in the "I can't believe I only met her for the first time a couple of weeks ago" sense ... and Katy for figuring out who I was, running up and asking me for a selfie and then tweeting it (after being nice enough to ask whether I'd mind) - I've since been identified by lots of coaches and the odd player too (not to mention Emma, who I thought was pretty brave to risk asking whether it was me! ) and had so many fascinating conversations that I'd never have had otherwise.
What a lovely summary of the Grass Court season Steven. I have to admit to missing out mostly this year apart from a brief visit I wangled in Ilkley (what a wonderful tournament.....if you ever get a chance....go!) Sometimes watching, following and living it through the media can still be a journey however.
I explained a couple of days ago how lucky I was to have centre court tickets for yesterday though (sorry Bob & Coup...didn't mean to make you jealous!) and it certainly brought the curtain down on what felt like a tremendous few week. My 10 year old was the only child I could see from row ZE, I don't think people take their kids on occassions like this. It was just brilliant though, one of those occassions as a parent I was captivated watching him watching the tennis as much as I was watching the match myself. After quite a few hours he started to get bored during the 2 set of the Mixed so I suggested we leave and watch it from the hill which he thought a great idea. Under blue skys, still very busy, a bit of litter blowing around and views all over Wimbledon with its flowers and colour it really was a poignant moment. Wheelchair success, Heather and of course Andy. Brits playing Fed on centre, wins in qualies etc, it seems to have been a far better Grass season for Brits than most.
Well done Shhh for taking your son. It reminded me of an occasion when I was at the Paris Masters a few years ago. There was a man in front of me with a young child. The seat in front of the man (who didn't appear to be his father) was empty so he had an excellent view. The seat in front of the child was taken by quite a rotund person, largely blocking the child from seeing anything at all, hence he became a bit restless. At no point did it occur to the guy to swap places but rather he was getting frustrated with the boy wriggling and being a bit bored. It was very very difficult not to interfere. I'm sure your son will go away with a fantastic memory for life, as will you for the pleasure you got from making that possible.