A huge amount of love for Paul J from non-tennis fans; he seriously impressed a lot of people. I think in particular he did a wonderful job of returning NK's first and second serve. He deserves all of the success, good luck to him
Just a quick note as I have only just returned from Wimbledon.....what a wonderful day.
I had tickets for Centre Court but obviously wanted to see Brits. I got to see all of Ryans match, was so pleased for him though his opponent did not want to be there and made sure everyone knew. I was excited when I watched Ryan take out the 2nd seed at Surbiton, I cannot believe the summer he has had I took in a bit of Kartal's match (shame) and then on to Centre to see Swiatek and a set of Nadal before back out to see Jack Draper. Only I didn't get that far. I stopped to see what Alistair Gray was all about and I got totally immersed in the match. Tall and a big serve I understood why he got the WC but there was so much more to his game than that. He hits flat and low over the net, come in to volley, plays drop shots and really mixes things up. His one handed back hand was a joy. He would use it for slice and when a few shots had been exchanged he would drive hard and low up the line one handed Federer style There was a stage at the end of the first set and the start of the 2nd when he hit his groove and I thought the umpire was going to call it off to save Tseng from further punishment. Of course that level dropped but it was still Grass court tennis as it should be played. Fantastic.
I ran round and saw a bit of Liam. A great raucous atmosphere but as it was standing room only (on tip toe at that) I left and saw Katie win quite easily, her opponent like Ryans did not look impressed at being here.
A great day. What a time to follow British Tennis
Seems like you had a fabulous action packed day. Thanks for the insight. Always good to have first hand reports.
Thanks for your report Shhh. I haven't been for years, but it kind of makes me want to again.
There is nothing like Wimbledon. I rely on the ballot but on the years I am lucky, you get to go and are totally immersed in tennis, it is quite literally going on all around you. Wherever you sit, you are conscious that you are missing other things. Lots of Brits (winning too!), the Grass Court game, the history, tradition and heritage....a little slice of heaven haha!
To quote three priceless words I still remember seeing on an umbrella held by a member of the Centre Court crowd in a year particularly badly affected by rain (in the 90s?) & which are equally apposite today: "Merde! Il pleut!".
To quote three priceless words I still remember seeing on an umbrella held by a member of the Centre Court crowd in a year particularly badly affected by rain (in the 90s?) & which are equally apposite today: "Merde! Il pleut!".
My friends are on their way there now. Blame them for the rain.
At least they have Centre Court tickets so they will still get to see some play.
Is it raining down there today? I thought we were due a dry fortnight pretty much!!!
It is at the moment in my part of London (north, so roughly 20 miles away) & the site is saying that it's raining down there, but it looks as though it may dry up quite soon.