Wimbledon Final Reflections

Today, the last day of the championships, we were treated to a splendid display of top-class tennis from two superb players; two champions.

Novak Djokovic was supremely dignified, sporting and charming in defeat (John Inverdale look on and weep) and he put up a tremendous fight, throughout the match.

I feel that Murray deserved his victory; no-one could have tried harder than he - there was very little that was beyond his reach or so it seemed.

My own feelings however are I regret to say, of jealousy; not for the supreme talent and evident work ethic of the two wonderful players.  No, talent is a rare thing and I never had any sporting aspirations; I am jealous of the wonderful support Andy Murray receives from his girlfriend.  In  truth, only once in my life have I enjoyed that degree of commitment and it lasted about nine months in 1978/9.

I hope that Murray knows just how lucky he is.

And I offer my congratulations.

Until the next time.

Wimbledon 2013

I have to express how profoundly disappointed I am at Marion Bartoli's success in today's final.

I very much wanted to see Sabine Lisicki win, but it seems that the occasion overcame her.  Miss Bartoli's personality on court, I find most unattractive, though she is admittedly, very different off it.

As for tomorrow's men's final I have no preference one way or the other.

And I do not think it correct that the women should receive prize money equal to that of the men; ridiculous.

Until the next time.

Words on Wimbledon: More Grrr and a Nod to a Touch of Class

Once upon a time, the Daily Express possessed the services of a wonderful cartoonist called Giles.  Giles's beautifully-drawn cartoons often featuring a classic suburban family complete with an  irascible "Gran," were hugely popular.  In particular I recall a cartoon which, one year reflected the annual British passion for the lawn tennis Championships at Wimbledon.  The family were depicted stocking up with crates of baked beans etc., in preparation for a fortnight's "siege" whilst the tennis appeared on the television.

And yes, I enjoy watching the tennis still, despite the appalling shrieks uttered by some of the female players and the dreadful solecisms from the BBC's commentators.

A reminder: when stating the score during a game, that of the server is always given first; at the conclusion of a set or match, that of the victor.  It therefore drives me to the verge of apoplexy to hear the cretinous commentators say "he is love-forty DOWN."  Of course he is down - he  is LOVE-FORTY you great booby!   Even worse I have heard "He was 15-40 down ON HIS SERVICE" - morons.

I am also disgusted at the extreme behaviour of the crowds: applauding a double fault is very bad manners and I loathe the pathetic slow hand-clapping every time a line call challenge is made.  I suspect that the English crowds have picked up this infuriating habit from the French at Roland Garros.

And another thing: it is depressing to see quite frequently the loser depart alone from the court; this is bad form. The loser should of course wait and leave the court together with the victor.

Yesterday, following her defeat by Sabine Lisicki, seven-times champion Serena Williams showed true class and good manners by waiting for Miss Lisicki.  They left the court together.

An example to us all, now sadly rather rare.

Until the next time.