LONDON – Federer and Venus got beat. So did Roddick, Djokovic, Henin and Clijsters. Wimbledon upsets to be sure, but not the most startling reversals as the aged tennis tournament faded away for another year.
Rafael Nadal on Centre Court
Caught up in the most incredible upset of the fortnight was none other than that veteran performer – Jupiter Pluvius. continue reading »
July 04 2010 | Wimbledon | 3 Comments »
LONDON – Why does Sister Serena remind me of the Statue of Liberty? Well, both of them are famous Americans, recognizeable heroines just about everywhere.
Serena's fingernails covered with rhinestones
They stand out in their occupations, symbols of the fact that anything is possible in the USA. Lady Liberty is a one-woman welcoming committee in New York. Sister Serena travels the world as the best female tennis player in creation. continue reading »
July 03 2010 | Wimbledon | No Comments »
LONDON – If you were somewhere near the Atlantic and heard a horrendous, sound-barrier-breaking noise yesterday about noon, don’t be alarmed.
Heroic umpire of Isner-Mahut match, Mohamad Lahyani
It was merely the last groan raised throughout Great Britain as the last of the Brits at Wimbledon hit the last shot and lasted no longer in the oldest lasting tournament.
That was a Scottish lad named Andrew Baron Murray who stalled in the semifinals for a second straight year, and the long-lasting Curse of Fred Perry continues for a 75th year. Way back in the age of schoolboys wearing knickers and Model A Fords with rumble seats, a Brit named Fred Perry won the singles championship. He did it in 1934-35-36. None of his countrymen has imitated Fred since. continue reading »
July 02 2010 | Wimbledon | 2 Comments »
LONDON – Decline and falling? Like the Roman Empire?
London Eye from St. James Park
Maybe.
But one thing is clear. Roger Federer, the man who owned the green room – Centre Court at Wimbledon – will not be the centerpiece Sunday. After seven straight years of believing that this tennis court belonged to him, he was rudely evicted by a guy born in the Czech Republic village of Vallasske Mezerici and lives in Prostejov. Anybody who can spell or pronounce them should get a prize. (Like many other athletes, Tomas Berdych visits his money in Monte Carlo.) continue reading »
June 30 2010 | Wimbledon | 3 Comments »
LONDON – If they had been shooting at each other in a Western, one of the antagonists might have threatened, “This country ain’t big enough for both of us.”
Bud with Kim Clijsters, feting Martina Navratilova
The country in question is tiny Belgium. Not much cactus, sagebrush or prairie there, but the firing was fierce as they tried to drive one another out of a Wimbledon canyon called Court 1.
No canyons in Belgium either. Their ammunition is tennis balls and has been for at least two decades since Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin – the Brussels Sprouts — first took aim at one another at a kids tournament in their native land. continue reading »
June 29 2010 | Wimbledon | No Comments »
LONDON – Jimmy Van Alen would not be amused.
Pal, Damien, celebrates his 50th b'day at Wimbledon
Though Jimmy, who used to run the Newport tournament, is no longer with us, his baby is: the tie-breaker (not tiebreak as many incorrectly call it today). Alive and well in a fifth set at the US Open – but not at Wimbledon or the other two major championships, Australian and French. continue reading »
June 26 2010 | Wimbledon | 4 Comments »
LONDON – Elizabeth Windsor decided to take in some tennis at Wimbledon yesterday. Although tickets are scarcer than elephants cavorting at Piccadilly Circus, she managed to cop a couple, and in the front row of Centre Court, no less. continue reading »
Historic scoreboard, Isner, Mahut and umpire, Mohamed Lahyani
June 24 2010 | Wimbledon | 4 Comments »
LONDON – Shall we call it “The Johnny and Nico Show”? Two young guys skipping about on a grassy stage of an outdoor theatre called Wimbledon, and hoping “you’ll tune in again tomorrow because we ain’t finished yet.” continue reading »
Bud with Jimmy Connors
June 23 2010 | Wimbledon | 3 Comments »
LONDON – Normally the aged tennis tournament known as Wimbledon opens its gates in much the same manner employed by the log-ago Romans at their Colosseum. Throw some citizens to the lions, and see who could be entertaining. continue reading »
Topiary TV cameraman on Broadcast Center roof
June 21 2010 | Wimbledon | 1 Comment »
LONDON – The yellow tennis ball hung above Andy Roddick’s left shoulder like a mini-moon. He eyed it with animosity, his weapon poised to shoot the moon as 15,000 witnesses surrounding the grass patch called Centre Court couldn’t believe that with one simple smack the rejuvenated American would post a 2-set lead over the 5-time champion, Roger Federer. It was oh-so-close to happening as the Lord of the Swings, Federer, stood by helplessly while Roddick, close to the net and sideline – possessing his 4th set point in the second set tie-breaker – went after the ball with a backhand…and bungled it. continue reading »
Commemorative plaques have recently been placed on the show courts
July 04 2009 | Wimbledon | 18 Comments »
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