Monday, July 02, 2007

Anyone for tennis?


The going at Wimbledon is currently described as soft, heavy in places. This year, as well as the ubiquitous Claire Balding, the BBC have been using Rishi Persad for certain items in their coverage - I've been expecting him to start talking about colts and fillies and mixed doubles at any moment but so far he's resisted the temptation.

I take a passing interest in the sport but, in our house, chief tennis correspondent is Mrs Tips who informs me that Wimbledon has been pretty low key so far, with more stops and starts than a 27 bus. A few months back we made our first ever application for tickets in the public ballot and were lucky enough to be allocated two centre court tickets on Thursday, Ladies' semi-finals day. Given the rain that's falling, I doubt the quarter final matches will have been completed.

In preparation for this event I invested in a sun hat, (not to be confused with my racing hat), factor 40 sun screen and a pair of new sandals. It is highly unlikely that any of these items will be required. I shall take a copy of Michael Simkins' Fatty Batter together with a copy of The Weekender to peruse as I sit sipping a Pimm's under my Wimbledon umbrella.

For the record, Mrs Tips takes Roger Federer to win the Men's Championship and thinks Justine Henin will win the Ladies' Championship, although she's supporting Amelie Mauresmo.

When I've recovered from the whole experience I'll preview this Saturday's Coral Eclipse at Sandown.

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