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. When she walked in, people began to cheer and clap and point cameras at her. She looked a sprightly, likeable 84, and is used to this kind … [Read more...] about HISTORIC BATTLE ENDS AFTER 11:05 HOURS OF RIVETING DRAMA, RECORDS TUMBLE
Wimbledon
A SURREAL DREAM, THE MATCH THAT WILL NOT END
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.” So here are American John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, a soap opera in short pants, playing the tennis match that may never end. Already they have … [Read more...] about A SURREAL DREAM, THE MATCH THAT WILL NOT END
WAKE UP CALL FOR FEDERER, THREE POINTS FROM DEFEAT, THE LION ROARS BACK
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. Sometimes, but only rarely, the lesser known of the tennis crowd escape their first round fate by giving the seeded lions indigestion. It’s bannered as … [Read more...] about WAKE UP CALL FOR FEDERER, THREE POINTS FROM DEFEAT, THE LION ROARS BACK
RODDICK’S GREATEST DAY CAN’T PREVENT FEDERER ECLIPSING SAMPRAS
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 … [Read more...] about RODDICK’S GREATEST DAY CAN’T PREVENT FEDERER ECLIPSING SAMPRAS
SERENA, VENUS PUT SISTERLY LOVE ON HOLD UNTIL WINNING DOUBLES TITLE
Sisterly love may be a beautiful concept, but it doesn’t work on the tennis court for Venus and Serena. At least not until the post-match embrace. They go at each other in their intramural battles in a manner that leaves the rest of their colleagues shocked and awed. Venus, owner of 5 Wimbledon titles, wasn’t up to it this year, but the prize stayed in the family – the 8th … [Read more...] about SERENA, VENUS PUT SISTERLY LOVE ON HOLD UNTIL WINNING DOUBLES TITLE