LONDON – Decline and falling? Like the Roman Empire? 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 … [Read more...] about FEDERER STILL LOOKING FOR HIS GROOVE, 8 LOSSES SINCE THE AUSTRALIAN, UNUSUAL FOR HIM
Tournaments
BRUSSELS SPROUTS ADD SPICE TO WOMEN’S TOUR
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.” 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 … [Read more...] about BRUSSELS SPROUTS ADD SPICE TO WOMEN’S TOUR
REFLECTIONS ON RECORD BREAKING MARATHON MATCH
LONDON – Jimmy Van Alen would not be amused. 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. Thus, when John Isner (US) and Nicolas Mahut … [Read more...] about REFLECTIONS ON RECORD BREAKING MARATHON MATCH
HISTORIC BATTLE ENDS AFTER 11:05 HOURS OF RIVETING DRAMA, RECORDS TUMBLE
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
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