Wimbledon

Photo: Getty 

The torrential rain over South West London on Sunday did nothing to dampen the spirits of the tennis fans who had queued overnight to watch the first British man to reach the Wimbledon Finals in 74 years.  Andy Murray and Roger Federer took to the famous Centre Court at 2pm and began their battle for the title of Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion.

Tension was high during the first set and the crowd were ecstatic when Andy secured the lead.  There then followed three more sets, interrupted by a rain break when the new roof was closed and the air conditioning needed time to adjust the atmosphere.

Photo AP

Once the match was resumed undercover, Roger's game just became unbeatable.  Andy played like a champion, but it was still not enough to defeat the greatest tennis player of our time.

Photo PA

There then followed a highly emotionally charged presentation ceremony with a touching speech from Andy which left his audience choked with emotion, if not joining in with his tears.


The Scot, who has been given a reputation of being surly, bravely fought back the tears to thank all his supporters and recognise the pure genius of the man who had just won the title of Wimbledon Men's Singles Champion for the seventh time.

Photo:  Murray Saunders

This outpouring of emotions must be giving a tremendous boast to his popularity, now that the sporting public have witnessed just how grateful he is for their support and his determination to succeed in the pursuit of his first grand slam victory.  No longer can the press describe him as miserable, cold and aloof, he showed great warmth and generosity in defeat and won over hearts around the world.

The hillside overlooking Wimbledon has been renamed
Murray Mount, formally Henman Hill! Photo: Getty

The tennis Championships at Wimbledon are the oldest tennis tournament in the world, the first having been played in 1877 when the spectators paid one shilling each to watch the final, won by Spencer Grove. 


The event is held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, a much loved venue for many of the players on the tennis circuit with the great emphasis on tradition, regular Royal appearances and strict all white dress code for the competitors. Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event played on grass courts and the retractable roof on Centre Court was ready for 2009, so the inevitable rain delay could be avoided.

The Duchess of Cambridge applauds the Men's Finals with her sister Pippa.  Photo PA

The two main courts, Centre Court and No.1 Court are normally only used for the two weeks of Wimbledon fortnight, however this year the groundsmen will be working especially hard to make sure they are returned to top condition in time for the Olympic events.

Photo:  AP

Of course, a visit to Wimbledon is not complete without a traditional bowl of strawberries and cream.  They manage to get through over 28,000 kilos of strawberries and 7,000 litres of fresh cream during the two weeks!