Anyone for tennis?
The World Cup isn’t the only major sporting event of the summer – Wimbledon is about to swing into action again too. Keeley Bolger serves up some tennis titbits to get you in the mood
With racket-slamming, highly-strung outbursts, grunts, cries and the occasional accompanying sing-song from a squeaky clean pop star, the Wimbledon tennis tournament could rival most soap operas for drama.
This year, the popular sporting event looks set to be as action-packed as ever, especially because Andy Murray will be looking to defend his singles title after last year’s thrilling victory against Novak Djokovic.
With only a few days to go before the action unfolds in London’s SW19 – and on BBC One and BBC Two – preparations are well under way, not least in the catering tents – last year, fans gorged on an estimated 28,000kg of strawberries, washed down with a whopping 7,000L of cream.
Elsewhere, 54,250 balls – which are stored at 68F, in case you’re wondering – will be used during the Championships, sending 250 ball girls and boys chasing after them during the fortnight.
But for those of us who can’t make it down to ‘Murray Mound’ to celebrate or commiserate with the estimated 25,000 bottles of bubbly that are popped during the event, the trusty Sue Barker will be heading up the BBC’s coverage with punditry from Tracy Austin, Tim Henman, Virginia Wade and new commentators, Marion Bartoli, the reigning ladies champion and British number one Laura Robson.
To whet your Wimbledon appetite, here are some of the most memorable moments served up at SW19 over the years, plus our guide to the players to watch this summer.
:: MURRAY’S MINT
Andy Murray served up an ace when he beat Serbian player Novak Djokovic in last year’s men’s finals, a win made sweeter thanks to 2012’s defeat to Roger Federer, which saw him break down in tears during his gracious on-court interview with Sue Barker.
:: SERIOUSLY?
Nowadays, former number one tennis star John McEnroe is more likely to be found in the commentary box, holding court with his sporting peers, but back in 1981, he served up the most memorable line in his career, shouting, “You CAN NOT be serious”, at the mild-mannered umpire Edward James, who refused to rule his serve.
:: SISTER SISTER
From their successes against each other (and non-related opponents), to their joint victories in the doubles finals, American sisters Venus – who holds the female record for the fastest serve at 129mph – and Serena Williams have been serving up aces in SW19 since the late Nineties. 2009’s singles finals, where younger sister Serena ended her sister’s reign in straight sets, was a particular highlight.
:: BALLSY
As the cameras snapped away at the 1996 men’s final opponents Richard Krajicek and MaliVai Washington, a female streaker tore through Centre Court, lifting up her apron to reveal her own aces to the bemused players and crowd.
:: EAR EAR
Pity the poor ball girl whose ear came a cropper when Tim Henman accidentally swiped at it in a moment of frustration at a missed volley, during the second round of the 1995 men’s doubles. Henman then found himself and his partner Jeremy Bates disqualified because of it.
:: BOXING CLEVER
Australian tennis champ Pat Cash was so elated by his 1987 win in straight sets against Ivan Lendl, that he clambered up onto the box to celebrate with his coach and supporters. In recent years, Spanish player Rafael Nadal has taken up the mantle, heading up to the box to meet his cheering family when he won his first Wimbledon title in 2008 against Roger Federer.
:: CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES
Croatian wildcard Goran Ivanisevic slammed his racket down in awed happiness when he won the 2001 men’s final against Australian Pat Rafter. Ivanisevic is still the only wildcard entry to have won a Wimbledon final.
:: PAYING FAIRLY
Serena Williams took tennis to task in 2011 when she accused the officials at Wimbledon of sexism for moving her game to court two, insisting that men are rarely moved to the smaller courts. Venus’ letter followed a separate campaign led by American former number one Billie Jean King to enforce equal prize winnings for male and female competitors.
:: ALL WHITE
While tennis is undoubtedly the star attraction, there have been several shots at fashion glory over the years. Who can forget the Lycra bodysuit Anne White wore during her first round match against Pam Shriver in 1985? Or Roger Federer’s strangely austere white military jackets, or Serena Williams’ trench coat? Centre court style has certainly changed a lot since Fred Perry’s day.
:: ONES TO WATCH
While all eyes will be on Murray this year, there are a few players to look out for. Austria will be hoping that 20-year-old Dominic Thiem will do them proud when he makes his Wimbledon debut, while Latvian Ernests Gulbis, the newest member of the world’s top 10, is predicted to do well. Ivo Karlovic, Grigor Dimitrov, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and last year’s runner up Novak Djokovic are also hoping for glory.
In the ladies’ singles, Serena Williams remains favourite to win, while Australian Open champion Li Na is looking for a boost after losing in the first round of the French Open. Newcomer Belinda Bencic is just 17, but is already creating a buzz, while 22-year-old Romanian Simona Halep has had an incredible 12 months, rising to third in the world rankings, and is expected to perform well at this year’s Championships. As well, Maria Sharapova, Canadian Eugenie Bouchard and Sabine Lisicki are all looking for victory.
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