I have so much fun watching all the drama in professional tennis. Having played and run a lot of tournaments, I have a lot of experience behind the scenes. in truth I played less than 30 tournaments and I lost a lot. Tournaments have a ranking system so that the best players don't play until the end of the tournament. One summer I had a run of four tournaments when my first match was against the top seeded player. I lost a lot!
So the drama is so interesting to watch. Wimbledon is one of the four top tournaments of the year (and the only one played on grass) with over a 100 years of tradition. It still requires an all-white dress code.
Yesterday a match ended when the players shook hands, The loser took the time to complain to the winner about the people in his viewing box. The box is where the teams sit and his box had been very vocal But it definitely wasn't the appropriate place to complain,
Meanwhile one of the heroes of British tennis, Andy Murray, was closing out his long and storied career. He had lost his men's doubles match with his brother. He only had a mixed doubles match during which England was poised to say a fond farewell. Unfortunately, his partner decided her wrist was still stiff and pulled out of the match so she could play singles. It was not a move of integrity after she had made the commitment. Did it work? No, she was beaten easily in singles the next day.
My heart was filled with appreciation the next day. One of the best players of all time and current number one ranked player offered to play men's doubles if Andy plays Wimbledon in 2025. Then Ash Barty, a great Australian player who had retired made the same offer for mixed doubles in 2025. What offers from places of integrity. I bet a stiff wrist won't cause them to pull out.
There are five days ahead of quality tennis. Some of the best matches of the year by world class athletes. There will be miracles and magic ahead.
I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to watch as old masters are overtaken by a new group eager to take their place in history..........
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