It took 74 years but it eventually happened: Another British tennis player reached the Wimbledon men’s final. But then, like buses, having not seen any for so long, two came along at once. The day before Andy Murray set foot on centre court, a fellow by the name of Jonathon Marray, alongside his doubles partner, Freddie Nielsen, took the men’s doubles crown.
Jonathon was as surprised as everyone else. He was given a wild card entry into Wimbledon and called Freddie at the last minute, asking him if he fancied a bit of a hit about. Freddie checked his diary and had nothing on so agreed. They both then ploughed through the rounds, winding up at the final before they could draw breath.
I managed to see the final few games and the euphoria following the final shot. Marray and Nielsen had won a close fought battle, in five sets, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 against Lindstedt and Tecau.
While the media suddenly and briefly shone the full glare of the spotlight on Jonathon, he was quickly forgotten as Andy Murray, bagpipes blaring, took to centre court.
It’s only natural, I guess. The Wimbledon men’s singles final is seen as the cream of world tennis, eclipsing many other sporting events. But I wonder whether the lack of fuss meant Jonathon and Freddie took the ultimate doubles prize.
Well done, Jonathon Marray.
Then today, we watched Andy Murray start his match against Roger Federer and the first set saw him riding high. He played very well, beating Federer all over the court, looking like he could win. When Roger took the third set (his second) we turned off the TV and took the poodles for a walk. I figured if Andy fought back, I’d get to see the end of the match. If Roger kept up the pressure it would all be over by the time we returned.
Federer had clearly been coasting in the first set. He was like a recently woken hibernating bear, lumbering at first and then striking with deadly intent. And he won. His 7th Wimbledon title.
Andy Murray’s speech was full of emotion as he thanked everyone for their support. He’s been accused of being surly and cold in the past and this speech changed all that. Suddenly everyone was saying how warm and cuddly he is. And while we can all feel sadness that he didn’t win, he did reach the final and competed against a great champion.
Well done, Andy Murray.
Yes it was a shame Andy Murray didn’t win but he did a whole better then our lot not one of them men or women got anywhere near the end so be proud Andy my man!!!!! mind you I like Roger he is a gentleman to the core well done!
love mum