Tennis at Melbourne
Both as a player and now a spectator and commentator Melbourne is my favourite tournament. Some may be surprised it’s not Wimbledon but there’re is too much flummery, too many camera takes of which A-lister celeb is sitting in the Royal Box, the strawberries and cream and other food is far too expensive, the stewards too crusty and generally that all-pervasive smugness that characterises British sporting events, e.g. The Open not the British Open. The crowd at the US Open lacks decorum and knowledge whilst that at Roland Garros is too up itself and the clay surface too arbitrary. At Melbourne everything is pleasantly egalitarian and simply more fun. It produces surprises and great tennis which you can watch live at midnight and it’s no problem to get a decent ticket at a top court, just walk up and buy one at the Rod Laver Arena.
This year’s tournament has witnessed great performances from the senior players. At 36 Venus Williams is still in it whilst Roger Federer at 35 and Rafa Nadal at 30 both have every chance of their first Grand Slam for five years. Federer has been out for 6 months and I will be rooting for him against Stan Warwinka as I will for Rafa in his quarter final battle with Raonic. There is still British interest with Conta coming up against Serena Williams too though by the time you read this the 22 times Grand Slam winner should be in the quarters.
Tennis is not like football where superannuated pros can fill their boots in the USA or now China without being competitively challenged or like golf where there is a thriving Senior Circuit. To prove yourself like Federer or Nadal you have to drag your broken body one more time against younger fitter challengers with not much opportunity for a break. I cannot explain why they are so driven but I will say I find it inspirational that they are.
