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Post by Shireblogger on Jun 28, 2023 6:30:03 GMT 1
5. EMMA RADUCANUIf she never picks up a racquet again, her achievements in tennis are immense - the 4th round of Wimbledon whilst ranked outside the world Top 300, and then qualifying for the US Open and winning it, all whilst aged just 18. And then the media scrutiny and social media abuse she's had to put up with as a result her success, and, let's be honest, her mixed-race parentage, would have destroyed many people. I've only seen her play once, and she had to retire hurt from that match. But the guts she displayed further earned my admiration. She had so much goodwill from the tennis fans around the court that afternoon, that I'm sure we all hope to see her again. But if we don't, well played Emma, for that brief period your infectious smile and enthusiasm for the sport brought tremendous pleasure to millions.
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Post by Shireblogger on Jun 29, 2023 8:08:05 GMT 1
4. HEATHER WATSONMy favourite British woman player of the past 20 years is Heather Watson. History will judge her well. In 2012 she became the first British woman to take a Wimbledon title for 25 years when she won women's doubles, and in 2016 she became the first British woman to win a WTA singles tournament for 24 years. More importantly, I hugely admire her willingness to speak in public about issues such as mental health, the impact of the menstral cycle on performance, and social media bullying. If she wants to, she could become a force for good after she retires, as a media personality and/or administrator and legislator in sport. Her honesty and courage make her an exceptional sports star.
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Post by Shireblogger on Jun 30, 2023 8:03:29 GMT 1
3. TIM HENMANI loved watching Tim Henman. Except when he was competing in a Grand Slam semi-final. Such a fluid player, far more elegant on court than most of his rivals. A good tactician too. He rose to #4 in the world, won 15 tournaments, played four Wimbledon semi-finals (plus a French and US), and claimed a silver medal at the 1996 Olympics (with Neil Broad)
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Post by Shireblogger on Jul 1, 2023 7:48:22 GMT 1
2. ANDY MURRAYHe was brilliant. Watching him on tv was delightful. To watch him in the flesh was breathtaking. His shot making was extraordinary, and his determination set a new benchmark for British sports stars. I never subscribed to the mindless chatter whipped up by the xenophobic London-press about him being anti-English. For me, he was the outstanding British sportsperson of the 2010s, and he had some pretty stiff competition. I saw him play 2 weeks ago. He's still got the shots. But his metal replacement parts mean he doesn't have the mobility he used to. I love the fact that he's still playing, and still playing to win. And I'll be cheering him through each of his games at Wimbledon this year.
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Post by Shireblogger on Jul 2, 2023 8:21:54 GMT 1
1. WIMBLEDONCentre CourtThe very first night that the Centre Court roof was closed, thus allowing Andy Murray to continue his match.Henman Hill, with Tim Henman playing on Centre CourtYes, I know. I've fudged the issue by not putting a player at number one on my countdown. I used to tell people that a day at Wimbledon represented the best day of sport available. You'd get around 8 hours of world class entertainment, and with a ticket for one of the show courts, you had the freedom to come and go, and visit all of the outer courts as well, thus being able to sample men and women, singles and doubles, juniors and seniors... On my first ever visit to Wimbledon I was able to see John McEnroe, Steffi Graf, Jimmy Connors, Ivan Lendl, Pam Shriver and Zina Garrison. It got me hooked. But Wimbledon tickets are now exorbitantly priced, and whilst the entertainment remains exceptional, it can no longer be considered good value. However, there are the warm-up tournaments. Two weeks ago I spent £22 on a centre court ticket for Nottingham, and saw Andy Murray, Katie Boulter, Harriet Dart and Jodie Burrage. Foreign Grand Slam winners I have seen at Nottingham in previous years include Ashleigh Barty, Sam Stosur, Richard Gasquet, Stanislav Wawrinka, Jonas Bjorkman, Max Mirnyi, Agnieszka Radwanska, Bob & Mike Bryan, Todd Woodbridge and Rajeev Ram. At less than £3 per hour, it is better value than the cinema or even a coffee on the high street. Tennis isn't my favourite sport, but a day out at the tennis is hard to beat.
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Pablo
Member
*With Great Power comes Great Responsibilty*
Posts: 8,032
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Post by Pablo on Jul 3, 2023 0:49:34 GMT 1
I did wonder what you were going to put as #1 after putting Murray into 2nd. Funnily enough, I thought Judy Murray as she's really been an unsung hero in keeping tennis alive in this country when Henman and Rusedski retired through her sons.
Once again, thanks for sharing your pics and insight into the players.
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