Archives for April 2010

The real Andy Murray returned to the tennis court on a cold evening at the Rome Masters - and it was a sight for sore eyes.

He beat Andreas Seppi for the loss of just six games with a stylish display full of vitality and variety. Best of all, we were able to welcome back an old friend - the Murray backhand.

Read the rest of this entry

"Can you write a piece on Andy Murray?" asked the editor, putting the straightforward bit first. "Explain why he is playing so badly."

Just an easy one then.

As attractive assignments go, that is right up there with being sent to Charlton v Colchester on Tuesday night - quite possibly the most atrocious football match I've ever been to.

There, at The Valley, I peered beyond the Jimmy Seed Stand hoping to catch a glimpse of the sparkling Mediterranean, but the view was obscured by a south London tower block.

Deciding to strike Monte Carlo from my schedule this year, in favour of a first visit to the Dubai tournament and a return to Rome later this month, was heartbreaking as you can imagine.

Read the rest of this entry

Way back in a time when we were half-decent at tennis, LTA press conferences (especially announcements of Davis Cup captains) were austere affairs.

The very best Queen's Club function room would be reserved, with Pimms on the balcony if the afternoon went long. Oh for such heady days.

Fast forward to 2010 and Leon Smith was confirmed as Great Britain's latest captain in a backroom at the National Tennis Centre, with almost as many PR folk as journalists and 50p for a cup of coffee in the nearby canteen.

I must confess it was very nice coffee, quite possibly the best value latte in British tennis, but It was undoubtedly a third division unveiling for a third division team.

Read the rest of this entry