Advantage to SW19 women

BOTH Wimbledon finals ended up as disappointing, one-sided affairs, but if you had to judge which draw was the more entertaining – the men’s or the women’s – the latter should have taken your vote.

The best match on Centre Court was, arguably, Johanna Konta’s victory over Simona Halep.

Just because men’s matches tend to last longer does not make them more entertaining. Nor does it make them worthy of greater remuneration.

If a disappointing Wimbledon – with one male after another crying off – did one thing, it was to deliver what should be a final blow to those relics who believe women and men should not get equal prize money.

ANTONIO CONTE has committed himself to Chelsea by signing a new two-year deal. Actually, he has committed himself to a bigger salary and that’s about it.

He has committed himself to a heftier pay-off when the inevitable parting-of-the-ways arrives.

Securing a deal for Alvaro Morata will soothe some Chelsea supporters’ anxieties, but the noises about an uneasy relationship between Conte and the hierarchy remain loudly clear.

Chelsea should again be in contention come next May. Just don’t bank on Conte being with them.